TSI Seminar

Shaping the Future of Astroparticle Physics: Innovation Through Inclusion

Alex Pedersen

McDonald Institute
Queen's University

Expanding access to research opportunities can strengthen the scientific community and drive innovation (Caden, Kuula, and Zens 2024; Hofstra et al., 2019). The McDonald Institute, Canada’s national research network in astroparticle physics, has implemented initiatives designed to address barriers, foster collaboration, and support a broader range of researchers. This talk will highlight key programs at the McDonald Institute, such as the Cross-Disciplinary Internship (CDI), which connects students from diverse academic backgrounds with astroparticle physics research, as well as efforts to engage underrepresented groups, including Indigenous and Black students. By integrating these approaches into institutional structures and programs, the Institute has developed a framework that enhances participation and cultivates long-term cultural change. Using data-driven insights and examples from national collaborations, this discussion will explore successes, ongoing challenges, and strategies for shaping a more dynamic and representative research community.