CIFAR events are an exclusive benefit of our valued donors. Watch out for the Next Big Question, our public event series coming in 2010.
Upcoming Event:
The State of Multiculturalism in Canada
December 8, 2009 - Toronto
CIFAR Director, and Chair of the Advancement and Communications Committee, George Fierheller will host a breakfast presentation and discussion with the renowned political philosopher, Will Kymlicka. Dr. Kymlicka is a member of CIFAR’s Successful Societies Program and a Canada Research Chair at Queen’s University. He is one of the world’s foremost experts in multiculturalism. This breakfast presentation will provide guests with exclusive access to this outstanding researcher for an engaging discussion on the state of multiculturalism in Canada.
Polls repeatedly show that Canadians view multiculturalism as one of the country’s defining characteristics. However, multiculturalism remains a very controversial issue. Enthusiasts view it as a model for the world – an “amazing global asset” in the words of the Aga Khan. Conversely, critics such as Robert Fulford view it as a “grave mistake,” responsible for a variety of social ills including segregation, political radicalization, and ethnic polarization. Dr. Kymlicka will review the most recent evidence on how multiculturalism is working in Canada, and explore some of the newly-emerging challenges to "the Canadian model" of diversity.
Past Events:
A New Generation of Ideas
Lunar Circle Dinner – November 9
The Lunar Circle Dinner took place on November 9 at the Jamie Kennedy at the Gardiner Museum. This exclusive evening featured presentations by three of CIFAR’s Junior Fellows, an outstanding group of broad-thinking young researchers: Ryan Adams from CIFAR’s Neural Computation and Adaptive Perception program, Bill Coish of the Quantum Information Processing program, and Arjumand Siddiqi of the Successful Societies program.
The Lunar Circle comprises an elite group of individuals and organizations with lifetime giving of $100,000 or more to CIFAR. It was inspired by the 1760s Lunar Society – a group of philosophers, business leaders, scientists, and amateur experimenters who met on the nights of the full moon to share and debate ideas over long dinners. Through their collaborations, these individuals together became the catalyst for the industrial revolution.
Astrobiology and Inner Space
October 27, 2009 - Calgary
On Tuesday, October 27, CIFAR Director, Gerry Protti hosted an intimate and interactive breakfast in Calgary featuring CIFAR guest speaker, and renowned Astrobiologist, Dr. Barbara Sherwood Lollar. Dr. Sherwood Lollar captivated guests with her exploration of such big questions as Are we alone in the Universe? Her presentation, “Astrobiology and Inner Space” provided guests with insights into this big question and more through her research into the origin of life on earth. Her overview introduced some major recent astrobiological research, including investigations of the deep microbial biosphere kilometer’s beneath the Earth’s crust.
Competition Builds Trust
October 26, 2009 - Montreal
On Monday, October 26, CIFAR Director, Pierre Ducros hosted an intimate luncheon for twenty CIFAR guests, in Montreal and featuring the research of Dr. Patrick Francois, an Institutions, Organizations and Growth program member. Dr. Francois’ presentation, “Competition Builds Trust” looked at evidence that strongly suggests that market economies depend on civic virtues and trust in order to function. He addressed the unexpected effect of increasing competition; an increase in trust. Dr. Francois explored the mechanisms behind this relationship, the lessons for policy makers, and the implications for market economies. Afterwards guests had the opportunity to ask questions and further engage themselves in the topic.
