CSPC 2021

Organized by: University of Regina
The intersection between science and policy is an important one. Bringing science to policy allows for the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-informed policies. Bringing policy to science provides an opportunity to produce impact-oriented research. Several science-policy fellowships—such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Health System Impact (HSI) Fellowship, Mitacs’ Canadian Science Policy Fellowship, and the Commonwealth Fund’s Harkness Fellowship—provide opportunities for scientists at varying career stages to become embedded in policy environments. Scientists are shaped by these experiences because of their increased understanding of the policy environment, the challenges confronting policy makers, the multitude of factors that impact decision-making, and the potential role for research. Similarly, policy organizations that host these scientists are exposed to research-based knowledge, skills, expertise, and academic networks that can bring rigour and evidence to bear on complex challenges and, ideally, enhance the impact of their policy changes. However, in the current Canadian landscape, there is a gap in the availability of science policy fellowships at the early career researcher (ECR) stage, which is recognized as a critical juncture in the academic career trajectory. As the next generation of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers transition into their roles as early career researchers, how can funding agencies, universities, and employers work together to develop the infrastructure and funding mechanisms to support ECRs to build bridges with policy organizations and make meaningful policy contributions? Using the CIHR Health System Impact Fellowship (HSIF) as a point of departure, our panelists will each spend approximately 10 minutes sharing their perspectives before audience members are sent to breakout rooms. The panel represents key perspectives required to inform the modernization of the ECR landscape for greater policy impact. Dr. Singal will speak to her motivations for seeking a hybrid role with real-world impact, how the HSI Fellowship prepared her for and supported this type of role, and what is needed at the ECR stage to support such roles. Dr. McMahon will speak to the HSI Fellowship and the Embedded Clinician Researcher Award, the Institute of Health Services & Policy Research’s strategic plan and commitment to building capacity, and potential ECR models. Dr. Brown will talk about the value of building partnerships with policy organizations, supporting hybrid roles, and expanding our concept of impact in incentivized systems in universities. Dr. Tomblin Murphy will share her perspective on the need for both embedded fellowships and scientist positions.