Social Sciences Symposium Series

a (virtual) interdisciplinary symposium series hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences

This series aims to showcase the variety of work being conducted by faculty and student researchers, to uncover an array of perspectives, and to foster potential synergies and collaborations. 

Like a conference session, each event in this series is based on a theme. Cross-disciplinary and cross-Faculty participation is encouraged.  

All events in this series are free and open to the public. Details on presentations, links to additional resources, and recordings of the symposia are posted on the event web pages (linked below).

In the series

digital cityscape at night

The next Digital Regulation in the Public Interest symposium is planned for March 2026. Multiple events in this series explore research related to public and private governance, widely defined, in our increasingly (commodified) knowledge-driven digital society. Part 1 – Surveying the Field was held in November 2023. The second annual symposium in this miniseries was held in March 2025.

assorted grocery story items and cash on a countertop

In April 2026, Food: exploring issues of production, distribution, access and consumption will showcase a range of research findings, reflections, policies, and explorations related to the broad theme of food.

In January 2025, Shelter and Displacement: from local to global explored issues at the intersection of social justice and shelter/displacement. This event was co-hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Social Justice Research Institute.

bike courier on busy street

In October 2022, Movement and Mobility explored themes of (im)migration, movement and (im)mobility at individual, societal or systemic levels, and/or the transportation of people, things, or ideas across places, times, or contexts. This event was co-hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Social Justice Research Institute. 

Close-up of a young sleeping child's head resting on a woman's shoulder as she carries him through a crowd.

Held in September 2021, Social Justice and Community Collaboration offered affiliates of the Social Justice Research Institute (SJRI) from across Brock University an opportunity to share updates on their SJRI-funded community collaboration research projects.

A young woman sits at a table looking down at a coffee mug in front of her.

In April 2021, Perspectives on Mental Health invited faculty and student researchers from across the University to present on topics such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health; contemporary and historical understandings of mental health/illness; stigma; or how mental health and mental illness are/have been represented in language, literature, popular culture, etc. 

Future symposia

Additional symposia will be added to the series as proposals are received and as resources allow. Interested researchers are invited to submit proposals for additional symposia. 

Proposals should include a theme/title and description, and list of potential faculty and student participants. Please also consider the following criteria:  

  • Each symposium in the series should include representation from at least two disciplines/Departments/Faculties.  
  • Presenters need not all be from within the Social Sciences.  
  • Student participation is encouraged; at least one presenter should be a faculty member from within FOSS. 
  • Symposia, including discussion, should normally be planned to fit within approximately 90 to 120 minutes. 

Submit a proposal.