Canada's academic stars to converge on Victoria

January 21, 2016

Hey Victoria, get ready to host almost 400 distinguished academic guests- the Royal Society of Canada is coming to town!

The Royal Society (RSC) is Canada's national academy dedicated to promoting learning and research in three main streams: the arts and humanities; the social sciences; and the sciences.

Every year, the RSC holds its annual general meeting in a different Canadian city. This year, RSC fellows and college members from across the country will converge on the Victoria Conference Centre/Fairmont Empress Hotel on Nov. 26-28. The University of Victoria is the sponsor institution.

"We're very pleased to be the presenting sponsor for this event," says UVic President Jamie Cassels. "This is an opportunity for UVic to welcome Canada's eminent scholars, to witness the induction of UVic's fellows and medal winners in our own city and to celebrate our long-time relationship with the society."

The AGM includes several events open to the public, kicking off with a symposium on Canadian marine biodiversity on Thursday, Nov. 26. UVic geographer Phil Dearden and Kate Moran, president and CEO of Ocean Networks Canada, will co-chair the symposium. UVic marine biologist Julia Baum is one of several experts slated to speak.

Pre-registration is required for the symposium-$33 for students and $78 for the public. The registration deadline is Nov. 20. Details.

On Saturday, Nov. 28, a selection of new fellows and college members from across the country will discuss their research in a series of snappy seven-minute presentations. Among the UVic presenters-composer Dániel P&e#180;ter Bir&o#180;, chemist Frank van Veggel and playwright Joan MacLeod. Cost for attending the caf&e#180; events is $35/students and $60/public and the registration deadline is Nov. 13. For a full list of presenters and to register visit bit.ly/RSC-cafe.

"This is a golden opportunity for everyone-including faculty, students, staff and the general public-to hear from and interact with some of the sharpest minds in the country," says David Castle, UVic's vice-president research. "We encourage everyone to attend if they can."

For general information on the AGM visit bit.ly/RSC-AGM.