Our Mandate
Robarts is a 21st-century research engine for the study of Canada and “Canada in the World.” Areas of expertise in Canadian studies at York, which has one of the largest concentrations of Canadian specialists globally, span multiple faculties and disciplines including arctic sciences, geography, visual and performing arts and cultural studies; political science; anthropology; and cultural and Indigenous studies. The Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies supports York faculty, post-docs, graduate students, along with adjunct faculty and visiting fellows in critical, diverse and collaborative research, communication and debate leading to engaged research partnerships and projects, publications and policy briefs. Climate change, resource extraction, truth and reconciliation for Indigenous peoples, and diversities of cultural heritage in the Canadian national and international contexts are key concerns of contemporary Canadian Studies
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Honourable John P. Robarts
York University has one of the largest concentrations of Canadian specialists in the world. In recognition of this fact, the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies was established in 1984 with support from the private sector and matching grants from the Secretary of State and the Province of Ontario. It was named in memory of the Honourable John P. Robarts (1917– 1982), seventeenth Premier of Ontario (1961–1971) and seventh Chancellor of York University (1977–1982).
The Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies is located on the Seventh Floor of the Kaneff Tower on the main campus of York University.
What we do:
- Black Canada
- Borealis
- CIVIS: Urban Governance and Citizenship
- Critical Perspectives on Mental Health (CPM)
- CYPIRN (Children and Young People Interdisciplinary Research Network)
- Environmental Research Group
- History of Indigenous Peoples Network
- Le Canada francophone, francophile et en français
- Mobilizing Inuit Cultural Heritage (MICH)
- Women and Inclusivity in Sustainable Energy Research Network (WISER)
We are a 21st-century research engine for the study of Canada and Canada in the world. We support York faculty, post-docs, graduate students, along with adjunct faculty and visiting fellows in critical, diverse and collaborative research leading to engaged research partnerships and projects, publications and intellectual exchange. The Robarts Centre provides leadership, funding, presentation and publication opportunities for graduate students through our Research Clusters and the Northern Studies Training Program.
York graduate students can apply to become Research Associates and there have access to a list of opportunities to attend events, join interdisciplinary networks, and have additional academic experiences besides what is available in their programs. Launching in autumn 2021, Research Associates can take part in our new Robarts Connects Series, which aims at connecting York graduate students with each other, connecting your studies with your future, and connecting your research with unavoidable research themes in the contemporary Canadian landscape.
Scholars who have completed a PhD may apply (with sponsorship from a Faculty Associate at the Robarts Centre) to become a Research Associate for a two-year term. Research Associates are expected to present their work during their period of affiliation and are particularly encouraged to do so at the annual graduate student conference.
The Robarts Centre also offers the following funding opportunities:
- Northern Scientific Training Program
- Barbara Godard Prize for the Best York University Dissertation in Canadian Studies
- Small Grants Program
To become a Research Associate, please visit: https://robarts.info.yorku.ca/become-a-member/