The Social Science Research Council is pleased to welcome the University of Toronto, the first Canadian University to join the ranks of the College and University Fund for the Social Sciences.

“The biggest problems that societies face today—such as building support to fight climate change, addressing threats to democracy, and building trust in science—transcend borders. These are fundamentally human questions, and we believe that social and behavioral scientists have the tools to understand and address them,” said Anna Harvey, president of the Council. “We’re thrilled to add the University of Toronto to this coalition, and we are grateful for their partnership as we work to build a forward-thinking research infrastructure that can find solutions to pressing social problems.”

The University of Toronto, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is the first university located outside the United States to join the 46 academic institutions in the consortium.

“As one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, it is an honour to be the first international partner to join this effort, making it a truly North American initiative,” said Leah Cowen, vice-president of research and innovation and strategic initiatives at the University of Toronto. “Our community is a catalyst for discovery, innovation and progress, creating knowledge and solutions that make a tangible difference around the globe. With this collaboration that cuts across disciplines and institutions to advance the social and behavioral sciences, we are all better positioned to meet the trials of the 21^st century.”

The College and University Fund for the Social Sciences connects leadership of social and behavioral sciences with one another and with funders to produce high-impact research and expand opportunities for new research.

“From understanding the impact of new technologies and meeting the challenge of building AI systems that promote human well-being in responsible and socially beneficial ways, to making sense of global events and contributing to the development of public policy, our social and behavioral sciences faculty have made significant contributions key to recognizing the world around us,” said Melanie Woodin, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. “Being able to engage with peer institutions and colleagues, as well as public and private funders of social and behavioral sciences research through the CUF represents an exciting opportunity for us to expand our research ecosystem and better tackle research challenges of societal importance that effect real change.”