Draft:Royal Canadian Academy of Social Sciences

The mission  of  the  Royal Canadian Academy of Social Sciences  is  to  promote  and  support  excellence  in  social  science  research  and  scholarship in Canada,  contributing  to  the  growth  and  development  of  knowledge,  innovation,  and  intellectual  leadership  in  the  field. To achieve  this,  the  Academy  focuses  on  the  following  key  objectives::

1. Recognize  and  promote  excellence  in  research  and  scholarship  by  electing  Fellows  who  have  made  substantial  contributions  to  their  field,  demonstrating  the  highest  standards  of  expertise  and  integrity. 2. Provide  a  national  platform  for  discussing  and  exchanging  ideas  on  scientific  and  intellectual  issues,  fostering  collaboration  and  engagement  among  researchers,  academics,  and  policymakers. 3. Advocate  for  science  and  research  policies  that  support  the  growth  and  development  of  Canadian social  science  research  and  innovation,  ensuring  a  robust  and  prosperous  research  landscape  for  the  benefit  of  society. 4. Encourage  collaboration  and  partnerships  between  researchers,  institutions,  and  sectors  to  address  national  and  global  challenges,  driving  innovative  solutions  and  knowledge  sharing. 5. Disseminate  knowledge  and  promote  public  understanding  of  social  science  issues,  enhancing  the  appreciation  and  application  of  research  findings  among  diverse  audiences.

By fulfilling  its  mission,  the  Royal Canadian Academy of Social Sciences  aims  to  cultivate  a  thriving  research  ecosystem  that  fosters  creativity,  innovation,  and  societal  impact  in  the  social  sciences,  while  remaining  committed  to  the  highest  standards  of  integrity  and  excellence. As a  preeminent  learned  society  in  the  field  of  social  sciences,  the  Academy  serves  as  a  symbol  of  intellectual  leadership  and  a  driving  force  for  progress  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge  and  innovation  for  the  benefit  of  all  Canadians  and  the  world  at  large.

HISTORY： The Royal Canadian Academy of Social Sciences,  formerly  known  as  one part of the  Canadian  Academy  of  Sciences,  is  a  national  institution  that  promotes  and  supports  excellence  in  research  and  scholarship  across  various  fields. Established in  1882,  the  Academy  has  a  rich  history  of  fostering  intellectual  growth  and  advancing  the  pursuit  of  knowledge  in  Canada.

The origins  of  the  Royal Canadian Academy of Social Sciences  can  be  traced  back  to  the  1870s,  when  a  group  of  prominent  Canadian  scientists  and  academics  sought  to  establish  a  national  academy  dedicated  to  promoting  scientific  research  and  scholarship. Following several  years  of  planning  and  organization,  the  Canadian  Academy  of  Sciences  was  formally  constituted  in  1882. The Academy's  initial  focus  was  on  the  natural  sciences,  but  it  soon  expanded  to  include  the  social  sciences  and  humanities.

Throughout its  history,  the  Academy  has  been  guided  by  a  mission  to  recognize  and  promote  excellence  in  research  and  scholarship,  provide  a  national  platform  for  intellectual  discourse,  and  advocate  for  science  and  research  policies  that  support  the  growth  and  development  of  Canadian  research  and  innovation. Over time,  the  Academy  has  evolved  to  encompass  a  broader  range  of  activities  and  initiatives,  including  the  election  of  Fellows,  awards  and  medals,  conferences  and  workshops,  and  public  engagement  activities.

Some key  milestones  in  the  Academy's  history  include:

1. 1882:  Establishment  of  the  Canadian  Academy  of  Sciences,  with  a  focus  on  promoting  scientific  research  and  scholarship  in  Canada. 2. 1902:  Royal  patronage  is  granted  to  the  Academy,  allowing  it  to  adopt  the  name  "Royal  Society  of  Canada." 3. 1920s:  The  Academy  begins  to  expand  its  scope,  incorporating  the  social  sciences  and  humanities  into  its  activities. 4. 1950s:  The  Academy  launches  its  medal  and  award  programs  to  recognize  outstanding  achievements  in  research  and  scholarship. 5. 1970s:  The social sciences and humanities within the Royal Society of Canada became independent and established the Royal Academy of Social Sciences of Canada.. 6. 1990s:  The  Academy  initiates  public  engagement  activities,  including  conferences,  workshops,  and  public  lectures,  to  disseminate  knowledge  and  promote  understanding  of  scientific  and  intellectual  issues. 7. 2000s:  The  Academy  adapts  to  the  changing  landscape  of  research  and  innovation,  emphasizing  the  importance  of  interdisciplinary  collaboration  and  global  partnerships.

Today, the  Royal Canadian Academy of Social Sciences  continues  to  fulfill  its  mission  by  electing  Fellows,  organizing  conferences  and  workshops,  advocating  for  research  policies,  and  engaging  the  public  in  intellectual  discourse. As a  preeminent  learned  society  in  Canada,  the  Academy  remains  committed  to  promoting  excellence  and  fostering  a  deeper  understanding  of  scientific  and  intellectual  issues  for  the  benefit  of  all  Canadians  and  the  world  at  large.