Montreal: Canada's No. 1 knowledge destination

MONTREAL, May 10 /CNW Telbec/ - Montreal will reign as a metropolis of knowledge this May as two major scientific conferences unfold. To highlight the intellectual fervor that will permeate our metropolis this spring, the Ville de Montréal has declared the city "Knowledge Destination" for May.

Starting May 10, the Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS) conference will be hosted by the Université de Montréal. As of May 28, the 2010 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences will be hosted by Concordia University. These two conferences are the largest in Canada in terms of scientific participation, public outreach and economic spinoffs. It is estimated the two events will bring together 15,000 participants and generate up to $15 million for the city.

"Quebec's metropolis is proud to host these two congresses which will provide significant economic spinoffs and enhance the reputation of Montreal: City of Knowledge and Innovation," says Richard Deschamps, Member of the executive committee responsible for ajor rojects, economic development, infrastructure and roads. "Montreal's future depends on talent and competence and we salute the role that universities play in the enhancement of knowledge, education and research. Our Administration is proud to support the development of its universities and its institutions of higher education, their large-scale projects and activities."

The Acfas conference continues at the Université de Montréal until May 14. The event will bring together 6,000 researchers, hailing from some 30 countries, under the theme Discover tomorrow today. "If I have one conviction, it's that higher education and research are pivotal to the quality of our collective future," says Université de Montréal Rector, Luc Vinet. "Research is humanism that serves its greatest purpose when discoveries are communicated to society. The Acfas Congress offers a privileged exchange that allows the genius of the French language and knowledge to be shared."

According to Pierre Noreau, president of Acfas, professor at the Université de Montréal Faculty of Law and researcher at the Centre de recherche en droit public, the exceptional contribution of Montreal researchers to the cultural and economic strength of the region is evident. "Montreal's intellectual persona is just as vital and vibrant as the city's cultural life," says Noreau. "Together, the 2010 Congress at Concordia and the Acfas at the Université de Montréal are a celebration of Montreal knowledge."

From May 28 to June 4, some 9,000 researchers and students from Canada and worldwide will gather at Concordia University for the 79th Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Concordia University President Judith Woodsworth firmly believes in the access to knowledge and the sharing of scientific discoveries, particularly in the fields of social sciences and the humanities. "Universities have a responsibility to ensure knowledge remains connected to human reality," she says. "That's why the central theme of the 2010 Congress hosted by Concordia is Connected Understanding. Indeed, this intellectual gathering will advance the harmonious development of our entire community as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that is open to the world."

"Our disciplines are attacking the major issues of our time - generating knowledge and understanding of our environment, economy, politics, culture and human behaviour," says Noreen Golfman, President of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. "Congress brings together researchers from across the country and around the world to debate critical issues and discuss their work. It is also an important opportunity to connect users of research with some of today's best academic talent."

On the Web:

- Acfas Conference: www.umontreal.ca/acfas2010/

- 2010 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences: www.congress2010.ca

- Université de Montréal: www.umontreal.ca

- Concordia University: www.concordia.ca

For further information: Media contacts: Bernard Larin, Press Officer, Ville de Montréal, [phone], [email protected]; Julie Gazaille, Press Officer, Université de Montréal, [phone], [email protected]; France Leblanc, Director, communications and partnerships, Association francophone pour le savoir - Acfas, [phone], ext. 222, [email protected]; Christine Mota, Director, Media Relations, Concordia University, [phone], ext 4884, [email protected]; Pierre Normand, Director, communications, Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, [phone] poste 351, [email protected]