“I am deeply honoured to lead CAGS in our collective mission to champion innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in graduate education across Canada, fostering a culture of knowledge creation that serves the public good.” – Dr. Fahim Quadir, CAGS President

Dear colleagues,

It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of purpose that I take on the role of President of the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS). I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this remarkable organization, which has been a cornerstone of Canada’s graduate education community since it was founded in 1962.

Over the past few years, I have been privileged to serve on the CAGS Board of Directors as Treasurer and Vice-President. These roles have offered me a rare opportunity to witness the dedication of our members in providing inclusive, high-quality, and relevant graduate education in Canada. I am inspired by the projects we have undertaken together in recent years, and am keenly interested in working collaboratively to further strengthen the value and impact of CAGS for its members in the years to come.

As we collectively embark on the ambitious goals outlined in our Strategic Plan 2023–2027, our focus remains clear: enhancing the value and relevance of CAGS for our members, advocating at the national level for the interests of the graduate studies community, and ensuring the association’s financial sustainability. This plan – underpinned by a strong commitment to Indigenization, anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion – represents a bold vision for the future of CAGS, while also reflecting the evolving needs of our members and the broader graduate studies community as we navigate an era of rapid change, increasing uncertainty, and significant fiscal constraints.

One of our key accomplishments in recent years has been the expansion of CAGS’ offerings to its members. New events such as the Summer Leadership Program for Deans, Associate Deans, and Directors, as well as familiar gatherings like our annual conference, provide critical professional development opportunities, equipping academic leaders, staff, researchers, and students with the skills and networks necessary to tackle the complex challenges facing the sector. Similarly, the introduction of virtual training sessions for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars has allowed us to reach new members of the CAGS community with relevant content related to career development, mental health and wellness, research communication, and anti-racism training.

CAGS has also significantly improved its visibility and advocacy efforts in recent years, a trend that I intend to continue during my term as President. We have engaged meaningfully with decision-makers and the general public, presenting to Parliamentary standing committees, collaborating with major news outlets on important stories, and hosting student-focussed events like the National Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Showcase. This year, we are pleased to support the development of the National Community of Practice on Graduate Supervision, as well as several new working groups on emergent issues like the use of artificial intelligence in graduate studies, and the growth of research communication competitions in Canada. These initiatives are vital for highlighting to policymakers and the public the transformative impact of graduate education.

Despite these successes, CAGS and its members must confront the significant challenges that loom on the horizon for higher education, both in Canada and globally. Uncertainties around public funding for higher education, constantly shifting enrolment patterns, international student caps, and questioning of the intrinsic value of a graduate degree all pose serious risks to the future of our institutions. So too does the downturn in the overall mental health and wellness of our community, and the associated increases in staff turnover and, for far too many, the feeling of being burnt out. Moreover, the public perception of the value of graduate education has been weakened in some quarters, necessitating a concerted effort to rebuild trust and demonstrate the critical role that graduate research and innovation play in addressing society’s most pressing issues.

I am confident, however, that CAGS, its 65+ member institutions, and the sector at large are well-positioned to address these enormous challenges head-on. By working together with determination and creativity, we can ensure that graduate education in Canada continues to thrive and contribute to the flourishing of societies in this country and across the world.

Thank you, and I look forward to the important collective work that lies ahead.

Dr. Fahim Quadir

President of the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS)

Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs

Queen’s University