[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Coleman.jpg” caption=”Daniel Coleman, professor of English and Cultural Studies and Canada Research Chair in Diversity in Canadian Literary Culture. File photo. “]As with all disciplines, research in the humanities is undergoing great change. So much so, that the agency that funds most of Canada's research in this area–the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council–has, itself, undergone a significant transformation.

The SSHRC transformation promises to move the agency from a granting council to a knowledge council. So what does that mean for those who conduct research in the humanities? Well that question will be open for discussion at a public forum being held on Friday, Oct. 20 at the University of Guelph's Arboretum from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The forum–the brainchild of Daniel Coleman, professor of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University and Canada Research Chair in Diversity in Canadian Literary Culture, along with Canada Research Chair in Critical Studies of Canadian Literature Smaro Kamboureli at the University of Guelph–will bring together researchers from coast to coast to discuss the future of their work and how its funded.

According to Coleman, the transformation process means that traditional approaches to humanities research may need re-evaluation in the future.

“We really need to think through where it is we're going,” he says. “We need to think about what's ahead and how best we enter that new territory productively.”

Coleman and Kamboureli are sponsoring the event with funds from their Canada Research Chairs.

“It's a great opportunity to discuss and debate such important and relevant issues with others from across the country,” says Coleman. “And it's great to have the Canada Research Chairs program support this effort to engage in such dialogue in order to enhance humanities research in our country. Were thankful for the support.”