Canada's National Academy - The Royal Society of Canada Celebrates Excellence of Scientists, Artists and Humanists

VICTORIA, le 24 nov. 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) the pre-eminent National Academy is delighted to bring Canadian scientists', artists and humanists achievements celebration to British Columbia's capital city on November 26-29, 2015. The Royal Society of Canada with its 2,200 strong, distinguished Fellows across 55 Canadian Universities will be inducting 84 new leading scholars as Fellows into the Society. In addition, 48 new members will be inducted into the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists and their contributions to promoting innovation and cultural and academic history.  Hosted by the University of Victoria,  the annual celebrations of excellence builds community among the Fellowship as well as an exchange of ideas and best practices in research and scholarship.  Among the highlights:

The Annual Symposium on Nov. 26 will highlight Canadian Marine Biodiversity: Resources, Opportunities and Responsibilities. This issue of strategic importance to Canada and Canadians will consider the key challenges as well as the innovative efforts being made by scientists to conserve and sustain marine biodiversity. Among these, human-induced climate change represents the greatest challenge primarily because its effects will not be readily reversed. RSC's Expert Panel on Marine Biodiversity will argue that the simplest and best strategy to deal with climate change is to protect existing diversity and to rebuild depleted populations and species to restore natural diversity. There will be also an important Expert Panel Report launch on The Behaviour and Environmental Impacts of Crude Oil Released into Aqueous Environments. The Opening Ceremonies follows when RSC welcomes the 2015 New Fellows, Award Winners and Members of the College.

The Big Thinking Lunch and Learn on Nov. 27, in cooperation with the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, presents Dr. Kathleen Mahoney, FRSC, Professor of Law at the University of Calgary and Legal Advisor at the Assembly of First Nations, who will be sharing her suggestions to advance Reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples. This dialogue and education session will provide an opportunity for the RSC to give consideration to working with the leaders of indigenous peoples communities in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations.

The Induction of new Fellows and Awards Ceremony on Nov. 27, "Since 1883, this ceremony officially welcomes new Fellows into the Society." said RSC's President Graham Bell. "During the ceremony, each inductee's citation is read aloud; they sign the charter book and are presented with the RSC's rosette. This tradition has been experienced by every Fellow for 132 years, signifying their status as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada." In addition to the induction of new Fellows, RSC's awards are presented to outstanding individuals who embody excellence in the Arts, Humanities and Sciences.

RSC's Annual Business Meeting (ABM) on Nov. 28, will be welcoming incoming President Dr. Maryse Lassonde, a renowned Canadian academic and neuropsychologist. On behalf of Council, the President reports on the activities of the past year, the business of the Society and provides an overview of forthcoming strategic priorities and plans of work. The ABM is an opportunity for Fellows and Members of the College to participate in governance decisions; to review and discuss the Reports to the RSC's Academies of Science, Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the College, the International Programs and Expert Panel Publications.

The Reception and Gala will host over 20 Canadian Universities. RSC's unique contributions to Canada and the remarkable wealth of talent, knowledge and innovation in its Fellowship will be promoted.  Musician and painters will also share their talents through live performances. The pieces of art will be auctions with the proceeds donated to Canadian Roots Exchange, a charitable Not-for-Profit organisation offering leadership training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Youth across Canada.

The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) was founded in 1882 under the auspices of the Governor-General of Canada, the Marquis of Lorne, as Canada's National Academy. RSC encourages studies and investigations in literature and science; publishes original papers and memoirs of merit. RSC promotes Canadian research and scholarly accomplishment in both of Canada's official languages, to recognise academic and artistic excellence, and to advise governments, NGO's and Canadians generally on matters of public interest. For more details please visit us at: www.rsc-src.ca. 

RSC graciously thanks all its Fellows, Institutional Members, sponsors and especially its host of the 2015 celebrations - the University of Victoria for their support and participation.

SOURCE Royal Society of Canada, The

For media interviews: Iris Almeida-Côté, B.A., M.A., LL.M., Chief Executive Officer, The Royal Society of Canada - [phone] - [email protected]