Simon Fraser University will host Canada's largest academic gathering in the humanities and social sciences in summer 2027, partnering with the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences to deliver the Federation's Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences (Congress).
Congress is Canada's leading forum for humanities and social sciences scholarship, convening thousands of academics, students, publishers and community partners from across the country and around the world. The 2027 gathering will be the first time the event is hosted by SFU and the first time Congress returns to British Columbia since 2019.
SFU is partnering with the Federation to support the evolution of Congress at a time of change across the post-secondary sector. The collaborators are working toward a renewed Congress model that is strong, sustainable and responsive to the needs of scholars, institutions and communities.
"Congress is one of the most prestigious and historic academic gatherings in Canada, and we are proud to partner with the Federation to help reimagine its future," says Dugan O'Neil, vice-president, research and innovation at SFU. "Hosting Congress 2027 reflects our strategic research goals of strengthening scholarly networks, accelerating knowledge mobilization and creating space for innovative, inclusive approaches to research and learning. We are excited to host a forum that brings scholars together to address complex social, cultural and policy challenges facing Canada and the world."
Karine Morin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, says the partnership marks an important moment in the evolution of Congress. "This collaboration represents our opportunity to carry forward a long-standing national tradition while embracing new ways of convening scholars," she says. "SFU brings the vision and leadership needed to help shape Congress's next chapter."
With globally recognized strengths across the humanities and social sciences, SFU brings significant research depth and interdisciplinary expertise to the partnership. SFU ranks fifth in Canada and among the world's top 150 universities in social sciences, according to the Times Higher Education rankings, underscoring its role as a hub for research excellence and innovation.
Further details about Congress 2027, including programming, participation opportunities for SFU faculty and students, and the new convening model, will be shared in the months ahead on the Congress webpage.
