The pursuit of knowledge transcends the confines of academic journals and laboratory findings; it is a dynamic force for tangible change, intricately woven into the fabric of communities. This profound understanding was at the heart of the “Scholar to Scholar: Advancing Knowledge, Impact and Community” event, hosted by Universities Canada on June 23rd at the prestigious Ottawa Art Gallery. The gathering brought together a distinguished cohort of twelve scholarship recipients, each a beacon of innovative research, to share their experiences, insights, and a collective vision for a more impactful and inclusive academic landscape. The event served as a powerful platform to celebrate the vital contributions of six prominent scholarship programs: the Canadian Federation of University Women, the Flight 302 Legacy Award, the International Development Research Awards (IDRA), Queen Elizabeth Scholars, Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030), and the Molloy Medicine Award.
At the core of the day’s discussions was a fundamental shift in the perception of research: from an individualistic endeavor to a collaborative journey. Ugochukwu Okoye, a PhD candidate in anthropology at Carleton University and a 2024 SSHRC doctoral fellow, encapsulated this ethos, stating that his research is not merely about academic discovery but about cultivating "meaningful, respectful, and sustained relationships with the people and communities he’s studying." His work, which delves into how African societies navigate state support deficits and how community-led organizations leverage diaspora networks for grassroots development and alternative governance, exemplifies this people-centered approach. Okoye’s recognition with the inaugural Flight 302 Legacy Award underscores the growing importance placed on research that directly addresses societal needs and fosters local empowerment.
The event, which spanned a full day of insightful panels and networking, aimed to illuminate the multifaceted pathways through which scholarly pursuits can translate into real-world influence. Universities Canada, the organizing body and publisher of University Affairs, orchestrated the day with the express purpose of highlighting the transformative power of scholarship and fostering a dialogue among emerging leaders in various academic fields. The selection of the Ottawa Art Gallery as the venue, a space dedicated to cultural expression and public engagement, further underscored the event’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the broader society.
The Imperative of Community Engagement in Research
The inaugural panel, aptly titled "Building Meaningful Community Connections," set a powerful precedent for the day’s proceedings. Scholars from diverse disciplines converged to dissect the essence of genuine community engagement, emphasizing its critical role in shaping research that is both relevant and responsive to lived realities. The discussion revolved around practical strategies for fostering trust, understanding the nuanced needs of communities, and ensuring that research methodologies actively incorporate the perspectives of those it aims to serve.
Dr. Mona Ghadirian, an independent researcher affiliated with Participatory Research at McGill University and a former Queen Elizabeth Scholar, shared her perspective, asserting that "community engagement isn’t just one research tool, but I think it’s the purpose of research in general; I think it gives you an opportunity to reflect on your assumptions that you have within the research." This sentiment was echoed by others, who highlighted how direct engagement with communities challenges preconceived notions and enriches the research process by grounding it in empirical, human experience. Dr. Atul Jaiswal, research lead at the Perley Health Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care and an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa, articulated a straightforward yet profound principle: "Research should be a tool for change. If that’s not happening, then what’s the point of doing this research?" This call to action resonated throughout the event, emphasizing the ethical responsibility of scholars to ensure their work contributes to positive societal transformation.
The significance of community-led research is not merely anecdotal. Studies in participatory action research have consistently demonstrated that projects co-designed and co-executed with community members yield more sustainable and equitable outcomes. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Community Psychology in 2022, for instance, found that interventions involving significant community participation were 30% more likely to achieve their stated goals compared to those with limited engagement. This data point reinforces the panelists’ conviction that empowering communities to define research priorities and methodologies is paramount for achieving genuine impact.
Mobilizing Knowledge: From Theory to Tangible Outcomes
The second panel, "Knowledge Travels Through People," delved into the crucial aspect of knowledge mobilization, exploring how scholarly findings can be effectively disseminated and utilized beyond academic circles. Nadia Firoz, a PhD candidate in sociology at Carleton University and a recipient of the 2024 IDRA, offered actionable advice to her fellow scholars, stressing the importance of integrating knowledge mobilization strategies from the outset of any research project.
"My first advice would be to start thinking about knowledge mobilization from day one – don’t leave it for later. Don’t wait until your data is analyzed and your report is written and only then ask who should read this," Firoz urged. Her research, which examines the resilience and agency of Rohingya refugee women in Bangladesh amidst persecution and displacement, underscores the critical need for researchers to connect with affected populations and advocate for their rights and needs.
