Who are we?

We are a group of PhD students in social work from across Canada who have joined together to collaborate with others through the creation of the Canadian Social Work Doctoral Student Network.

This is your network. It is free to join. We ask that you contribute by participating on committees, helping organize the yearly conference, submit your abstract to present at the conference and bring your ideas forward to further develop the network.

How our journey started

At the University of British of Columbia, several social work doctoral students discussed the loneliness of obtaining a PhD.

With small cohorts, different research interests, solitude, and balancing work/life demands, a need to connect, collaborate, and network with our peers across the country was identified. It was through these conversations the Canadian Social Work Doctoral Student Network was built. ​

Conference history

UBC

On May 6-7, 2022, we met at the University of British Columbia for our inaugural conference. We had 20 paper presentations, 4 poster presentations, 4 workshops, and 1 panel discussion. The keynote speaker was Dr. Peter Choakes.

UCalgary

In 2023, we met for the second edition of the CSWDSN conference at the University of Calgary. At this second conference, we had 16 paper presentations, 1 workshop and 3 scientific posters. Dr. Marlyn Bennett was our keynote speaker. Participants also had the opportunity to attend a Ceremony in Kiipitakyoyis-Grandmother’s Lodge, a Red Dress Day Ceremony as well as a tour of the campus given by the head of the School of Social Work.

Respect for the land

As a collective across what is now known as Canada, we reside on unceded lands belonging to Indigenous communities. We honour the movement towards Truth and Reconciliation and will be a part of this journey. We recognize the systemic oppression and racism that exists and is maintained through colonial institutions.

BE A PART OF THE NETWORK!

All are welcome here!

Interested in joining our network? Write to us at cswdsn@gmail.com.