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Announcements, events, and other news from Spark

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June 6th 2024

Bi-weekly news from Spark: a centre for social research innovation at McMaster University

Centre News

Nominations Open for Spark Talks Speakers – Join the Conversation!

As we look ahead to another exciting season of Spark Talks, we’re thrilled to invite you to participate in shaping the future of our speaker lineup. Spark Talks has always been about fostering innovation, sharing groundbreaking research, and inspiring new methodologies in social research. This year, we want your input to make it even more impactful.

Why Your Nominations Matter

The essence of Spark Talks lies in its ability to bring fresh perspectives and pioneering ideas to the forefront. By nominating speakers, you help us highlight the latest advancements and methodologies that are transforming the field. We’ve been combing through journals and academic publications to identify new and exciting developments, but we also want to hear from you. Your insights and discoveries can guide us to the voices that will inspire and educate our community.

What We’re Looking For

We are particularly interested in speakers who:

Introduce innovative methodologies or research techniques.

Present cutting-edge findings in social research.

Offer unique perspectives on current societal issues.

Foster interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue.

Whether it’s a groundbreaking study, a novel approach to data analysis, or a compelling narrative that sheds light on a crucial topic, we want to showcase it at Spark Talks.

How to Nominate a Speaker

We are excited to hear about the ideas and people that have been sparking your curiosity. Your nominations will help us curate a lineup that not only reflects the latest in social research but also inspires our community to think differently and push boundaries.

Nominating a speaker is easy. We have created a simple form where you can submit your nominations. Tell us about the researchers, practitioners, or thought leaders who have inspired you. Share their work, their impact, and why you believe they should be part of Spark Talks here.

Let’s work together to make the next series of Spark Talks the most inspiring yet. Submit your nominations today and join us in celebrating the innovative minds that are shaping the future of social research.

Nominate A Speaker

Join Our Team and Make a Difference in Juvenile Detention Centres

We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for someone with lived experience of incarceration to join Spark: a centre for social research innovation at McMaster University. We are currently seeking a passionate and dedicated individual for a part-time Research Assistant III position. This role is integral to our ongoing project aimed at expanding activities and programming in juvenile detention centres.

Why This Role Matters

At Spark, we believe in the power of innovative research and community engagement to drive meaningful change. Our consulting firm, a part of Spark, conducts applied research, organizational change, and evaluation for non-profits, government, and industry. This project, in particular, focuses on engaging youth in detention centres with activities that address critical issues such as trauma, shame, poverty, and mental health. By bringing your lived experience and passion to this role, you can help shape and implement programs that make a real difference in the lives of these young individuals.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone to provide day-to-day leadership for this project. While research skills are valuable, the most important qualities are a passion for this work and the ability to understand the broader context, working systematically and respectfully with all parties within the system. Given the nature of the project, we highly value candidates with lived experience of incarceration to bring essential perspectives to our team.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the juvenile detention centres project on a day-to-day basis.

Develop and implement activities and programs that engage youth.

Collaborate with detention centre leadership to gain access and support.

Work systematically and respectfully with all stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Lived experience of incarceration is a requirement.

Passion for working with youth and addressing issues like trauma and mental health.

Ability to understand the broader context and work systematically.

Research skills are a plus but not essential.

Travel to detention centres in the region is required.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Essential):

Post-secondary degree.

Six months experience in a research environment.

Position Details:

Hours: Part-time (15 hours per week)

Salary: $25 per hour

Location: McMaster University, Central Campus

How to Apply:

We invite interested candidates to visit our careers site and complete the application process. Follow these steps:

Click here to access our careers site.

Sign in to access your account, or select the New User link to create one.

Review the job description and select the Apply button to begin your application.

Current Employees:

If you are a current employee of our organization, please use this link to apply.

Get in Touch:

We are excited to hear from individuals who are passionate about making a difference. If you or a potential applicant would like to discuss the position or our work further, please reach out to us here.

Join us in this meaningful work and help create positive change in our community. Apply today and be a part of the Spark team!

Resources for Researchers

Research Conversations

We provide up to 4 hours of free support each year to any researcher (students, staff, faculty or community) on every social research topic imaginable.  If we can't help you, we'll help you find someone who can.

Request a research conversation here

Qualtrics Licenses

If you are an Faculty of Social Sciences researcher who would like to request access to Qualtrics survey software, please contact us here.

Looking to pool software licences?

Now you can! Fill out this form and we will reach out if we can match you with others looking to pool licences.

Methods Demonstrations

Faculty in Social Sciences may request demonstrations, short trainings, or code-along sessions from Spark staff for Research Methods or Professional Skills courses.  We're happy to discuss any needs and have already developed trainings for Literature Review, Interviewing, Survey Development, Focus Groups, Data Visualization.  Email us at [email-masked] to discuss if there's a fit for your course.

CoLab

Research on research innovation (yes, it's very meta) points to a simple truth.  Being in the same physical space and able to informally interact significantly increases cross-disciplinary collaboration and discovery.  The Spark CoLab aims to be such a space.  It is a free, open co-working space for graduate students, research staff and faculty.  You can learn more on our website or stop by from 9 am - Noon or 1 pm - 4pm on Tuesday or Thursday for a tour and orientation.

SEAL

Some data is critical to addressing major research questions, but is also profoundly sensitive and must be secured.  SEAL is a high security data repository that allows approved researchers worldwide to access highly sensitive data securely.  Data owners can use it to engage researchers in using their datasets and researchers can access data that otherwise would not be available to them.

