Call for Keynote Speakers: National Forum on Safer STEM Experiential Learning

At the Root Project is excited to invite proposals for keynote speeches during our upcoming National Forum on Safer STEM Experiential Learning, funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada.

This three-day, hybrid, and bilingual forum takes place in Ottawa from March 4-6, 2027, bringing together members from the post-secondary, gender-based violence, experiential learning, and STEM sectors.

Too often, conversations addressing sexual harassment and discrimination in these sectors take place in silos. The Forum is an intentionally designed space for cross-sector knowledge sharing, collaboration, and coordinated action.

Guided by findings from At the Root Project’s National Survey on Sexual Harassment in STEM Experiential Learning, the Forum will explore what it takes to drive real systems change.

We invite keynote proposals on the following theme:

“Breaking silos to drive systems change and build a safer, more inclusive STEM pipeline for Canada’s future.”

Proposal submission details

  • We’re seeking keynote speakers who can speak to one or more of the following themes:

    • Strengthening policies, disclosure pathways, and reporting mechanisms in STEM experiential learning environments

    • Building workplace cultures of accountability and safety

    • Cross-sector approaches to preventing sexual harassment and gender-based violence

    • Advancing equity and systemic change at the institutional and policy level

  • The Forum will bring together approximately 70-90 in-person and 60 virtual attendees, including post-secondary students, researchers, and sector experts from the post-secondary, gender-based violence, experiential learning, and STEM fields, as well as experiential learning providers and government and policy professionals.

  • We welcome proposals from community leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates across the post-secondary, sexual harassment and gender-based violence, experiential learning, and STEM sectors.

Submit your proposal through the form linked below by Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Apply to be a Keynote Speaker

Travel Accommodations & Honoraria

As a thank you for your participation, At the Root Project will provide the following for selected keynote speakers:

  • Return travel to Ottawa for the duration of the Forum

  • Accommodation in Ottawa

  • A per diem for meals during Forum days in Ottawa

  • An honorarium

Accessibility 

We are committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in the Forum. If you have accessibility needs related to speaking at the Forum, please contact us at events@attherootproject.ca so we can work with you to provide support.