Firoz’s second piece of advice, "invest in relationships rather than products," struck a chord with many attendees. She elaborated, "Sometimes what happens is we become so focused on outputs – that we often forget that knowledge does not really travel through documents. It travels through people." This emphasis on human connection highlights that academic findings gain their true power when shared and discussed within communities, policy circles, and among practitioners, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and actionable insights. Her third recommendation to "step outside your own discipline whenever you can" further emphasized the value of interdisciplinary dialogue, suggesting that conversations with practitioners, policymakers, and researchers from disparate fields can challenge assumptions and refine the clarity and impact of one’s work.
The other esteemed panelists in this session included Joy Karinge, a PhD student in anthropology and African studies at Carleton and a 2025 Flight 302 Legacy Award recipient, and Dr. Kenneth Gyamerah, an assistant professor at Ontario Tech University and a 2022 IDRA recipient. Their contributions enriched the discussion with diverse perspectives on how knowledge can be a catalyst for societal progress.
Research as a Catalyst for Societal Change
Following a period of networking and lunch, the third panel, "Research for Societal Change," featured scholars whose work is directly aimed at addressing pressing global and local challenges. Nodir Ataev, a PhD candidate in global development at Queen’s University and a Flight 302 Legacy Award recipient, and Caitlin Piccone, a PhD candidate in rehabilitation science at Queen’s University and a Queen Elizabeth Scholar recipient, shared their journeys. They were joined by Claudia Gonzales, a PhD candidate in public health at Université de Montréal and an International Doctoral Research Award recipient.
The panel focused on the personal motivations, significant hurdles, and pivotal lessons learned in their quests to effect lasting change. Piccone articulated a crucial point about the how of research, not just the what: "Research isn’t just about what issues we study, [but] it is also about how we study them. Shifting the power dynamic between the researcher and the community is a really important first step towards creating real societal impact." This sentiment aligns with a growing movement in academic research advocating for decolonizing methodologies and ensuring that power imbalances are actively addressed. The recognition of these scholars by prestigious award programs like the Flight 302 Legacy Award and Queen Elizabeth Scholars signifies a growing institutional commitment to supporting research that prioritizes ethical engagement and community empowerment.
The implication of this approach is significant for the future of academic research. By actively working to dismantle traditional power hierarchies, scholars can foster more authentic partnerships, leading to research that is not only more relevant but also more likely to be embraced and sustained by the communities involved. This collaborative model can lead to more effective solutions for complex issues ranging from global health disparities to environmental sustainability.
Leadership in Research: Embracing Inclusion and Collective Success
The concluding panel, "Leadership Means Inclusion," explored the evolving understanding of leadership within the academic sphere, particularly as it relates to research and its impact. Yvonne Ndelle, a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship recipient from the University of Ottawa, offered a compelling definition of leadership as the creation of an inclusive environment where collective success is paramount. "The aim is to achieve collective success," she stated. "You’re working to achieve something, you’re working to achieve success, you’re working to empower people, and at the same time, you’re learning and becoming a better version of yourself."
This perspective moves beyond traditional notions of individual achievement to emphasize the collaborative and empowering nature of leadership in research. It highlights how fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and valued can lead to more robust and innovative outcomes. The other panelists, Kouessi Anthelme Agbodandé, a BCDI 2030 recipient from the University of Ottawa, and Racheal Wallace, a Flight 302 Legacy Award recipient from Carleton University, contributed to this dialogue, sharing their experiences in navigating leadership roles and fostering inclusive research environments.
The collective message from the "Scholar to Scholar" event was clear: the future of impactful research lies in its ability to connect with, empower, and serve communities. With over eighty scholars and academics in attendance, the day served as a vibrant testament to the dedication and hard work of scholarship recipients across Canada. The overarching takeaway was a renewed emphasis on the profound impact research can have on the world, both domestically and globally, and the crucial role each scholar plays in driving positive change. As Dr. Gyamerah aptly summarized, "Your research has something to give the world, and never underestimate the impacts that your weight can drive." This powerful statement encapsulates the event’s success in inspiring a generation of scholars to view their work not just as an academic pursuit, but as a profound opportunity to shape a better future. The collaborative spirit fostered at this event promises to ripple outwards, strengthening the bonds between academia and society and driving meaningful progress for years to come.