Learn more about SEAL at: https://seal.mcmaster.ca/

Brighter Spark Applied Research

Spark offers custom research and evaluation, as well as highly skilled assistance in implementing virtually any social research method. Our cost-recovery services include methods and software training, custom research, state-of-the-art facilities, and taking on elements of your project to support its completion.

For a full list of Brighter Spark Applied Research's services, visit: https://spark.mcmaster.ca/brighter-spark

Spark Collaborations

Help us profile your research, publications, job ads, opportunities, and upcoming events by sending them to: [email-masked] to be showcased in our following newsletter.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Fundamentals Training Module

Spark is pleased to announce the launch of a new free asynchronous training module, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Fundamentals, developed by the Equity, Diversity, and Anti-Oppression Program Team at McMaster University. This module aims to promote a campus culture of belongingness and foster Inclusive Excellence.

Module Overview

The EDIA Fundamentals module is a 5-part training designed for students, staff, and faculty. It offers an accessible opportunity to learn about EDIA, Anti-Racism, and Anti-Oppression through a mix of narrative, video, and audio-narrated slide decks, along with activities to enhance the learning experience. The mandatory portions of the module take approximately 3 hours to complete and include a final quiz to assess understanding.

How to Enroll

The module is hosted on Avenue to Learn, and enrollment is available through Mosaic. Spark encourages everyone to join this important educational initiative to enhance knowledge on equity and foster spaces of belongingness at McMaster University.

For more details, visit the Inclusion and Anti-Racism Education Program Page.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Grant Applications: Updated Dates

The August 1 deadline for Connection Grants has moved forward to June 20. This is a one-time change for the 2024-25 cycle. Going forward, the standard application deadlines will be in place.

Statistics Canada: Workshops

Statistics Canada is delighted to invite you to our upcoming workshops. Please note: Advanced registration is required. We ask that you please register early, spaces are limited for the workshops.

How to Use Census Data

Description: Conducted every five years, the Census of Population is the most comprehensive source of data on the demographic, social and economic characteristics of Canadians. The Census workshop is designed for those new to working with Census data or those who want to further develop their abilities in regards to working with Census concepts, methodology, geography and analysis. The workshop material will explore the depth and breadth of data available and enhance participants’ ability to use the 2021 Census resources effectively.

During this workshop, you will:

Review methodology and questionnaire content

Explore Census Geographies

Understand Census concepts and variables

Learn how to use Census Program website tools

Learn how to find and use Census data on the Statistics Canada website

This online workshop will be delivered over a two-day period.

Intended Target Audience: This is an introductory workshop; it may be too basic for advanced data users.

Registration Information: English and French workshop dates are available from May to July. For more information and to register for a session, please go to this link.

Cost: $325 per learner

Turning Statistics into Stories

Description: Stories resonate with audiences while numbers alone may overwhelm.  Join us for an introductory workshop that will help you to communicate the messages emerging from your data in a more effective manner.  During this workshop, you will focus on your target audience, use statistics to present your story and put numbers into a context to help your audience understand your messages. Along the way you will learn some useful tips on how to use tables and graphs to illustrate your story.

Emphasis is placed on the following considerations:

What is a Data Story?

Constructing a Data Story – Audience and Context

Elements of a Data Story

Packaging the Data Story - Putting the Elements Together

Bringing it all Together

Throughout the workshop these considerations are practiced and applied using examples from Statistics Canada.

Intended Target Audience: This is an introductory workshop; it may be too basic for advanced data users.

Registration Information: English and French workshop dates are available from June to July. For more information and to register for a session, please go to this link.

Cost: $325 per learner

Kudos

Let's celebrate the achievements of colleagues, friends, and those doing important social research with the potential to spark a brighter world. We welcome recommendations for kudos features (including for yourself)! Please send any features you would like us to mention by emailing us at: [email-masked].

First, a big kudos to James Laforet and the McMaster Social Sciences Communications Team for their work on moving the faculty, department, and school/program websites into McMaster’s MacSites. In total, 38 sites will find a new home in this MPS-owned WordPress environment. James Laforet, Website & Communications Coordinator, spoke with the McMaster News about the importance of the project and the benefits of the migration, and you can read it here.

Next, we'd like to acknowledge the various faculty members who have been tapped by the media to weigh in on current news and topics lately. These include Adam Lavecchia, Peter Graefe, Vass Bednar, Arthur Sweetman, Carolyn Rosenthal, Jim Dunn, Stephanie Ross, Andrea Lawlor, Bradley Ruffle, Colin Mang, Harold Innis, and Anne-Marie Livingstone. Including every article or appearance here would take up as much space as this newsletter, but you can see a very helpful list of all of them here.

Let's have a hand for David Goutor, assistant professor and director of McMaster’s School of Labour Studies, who received the Ontario University Student Alliance’s Teaching Award for Excellence. FSS chatted with David about his work, his approach to working with students, and what the award means to him, which you can read here.

And finally, congratulations to Suman Mondal, Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada Graduate Award Recipient. Established by the Lambda Foundation in 2022, the award is given by the McMaster University School of Graduate Studies to a first-year graduate student who identifies as queer or trans and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous. You can read their full acceptance letter here.

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Spark: a centre for social research innovation, McMaster University · 1280 Main St W · Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 · Canada