Strengthening Democracy, Justice, Equity and Education

VPRI portfolio lead
Valorie Crooks
Associate Vice-President, Research

Faculty lead
Laurel Weldon, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Priority

The polarization of our society, mis/disinformation, threats to democracy, population migration and changing patterns of convergence and conflict challenge the structures of societies and shape the ways we interact with each other. Researchers at SFU are deeply engaged in studies of data and media democracy, and in questions of equity and justice in relation to environmental, educational, health, economic and governmental systems. This includes the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality. Matters of social inclusion, identity, diversity and belonging are key drivers behind how individuals and groups perceive, connect with, and learn about society at large. Considerations related to justice, equity and social responsibility also shape the ways we engage with communities, value their contributions, and inform a commitment to fostering dialogue, relationship building, imagination, critical design, and transformative learning. Environmental Social Governance research provides opportunities to foster the implementation of these values by industry. Fostering community participation in research is both a vehicle for social change and a critical source of scholarship.

(SDGs 5, 8, 10, 16)

Project Goals

Engage in dialogue with SFU scholars working in this area to identify new pathways and opportunities for highlighting institutional strengths within and across the four theme

Work with the Institutional Strategic Awards team to strengthen opportunities for scaled-up research activities aligned with this area.