As part of its ongoing commitment to foster innovation and societal impact, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) at the University of Toronto launched the Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program in 2022. This key initiative is facilitated by the Centre for Graduate Professional Development and highlights the potential for public impact across various fields, including science, technology, and culture.
The winners of this year's program have been selected based on their projects' strong socio-economic potential and their anticipated positive societal impact. Among these notable recipients is Sociology PhD student Sophie Marois, who has been awarded for her innovative research on the commemorative politics of racially and religiously targeted violence in Canada. Each Connaught Fellow will be awarded $12,500 for the year, enabling them to further their research pursuits. Additionally, fellows will benefit from specialized skills training in public scholarship and enjoy networking and mentorship opportunities with their peers. This collaborative platform fosters an intellectual community committed to delivering impactful research. The Connaught Fellowship represents a significant accolade from the University of Toronto. Its mission aligns seamlessly with Marois's work that investigates public reactions to instances of targeted violence and the role of commemoration in their aftermath.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sophie Marois on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her continued contributions to the field of Sociology and beyond.