Education

Collaborative Master's in science, society and policy

The ISSP has launched its multi-disciplinary Collaborative Master's program in Science, Society and Policy!

Students will receive a broad and balanced education from science policy and innovation experts, governance and regulation experts, and experts studying the social implications of science and technology.  We believe that such an inclusive and balanced skill set fills a unique niche in Canada, and will be valuable to employers in the private, public or NGO sectors.

Applications (Word docx, 243 KB) are still currently being accepted.   Admissions to the SSP Collaborative Program are currently being processed and interested students are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

 

Selected courses offered by ISSP faculty:

SCI 4100: Special Topics in Science, Society and Policy: A Primer on Science Policy (Offered Winter 2016 by Paul Dufour)

This course will look at the nature of science policy, including both policy in aid of scientific research and development, and the use of science in evidence-informed policy. The course will focus on the science policy process, including participating actors and institutions, the evaluation of science policy impact, science policy governance, and emerging international and national trends in science policy.

ISP 5101 / GEG 5105 (Word docx, 40 KB): Decision-making at the Interface of Science and Policy 
(Offered Fall 2015 by Marc Saner)

In this interactive seminar we will discuss the integration of evidence and judgment, facts and values, and science and policy in decision-making.  We will look at the broad spectrum of related topics: How scientific are risk assessments? Are evidence-based policy decisions really based on policy? Are we not rather sometimes dealing with “policy-based evidence making”?  How is ethics integrated in decision-making? How are issues that have an important science component communicated to the public?  How is public and citizen science included in decision-making?  How do scientists and policymakers work together?  We will also address the policies that guide the scientific and engineering enterprises in Canada.