The current deadline for panel proposals is April 17, 2025 (deadline extended to May 2, 2025 [as of April 10, 2025 CSPC notice]) and now for some details: the 2025 Canadian Science Policy Conference (2025 CSPC) is being held from November 19 – 21, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario at the Westin Hotel.

From the 2025 CSPC Theme and Topic webpage,

Toward a resilient future for Canada: Mobilizing science, knowledge and innovation

Track 1: Policy and Governance for a Resilient STI [science, technology, and innovation] Ecosystem

(Focus: Exploring how to build a resilient STI ecosystem)

• The National STI ecosystem: Strategic priorities and emerging frontiers
• The science system architecture: Revisioning the landscape
• Intergovernmental coordination in STI: Aligning federal, provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous policies
• Restructuring relationships between governments, academia, business, civil society and Indigenous communities
• Role of Indigenous knowledge as a key pillar for policy-making
• Mission-driven research: Strategic framing to address societal challenges

Track 2: Science, Society and Public Engagement in STI

(Focus: Exploring the role of civic organizations and the public in shaping research priorities, trust in science, and knowledge-sharing)

• Harnessing the public interest to inform research and innovation
• Public trust and engagement in science in a polarized world
• The role of science in a multilingual world
• Inclusivity and diversity as drivers of an effective STI system

Track 3: Industry Leadership and Economic Growth

(Focus: Exploring how to boost commercialization, business innovation and economic growth)

• An industrial policy for Canada: Tackling the productivity challenge
• Building an agile innovation ecosystem: Lessons from the past; plans for the future
• Strategies for scaling up and commercializing Canadian innovations
• Transforming IP and regulatory regimes to advance Canadian innovation
• Opportunities to align R&D and strategic defense initiatives

Track 4: Science Diplomacy and Geopolitical Shifts

(Focus: Exploring opportunities to advance international STI collaboration and impact)

• Strategic research partnerships with allies: Canada’s role in international innovation networks
• Navigating international STI agreements
• Building pathways to global markets and diversified trade through Canadian innovation
• Science diplomacy to strengthen Canada’s global influence and impact

Track 5: Next Generation, Talent Development

(Focus: Exploring development of the next generation of STI)

• Socio-economic impacts of capping targets on international students
• Strategies to upskill Canada’s innovation workforce in high-demand areas
• Equipping researchers and policy leaders with the skills to shape the future Canadian policies.
• Facilitating career transitions and talent development in a dynamic environment

Track 6: Addressing Grand Challenges and Emerging Risks

(Focus: Exploring Canada’s approach to grand challenges; strengthening Canada’s resilience)

Balancing the ethics and benefits of emerging technologies

Science, knowledge and innovation for Arctic resilience, sovereignty and security

Mitigating risks and developing adaptive strategies (e.g., pandemics, climate change, wildfires, floods)

Innovating for Canada’s 21st century healthcare system and healthcare policies

Capitalizing on Canada’s natural resources including: energy, agri-food, critical minerals, water:

AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity as tools for national security

Energy transition and security in a geopolitical context

From the 2025 CSPC panel proposal criteria webpage, Note: A link has been removed,

…

The CSPC Program Committee will evaluate and rank panel proposals based on the following criteria:

Panel Selection Criteria & Ranking

Proposals will be ranked based on five key criteria:

Panel Proposals (full description of criteria is below)

1. Quality of the proposed session (30%)
2. Action and solution-oriented focus (20%)
3. Innovative and Interactive Panel Format (20%)
4. Diversity of Panelists (15%)
5. Quality of Speakers & Moderator (15%)

Full Description of Criteria

1. Quality of the Proposed Session (30%)
   • Demonstrates a deep understanding of the issue
   • Provides a clear, compelling description of the panel topic and its novelty, importance, and impact
   • Aligns with CSPC 2025 overarching theme, tracks and topics
2. Action & Solution-Oriented Focus (20%)
   • Prioritizes solutions, forward-looking discussions, and actionable outcomes rather than reiterating the status quo
   • Incorporates follow-ups, calls to action, or policy change discussions
3. Innovative and Interactive Panel Format (20%) (Check Panel Format Options)
   • Encourages creative and engaging formats beyond traditional panel discussions
   • Balances expert insights and audience engagement, ensuring an inclusive, thought-provoking experience (i.e., leaving enough time for Q&A)
   • Use of polls for audience engagement is encouraged.
4. Diversity of Panelists (15%)
   • Gender and Equity Representation: Ensures gender diversity and includes underrepresented and equity-deserving groups.
   • Sectoral Diversity: Must feature panelists from at least two different sectors (government, academia, business, non-profit, media).
   • Geographical Representation: Requires representation from at least two different provinces/territories in Canada or international.
   • Diversity of Perspectives: Must include panelists with varied viewpoints and expertise.
   • Preference for a mixed combination of established experts and emerging voices, including younger speakers
   • No more than two individuals (including both panelists and the moderator) from the same organization
     • Single-sector panels are permitted only in exceptional cases (e.g., panels of government science advisors or industry-specific panels)
5. Quality of Speakers & Moderator (15%)
   • Panelists should have strong expertise, experience, and relevance to the panel topic
   • Panelists with the ability to garner public attention
   • The moderator’s role is crucial:
     • Must be experienced and engaging, facilitating discussion and audience interaction
     • Should have subject matter expertise and familiarity with panelists
     • Ability to manage time effectively and ensure a dynamic conversation

Tip: Encourage first-time CSPC speakers – A small bonus could be given for panels that introduce new voices to CSPC discussions.

