Jonathan is a cognitive scientist deeply interested in creating connections between science, culture, and society. He has a PhD in experimental psychology and is deeply interested in interpersonal communication, social decision-making, and effective ways to translate scientific knowledge into benefits for society. His research has been centered on language, communication, and interpersonal decision-making, and he has taken part in nationwide and international-level projects across the knowledge translation spectrum. This includes activities such as science communication, implementation support, program evaluation, and partnership development across areas such as education, public health, and scientific innovation.

Anh-Khoi is a policy analyst at NSERC, a 2022 Mitacs Fellow in Canadian Science Policy Development, and an alumnus of the Action Canada fellowship. He obtained his PhD in theoretical physics from McGill University, where he specialized in the study of conformal field theory and quantum gravity. Throughout his graduate studies, Anh-Khoi worked to make science and research more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible by encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in science, improving physics curricula, and advocating for better policies for young researchers. His work has fueled his passion for supporting young researchers and strengthening the foundations of Canada's science and innovation sectors.

Antoine is an international postdoctoral researcher in environmental microbiology at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Quebec. He studies plant-beneficial bacteria that could become biopesticides and contribute to make agriculture healthier and more respectful of ecosystems. Through SPE, he wants to better connect research, society, and policymaking to build a more sustainable future for all. He has been involved in SPE since 2021, first as Treasurer, then as Co-President, and now as Internal Director. He also takes part in the Comité aviseur sur la relève (Committee on the next generation of researchers) of Acfas and occasionally runs science communication workshops for the Ma thèse en 180 secondes (3-minute thesis) contest.

Shawn McGuirk is a Deputy Director at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and is an alumni of both the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowship program and the Recruitment of Policy Leaders program of the Public Service Commission of Canada. During his PhD at the Goodman Cancer Research Centre of McGill University, his research centered on the role of metabolism in cancer progression (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7183-7962). As a long-standing director and past president of Science & Policy Exchange, Shawn is committed to capacity building in science policy and to elevating the voices of the next generation as key stakeholders in policy discussions. Shawn also represents the next generation as a member of the board of directors of Acfas.

Tina is a translational scientist working for Forbius, a biotech company that develops new therapeutics for oncology and rare diseases where she works as a liaison between preclinical and clinical research. She completed her PhD at Institut Curie in Paris and her Postdoctoral fellowship at McGill University on immunotherapy and tumor microenvironment.

Tina is an engaged scientist and an advocate for science and scientific values in all sectors of society. As a board member and ex-president for Science & Policy Exchange, Tina is devoted to establishing the next generation voices as key stakeholders in science policy, diplomacy and communication. Tina is also a member of the CCA expert panel on The Labour Market Transition of PhD Graduates, the Global Young Academy, and the redaction committee of the ACFAS magazine.

Following a Joint Honours in Mathematics & Physics at McGill University, Madison received her Master’s in Medical Physics and PhD in Physics from Université Laval. After working as a clinical medical physicist in opening and commissioning a new radiation oncology center in Lévis (QC), she joined Optonique (Québec’s Photonics Cluster) as Director of Talent & Outreach. Shortly after, Madison was nominated as Executive Director of this non-profit aimed at mobilizing & promoting Québec’s rich photonics ecosystem. In this role, she acts as an intermediate between industry, government, academia, and support agencies to catalyze the growth of start-ups, SMEs and large photonic businesses in Québec. Throughout her studies and career, Madison has been actively involved in science policy, namely as a student advisor to Quebec's Chief Scientist (Dr. Rémi Quirion) and as the sole student to sit on the Board of Directors of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT). She is currently a member of Canada’s Chief Science Advisor’s inaugural Youth Council (Dr. Mona Nemer).

Nicole Arbour is currently External Relations Manager at IIASA, where she plays an active role in building and maintaining relationships with IIASAs national and regional member organisations (NMOs and RMOs). 

Nicole comes to IIASA from Canada, where she most recently held the role of Senior Advisor with the International Innovation Office at the National Research Council Canada (NRC). In this role she led the development, implementation and management of NRC’s engagement with the UK. She also coordinated the NRC’s Grants to International Affiliations Program, where she was active in the engagement and development of Canada’s affiliation/membership to several international organisations, including the International Science Council (ISC). She also provided strategic advice to senior executives related to the development and management of bilateral and multilateral relationships for the NRC, as required. 

Prior to that, Nicole was the Team Lead for the UK’s Science and Innovation Network in Canada - at the British High Commission in Ottawa. In this position, she was responsible for liaising with Federal science and technology organisations, working to establish, foster, and strengthen scientific collaboration and partnerships between the UK and Canada. 

Nicole has also worked as a research scientist in the Canadian biotech sector. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa.