George Brown College to host Canada’s largest academic gathering in 2025

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George Brown College (GBC), in partnership with the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences (the Federation), will be the first college to host the prestigious annual Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences (Congress).  

The 94th edition of Congress will take place at GBC’s St. James and Waterfront campuses in downtown Toronto from May 30 to June 6, 2025, marking an innovative new chapter in the history of Congress.  

By bringing together nearly 10,000 scholars, apprentices, graduate students, policymakers, and community members from across Canada on GBC’s campuses, Congress 2025 will invite the research community to bridge the gap between colleges and universities and promises to be a catalyst for transformative discourse and collaboration. This historic convergence will inspire attendees to explore new avenues of interdisciplinary learning, foster meaningful connections, and ignite dialogues that will shape the world of tomorrow. 

“I am thrilled to announce our partnership with George Brown College, and celebrate this exciting new milestone for Congress,” said Annie Pilote, Chair of the Federation’s Board of Directors. "For nearly 100 years, Congress has gathered humanities and social sciences practitioners from across the country to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time. Now more than ever, this Congress will look to the potential of inter-disciplinary collaboration and novel conversations in answering today’s biggest questions.”  

"We are proud to host the 94th Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences at George Brown College. As one of Canada’s top research colleges, we understand that the connection between thought and applied learning is essential in shaping the future of learning and discovery,” said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown College. “This groundbreaking opportunity reaffirms our commitment to academic excellence and fostering meaningful collaboration across academia.” 

A 'historic opportunity' for George Brown College

GBC is one of Canada's most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions offering more than 233 programs, including four-year degrees, to 26,500 full-time and 3,200 part-time students across five academic centres focused on experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship. It's a hub for thinkers, doers and creators alike.   

“As a global hub – Toronto is the perfect location to host Congress 2025,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Attendees will have unparalleled opportunities to explore cutting-edge ideas, connect with leaders across disciplines, and experience firsthand the innovative spirit that makes George Brown College a leader in applied learning."   

“The 94th Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences is a historic opportunity for George Brown College and the broader research community, to build collaborations and partnerships that will allow us to better address some of the fundamental social, economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century,” said Bruce Choy, Chair of George Brown College’s Board of Governors.  

George Brown College sign and Canadian flag at St. James Campus