Most academic research in the social sciences is motivated by a desire to understand the world in order to improve it. There are many ways to improve the world, of course, and one of them is through the development of better public policy. In this presentation Dr. Hiebert explores the question of how academic researchers can best construct and situate their work if they wish to influence public policy. He believes that knowing more about the different approaches to research by academics and those in policy settings is essential in order to build more productive relationships across the research-policy gap. Dr. Hiebert concludes by noting some of the potentials and limitations involved in collaboration between academia and the policy system.
About the speaker
Daniel Hiebert is Emeritus Professor of Geography at the University of British Columbia. He conducts research on migration/immigration policy and the impact of immigration on Canadian cities. This includes an effort to understand Canadian immigration policy within the wider global context. He also plays an active role in the Canadian policy process. He has collaborated with the non-profit sector that supports the settlement and integration of immigrants, and with municipal, provincial and federal authorities responsible for immigration. In 2021 he was appointed Academic in Residence at IRCC, and is currently Special Advisor to the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for Strategic and Program Policy. He is also currently visiting Toronto Metropolitan University in the CERC Scholars of Excellence program.
This event is co-hosted by the Migration, Mobilities and Social Politics Research Cluster and the International Migration Research Centre (IMRC).
