North Bay, ON – Today, Nipissing University celebrated the grand opening of the Centre for the Study of State Violence, a new hub for research, teaching and dialogue focused on understanding the origins, impacts, and legacies of state violence.
Funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Research Fund, and Nipissing University, the Centre explores the causes and consequences of war, genocide, colonialism, and systemic oppression, including policies of displacement, environmental degradation, and social control. The Centre also advances research and education related to international justice, reconciliation, and resurgence.
“The opening of this Centre reflects the important role universities play in advancing knowledge, fostering critical inquiry, and supporting meaningful dialogue on complex global and societal challenges,” said Dr. Barbi Law, Associate Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies at Nipissing University. “We are grateful to the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund for their support in advancing this important work.”
Through research, teaching, and community engagement, the Centre will create opportunities to deepen understanding of state violence, learn from the experiences of those affected by it, and connect historical perspectives to contemporary issues.
“We hope this space serves as a catalyst for collaboration, discovery, and public conversations that extend far beyond our campus.” said Dr. Hilary Earl, Director of the Centre for the Study of State Violence and Professor of History at Nipissing University. “By bringing together researchers, students, educators, and community partners, this space will foster critical dialogue on the history and ongoing realities of war and genocide, and otherwise damaging state policies that impact the lives of so many."
Grand opening activities continue throughout the weekend and include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and public film screenings, that invite participants to explore historical and contemporary experiences of state violence, justice, reconciliation, and remembrance.
All events are free to attend. For details and a full schedule of events, visit: www.nipissingu.ca/centre-study-state-violence-opening.
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Quotes
“The Centre will bring vital social sciences and humanities perspectives to questions of power, human rights and accountability. Led by researchers whose work has been supported by SSHRC, it will foster interdisciplinary research, student training and public dialogue, helping ensure that knowledge of the past informs how we respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
- Dr. Sylvie Lamoureux, Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President, Research Programs, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
“The Centre for the Study of State Violence demonstrates how thoughtfully designed research spaces can increase collaboration among researchers, students and community partners. We are proud to support this innovative centre, where CFI-funded multimedia tools and immersive simulation infrastructure are being used to generate new insights and further the understanding of conflict and state violence.”
- Dr. Sylvain Charbonneau, President & CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation
“Ontario researchers are advancing critical dialogues that build a brighter, stronger future across the world. Nipissing University’s new Centre for the Study of State Violence will drive understanding and important conversations surrounding global conflict.”
- Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
Media Contact
Carly Johnston
Communications Officer
Nipissing University
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca
