Exchange Knowledge

Through the generous support of The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, the Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) is coordinating a nation-wide series of Café Scientifiques that will connect the public with Arctic science researchers in meaningful discussion and learning. 

Introduction

Café Scientifiques are public engagement events that take place in an informal setting like a science centre, pub or restaurant. In these friendly settings, the public, scientists, and other researchers come together to share their perspectives on an important question that faces society today. The Science in Canada’s North Café Scientifique Series focuses on questions that face Canada’s North and involves researchers working on science in Canada’s North. A peer-reviewed competitive funding process allows science centres to apply for project funding to execute these events. The Science in Canada’s North Café Scientifique Series is expected to attract hundreds of Canadians to explore important issues facing Canada’s North.

Objectives

The objectives of Science in Canada’s North Café Scientifique Series are to: 

• Through Canadian science centres, provide a forum for public engagement on research activities and science in Canada’s North. 
• Inspire youth with role models in Arctic and Northern science 
• Strengthen capacity for science centres to execute Café Scientifiques, and for northern science researchers to better communicate their work. 
• Strengthen relationships between science centres, northern science researchers, and other partners. 

What Is A Café Scientifique?

A Café Scientifique is a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a pint of beer, anyone can join discussions that explore the latest ideas in science and technology. Meetings take place in cafes, bars, restaurants and even theatres, but always outside a traditional academic context.  You can find a list of Canadian Café Scientifiques at http://www.cafescientifique.ca/ . You can find out more about the Café Scientifique model and Cafés around the world at http://www.cafescientifique.org/

Eligibility

Eligible organizations must be: 

• Full, Developing, or Affiliate members of the CASC, and
• Registered charities or “qualified donees” under Canada’s Income Tax Act 

How much funding is available?

• Up to 10 grants of $5,000 per Café Scientifique in 2013.
• Organizations will be awarded a maximum of two Café Scientifiques.
• Four grants of up to $1,500 are available to support travel of participating winners of The W. Garfield Weston Awards for Northern Research if involved.
• Two grants of up to $1,500 are available for enhanced evaluation of select events. 
• Expenses must be justified in the budget and application materials. 

How To Apply 

• Request a written application by email to adidow@scienceworld.ca
• Submit a written application by email (PDF preferred) to adidow@scienceworld.ca. 
• Application must be no more than 5 pages long in font no smaller than 12pt. One additional page is allowed if applying for a Café with enhanced evaluation funding.
• Application must be received in advance of the Café seeking support.

Application Deadlines  

• Expressions of Interest by email are welcome. 
• Complete Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until May 10th 2013
• Program funding for 2014 is contingent upon the success of the program in 2013. 

About The W. Garfield Weston Foundation

The W. Garfield Weston Foundation is a private Canadian family foundation, established in the 1950’s by Willard Garfield Weston and his wife Reta.  In 1924 Garfield inherited his father’s company and during his life established bakeries and other successful enterprises throughout Canada and in many parts of the world. Today, these businesses include the George Weston Limited and Loblaw Companies Limited, companies in food retailing, processing and distribution.  The founders believed that as the funds are generated through the hard work and success of these Canadian companies, grants should be given in Canada for the benefit of Canadians. For three generations, The W. Garfield Weston Foundation has maintained a family tradition of supporting charitable organizations across Canada. Today the Foundation directs the majority of its funds to projects in the fields of land conservation, education, and science in Canada’s North.
 

To forward your application or to request more information, please contact:

CASC Program Manager, Science In Canada’s North - Café Scientifique Series

Canadian Association of Science Centres

Mail:  CASC, c/o Science World at TELUS World of Science | 1455 Quebec St. | Vancouver, BC | Canada V6A 3Z7

Executive Direcor: Amaber Didow

adidow@scienceworld.ca

t|604-443-7592
f|604-443-7435