NEW: Ted-Talks or Project Updates (10 min talks, of which 2 min for Q&A)

This year, CSPC features a new style of short and impactful sessions. These 8 min sessions must be either a Ted-Talk style, one speaker, with no slide presentation, or updates and follow-up on a previously presented project at CSPC.

• Importance: Addresses a timely and relevant issue in science, technology, innovation, and knowledge (STIK) policy (35%)
• Novelty: Introduces new ideas, emerging trends, or breakthrough discussions not previously explored at CSPC (35%)
• Insightfulness: Provides original analysis, valuable perspectives, or a fresh approach to a topic (30%)

Note: If CSPC receives multiple submissions covering similar themes, submissions may be grouped into a Symposium format to allow for a more structured and in-depth discussion.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA)

CSPC is committed to EDIA principles and strongly encourages the inclusion of:

• Indigenous perspectives and leadership in science, technology, innovation, and knowledge (STIK) policy
• Women and underrepresented groups in STIK

Important Notes:

CSPC may request panelist adjustments if diversity or quality criteria are not met.

No fee is required to submit a panel proposal.

Panelists will have a discounted registration rate.

CSPC does not cover speakers’ travel and accommodation costs.

Panelists’ confirmation is not required at the time of submission but must be finalized within three weeks of acceptance.

Panel Formats

To foster stronger interactivity, CSPC 2025 encourages varied and engaging panel formats.

Why Prioritize Interactive Formats?

CSPC aims to create a dynamic and engaging conference experience. Interactive formats encourage:

• Deeper discussions beyond traditional presentations
• Greater audience participation and diverse viewpoints
• More impactful and memorable sessions

Preferred Panel Formats (Higher Ranking)

The following formats (not in order of preference) will receive higher format scoring (criteria No. 3) as they encourage novel and interactive formats:

1. Interactive Format (80 min session, e.g., Fishbowl)
   • Engages both panelists and audience members in a highly interactive manner
   • The proposal must specify the format and engagement plan
2. Innovative Format (80 min, e.g., Lightning Round, Pecha Kucha, World Café)
   • Engages audience members in a non-traditional panel form
   • The proposal must specify format and creative components
3. Debate (80 min)
   • Features structured opposing arguments on a critical issue among two individuals or two groups (max four)
   • The proposal must define key opposing viewpoints
4. Workshop (Learning Session) (80 min)
   • Designed to extensively engage the audience in group learning, education, and/or planning activities
5. Fireside Chat or Interviews (60 min)
   • A moderated discussion in a conversational, storytelling format
   • Focuses on thought leadership and insights, followed by audience Q&A

Tip: Consider adding a blended format option – Some sessions could integrate multiple elements (e.g., a debate followed by an audience discussion).

Standard Panel Formats (Still Eligible, Lower Ranking for Format Criteria)

The following formats are permitted but will not receive the highest ranking for interactivity (Criteria No. 3):

1. Standard Panel Discussion (80 min)
   • Traditional format with expert panelists discussing a topic
   • Presentations cannot exceed 50 minutes; at least 30 minutes must be allocated for Q&A or audience activities
2. Green Paper Discussion (80 min)
   • Based on a consultation document that seeks input on an existing or developing policy
   • Encourages policy-oriented discussion and feedback
3. Case Study (60 min)
   • Presents a detailed analysis of a particular issue or real-world example
   • Explores lessons learned and best practices

Ted-Talks or Project Updates

1. TED-Talk Style (10 min total: 8 min talk + 2 min Q&A)
   • Solo speaker presenting a compelling idea, breakthrough insight, or thought-provoking concept with NO slides
   • Must be engaging and impactful, similar to a TED Talk
2. Project Update (10 min total: 8 min talk + 2 min Q&A)
   • Designed for those who previously presented a project at CSPC to provide updates and follow-ups
   • Focuses on concise, high-impact updates with practical takeaways

* Note: The session durations provided are for reference. CSPC may suggest adjustments based on scheduling considerations and available session slots.

Lest you forget,

Call for panel Proposals is now open

The deadline for proposal submissions is April 17, 2025 (deadline extended to May 2, 2025 [as of April 10, 2025 CSPC notice]) at midnight local time.

Proposal Submission Form

Good luck!