Leadership, Culture & Society

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A group of people pose for a picture indoors, against a wall of windows.

Two local community research partnerships receive $10K each  

The EMBOLDEN study with older adults and a project on local 2SLGBTQ+ histories were recognized at the Community-Engaged Research Awards. 
Donald Trump speaks into a microphone.

Analysis: Donald Trump’s profane and menacing threats against Iran expose the unhinged language of war

Trump's dangerous fusion of militarism, spectacle, authoritarian politics and religious fundamentalism sanctifies violence, cloaking destruction in the language of destiny while rendering its victims invisible, writes Henry Giroux.
The giant letters outside Hamilton City Hall spelling out the word Hamilton.

Analysis: Talk matters: How municipal council debates can enhance democracy

At a time of increased polarization and online toxicity, the quality of local democratic conversations may matter as much as the policies they produce, writes Karen Bird.
Six panellists sit on stage at an event.

Wilson College and People for Education explore the vital role of public education

Professor Kristina Llewellyn delivered a keynote speech and joined a panel discussion with education advocates.  
Two people sitting with their backs to a tree.

Analysis: Failing to succeed: Why post-secondary students need more room to mess up

Institutions can help students fail in ways that build confidence rather than fear, and ensure that mistakes lead to learning, not lost opportunity, write Melissa Gallina, Akalya Kandiah and John Maclachlan.
Two people sit side by side in a lab, with archeological samples on the table in front of them, and microscopes and other equipment in the background.

Canada’s next leap in archaeological science: McMaster to open high-tech MACMINDS facility 

MACMINDS will combine high-tech tools and interdisciplinary expertise to advance ethical, community-led archaeological research. 
A grid of three images, side by side. At left are 2 researchers, in centre is one researcher, at right are 2 researchers.

Three McMaster research projects awarded $35M in federal funding 

The investment from the Canada Foundation for Innovation will support cutting-edge nuclear, materials and archaeological research.
A stethoscope and needle rest on a poster for measles.

Study examines what Reddit reveals about measles’ return

Researcher Rachel Zhou examined thousands of Reddit conversations to understand how people made sense of the measles’ resurgence in 2025.
Two people in sunglasses face a walking tour group on a sidewalk on a sunny day

Walking tour shines a light on hidden histories 

Researcher Lyndsey Beutin partners with the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre to tell the story of slavery in Shelburne, Nova Scotia.
A man in blurred silhouette next to a sign that read 'Voting Place.'

Analysis: Canada’s three main federal political parties are working together to fight voter privacy rights

Canada’s three main political parties — the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP — have banded together to avoid privacy laws aimed at protecting voter data, writes expert Sara Bannerman.
head and shoulders image of smiling Victor Kuperman

Linguistics professor Victor Kuperman awarded a 2026 Killam Fellowship 

Kuperman’s research project will focus on using AI to improve adult literacy, especially for newcomers to Canada.
From left: Jana Radosavljevic, Ebonee Lennord, and Zeinab Hosseinidoust

How McMaster research supports gender equity

From tackling systemic barriers in health care to developing real-world solutions to everyday needs, here are some of the ways researchers at McMaster are driving change around the world.