For academics in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, being elected to the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) is one of the highest honours they can achieve.

Continuing an annual tradition, Queen’s University is once again hosting the Eastern Ontario Regional Seminar of the Royal Society of Canada on Saturday, April 14.

The seminar is an opportunity to hear interesting talks from a range of disciplines and to meet Fellows and Members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists elected to the Royal Society of Canada from Queen’s and around Eastern Ontario.

This year’s bill offers speakers from Queen’s and the Royal Military College of Canada presenting on a range of topics.

The schedule of presentation includes:

• 10 am: Peter Milliken, School of Policy Studies – The Role of the Speaker of the House of Commons
• 11 am: Stéphanie Bélanger, Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, Royal Military College – War Trauma, Culture of War and Soldier Identity
• 1 pm: Anne Croy, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences – Immunological Enigmas of Pregnancy
• 2 pm: Craig Walker, Dan School of Drama and Music – Evolution as Dramatic Metaphor at the Second Millennium

This event is the first under the guidance of co-chairs John Burge (Dan School of Drama and Music), a Fellow of the RSC, and Amir Fam (Civil Engineering), a Member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, who have taken up the reins from Professor Emeritus Pierre du Prey (Art History) and Professor Emeritus Mike Sayer (Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy).

“For 12 years the Eastern Ontario Regional Seminar has brought together leading researchers and community members to foster fascinating discussions and lasting connections,” says Dr Burge. “This tradition, started by Dr. Du Prey and Dr. Sayer, will continue to highlight some of the great research being done at Queen’s and around Eastern Ontario.”

“Our presenters will be speaking on an array of interesting topics, from performing arts and molecular science to the health of military members and an inside view of Parliament from Canada’s longest-serving Speaker of the House,” adds Dr. Fam.

All events take place at the Queen’s University Club (168 Stuart St.) and talks are open and free to the public. Following the first two presentations a luncheon is being hosted by Principal Daniel Woolf. Registration is required for the luncheon, which costs $30. RSVP by contacting Jessica Youles (jessica.youles@queensu.ca or 613-533-6000 x78797).