Jason Edward Lewis, a professor in the Department of Design and Computation Arts at Concordia University, has made history by becoming the first faculty member at the institution to win the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Impact Award – Partnership. This prestigious award, valued at $50,000, recognizes exceptional collaborative efforts that advance research, mentor future scholars, and disseminate knowledge in the fields of social sciences and humanities.
Innovative Contributions to Culture and Technology
For over 20 years, Lewis has dedicated his career to exploring the intersection of technology and culture, with a particular focus on the impact of computation on Indigenous communities. His unique approach combines scholarly research with creative practice, a methodology referred to as research-creation. This approach ensures that technological advancements are guided by diverse cultural perspectives, moving beyond traditional Eurocentric frameworks.
Lewis is a co-founder of the Indigenous Futures Research Centre at Concordia and leads several significant initiatives, including the Abundant Intelligences Partnership and Aboriginal Territories in Cyberspace. His work facilitates connections between artists, scholars, students, and Indigenous communities across Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and other regions. Through these collaborations, Lewis fosters innovative solutions in artificial intelligence, digital media, and Indigenous futures.
Mentorship and Future Directions
Throughout his career, Lewis has mentored over 100 undergraduate research assistants and numerous graduate students, integrating them into collaborative and interdisciplinary projects. His mentorship emphasizes technical excellence and cultural responsibility, paving the way for emerging Indigenous researchers and artists to thrive in their respective fields.
Tim Evans, Vice-President of Research, Innovation and Impact at Concordia, highlighted Lewis’s contributions by stating, “This SSHRC Impact Award recognizes not only Jason’s outstanding research contributions, but more fundamentally his leadership in pioneering global convergence between arts, culture, and technology that is inspiring the next generation of researchers.”
In response to receiving the SSHRC Impact Award, Lewis expressed his intention to utilize the funds to further develop the partnerships and research initiatives recognized by this accolade. His goals align with SSHRC’s mission to sustain and enhance Canada’s research-based knowledge culture.
This recognition marks a significant achievement in Concordia’s history and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research that bridges the gap between technology, culture, and community.
