UWindsor researchers have been awarded nearly $500,000 in federal funding to advance projects in areas including workplace dynamics, addiction services, psychology, and more. (Photo by University of Windsor)
WINDSOR, ONT. — Researchers at the University of Windsor have been awarded close to $500,000 in federal funding to support seven innovative projects that will advance knowledge in key areas such as workplace dynamics, addiction services, psychology, female fertility, education, and the intersection of film and theatre.
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) has awarded prestigious Insight Grants to social work professor Adrian Guta, history professor Steven Palmer, and School of Dramatic Art professor Michelle MacArthur. Meanwhile, Insight Development Grants were awarded to education professor Naved Bakali, business professors Yanhong Li and Hajar Fatemi, and psychology professor Alexander Daros. These grants range in value from $52,000 to $92,000.
Insight Development Grants support emerging research, providing early-stage funding, while Insight Grants aim to deepen and expand academic inquiry, addressing complex societal challenges.
This funding is part of a larger announcement by the federal government, which allocated over $123 million in Insight and Insight Development grant funding to support research initiatives across Canada.
"Today, we celebrate the remarkable researchers, students and institutions set to benefit from this vital funding,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
"The Government of Canada will continue to empower them by providing the resources and opportunities to advance their groundbreaking work. By investing in their growth and development, we are reinforcing Canada’s leadership in global research and innovation and paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for everyone.”
Shanthi Johnson, UWindsor’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation, said SSHRC funding is crucial to expanding our understanding of Canadian society and the world. In addition to the solid and committed work of our researchers, Dr. Johnson recognized SSHRC coordinator Natasha Wiebe from the Research and Innovation team who worked alongside each of these researchers to put the best application forward to enhance their chances of success.
"The UWindsor projects being funded through SSHRC’s Insight and Insight Development programs are indicative of the diversity of research, innovation and creative activity being undertaken at our institution,” Johnson said. "We are truly grateful to the federal government for supporting this important work through SSHRC.”
The funded projects span a range of critical areas:
- Dr. Adrian Guta will investigate the surveillance of people who use drugs, focusing on how the data collected may create barriers to accessing healthcare and harm reduction services. His team will explore key issues in surveillance through interviews with harm reduction stakeholders and individuals with lived experience.
- Dr. Steven Palmer will examine the history and impact of Miracles of Modern Medicine, a multi-media production shown at Expo ’67. This landmark film, the first to show a live birth in color to a public audience, will be the subject of a documentary, articles, and a book authored by Dr. Palmer.
- Dr. Michelle MacArthur will explore the evolving landscape of theatre criticism, examining how digital technologies, declining arts coverage, and movements for diversity and inclusion are reshaping the field. Her research will propose new, sustainable models of theatre criticism that better engage artists and audiences.
- Dr. Naved Bakali will investigate how well pre-service teacher education programs prepare future educators to work with Muslim students, analyzing gaps in training related to race, racism, and the lived experiences of Muslim children in the K-12 system.
- Dr. Yanhong Li will explore what factors encourage or discourage morally courageous behavior in the workplace, such as speaking up about unethical practices. The findings will provide insights to help organizations foster a culture of moral courage.
- Dr. Hajar Fatemi will lead one of the first studies to examine consumer psychology and age-related female infertility. Her research will offer recommendations for improving how fertility preservation options are communicated to women in Ontario.
All seven projects will offer valuable learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, preparing the next generation of researchers and scholars.
This important funding underscores the University of Windsor’s commitment to advancing research that makes a real difference in society.