91快色

The 91快色 recently hosted the prestigious (ISIRC), marking the first time this global gathering has taken place in Western Canada. 

The three-day event, which ran from Sept. 3 to 5, marked a significant milestone for U91快色, showcasing research excellence and the university鈥檚 role as a convener of thought leadership as global scholars, researchers, students and practitioners shared innovative approaches to complex social challenges. 

Focused on embracing diversity and connection, delegates described the event as inspiring, diverse and insightful, noting it provided valuable insights into the work of the global social-innovation research community. 

For many, it was an excellent opportunity to engage with others and hold concrete discussions about the application of social innovation research and its outcomes. 

鈥淗osting ISIRC showcased leaders in advancing social innovation,鈥� says Dr. Karen Benzies, PhD, director of U91快色鈥檚 . 

鈥淚t allowed us to bring global expertise to 91快色, highlight the work happening here and create pathways for collaboration that will shape the future of social innovation.鈥�

Delegates shared research and practices addressing various societal issues, including health equity, impact measurement and inclusive economic development. 

Workshops, keynote sessions and interactive panels provided a platform for researchers and students to connect across disciplines and sectors, fostering connection and knowledge exchange.

These exchanges will inform and enrich research priorities, curriculum development and community partnerships, amplifying U91快色鈥檚 commitment to driving impactful change through social innovation research, programs, services and initiatives. 

Conference attendees heard from two visiting ISIRC scholars: , PhD, of the Social Research Centre, Dortmund, Germany, and , PhD, president of Portugal Social Innovation. 

A first for ISIRC

For the first time in ISIRC鈥檚 history, the program included a dedicated Indigenous stream, highlighting Indigenous-led approaches to social innovation, creating space for critical dialogue on community-driven change. 

This focus underscored U91快色鈥檚 commitment to advancing Reconciliation and recognizing Indigenous knowledge systems as vital contributors to global research and practice.

U91快色 shines on the global stage

Two U91快色 researchers were standouts at the international event, earning awards for Best Oral and Poster Presentations. 

Dr. Marwa Hannouf, PhD鈥�18, a postdoctoral associate with the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, received the best student oral presentation for . This work addresses the pressing need for sustainability and social responsibility in business, showcasing a systems-based approach that integrates Social Life Cycle Assessment into social impact-measurement frameworks. 

Meanwhile, Gabriel Joaquino, BN鈥�22, a Faculty of Nursing research assistant, captivated attendees with his award-winning poster presentation, From Lyrics to Superheros: Bridging Health Research with Relatable Media. By using relatable media, such as music and compelling narratives, Joaquino鈥檚 team developed a visionary approach to make health research accessible, engaging and easily understood.  

Beyond the conference

The event generated diverse outcomes, with delegates cultivating new or expanded projects and collaborations. Others received valuable feedback on ongoing research, which may influence future directions in their field. 

Ideas shared are now informing the design of new academic programs and course offerings aimed at integrating social innovation more deeply. 

Delegates also learned about social innovation initiatives occurring abroad, which provided valuable comparative perspectives and fostered a deeper understanding of the diverse contexts surrounding shared social issues. 

鈥淏y convening this international community, we鈥檙e not only sharing knowledge, we鈥檙e helping to shape the global conversation on how social innovation can tackle society鈥檚 most pressing challenges,鈥� says Benzies. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 about embracing a culture that encourages new ways of thinking, testing ideas and translating research into positive impact.鈥