Desserud appointed to Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Canada’s minister of science and minister of sport and persons with disabilities, recently announced the appointment and renewal of several members of the governing council for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Among the list is Dr. Don Desserud, professor of political science at the University of Prince Edward Island.
SSHRC is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports post-secondary-based research and research training in the humanities and social sciences. The agency plays an important role in Canada’s research and scientific landscape and is committed to fostering greater equity, diversity and inclusion in the sciences. SSHRC invests over $350 million annually, supporting more than 8,000 graduate students and nearly 14,000 researchers.
“The appointment of Dr. Desserud to the SSHRC governing council is a singular honour for one of UPEI’s most widely recognized experts in political science. In addition, the appointment provides UPEI with an opportunity to help guide the development of research focus areas and funding priorities for one of the university’s most important sources of extramural research support.” said Dr. Robert Gilmour, vice-president academic and research at UPEI.
Prior to coming to UPEI in 2011 as dean of arts, Dr. Desserud was an associate dean of graduate studies at UNBSJ. He is a professor of political science and organizer of the Palmer Conference in Public Sector Leadership. He is also a public representative on the PEI Law Council.
Originally from Bathurst, New Brunswick, Dr. Desserud earned his BA and MA from Dalhousie University and a PhD in political science from the University of Western Ontario. He also has an MA in English and creative writing from UNB. His research interests include parliaments and legislative assemblies, particularly the area of parliamentary and political law. He frequently comments on political issues on local and national media. He has represented UPEI as a SSHRC Leader since 2011.
Dr. Desserud is named to the governing council for a two-year term.
Congratulations!
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.
