May 28: Nathalie Des Rosiers writes…

So, it is over. Congress 2009 is fading into the web’s archives and our memories. I enjoyed this congress: the atmosphere on the campus, the special events full of promise, the random meetings with friends, acquaintances and students. Is Congress like the Cannes festival without “décolletés ” and shiny dresses, the long dresses and ? Is it the Olympics with less medals and less costs? In a way, it has similar features : it is a ”happening” where people go to get energized and stimulated in pursuing their work. It is a time and place to celebrate, to give prizes for best articles or best book. It is a gathering of national and international figures ready to question and debate the big issues of our time. It does have this celebratory aspect… but for modest academics. We are now focused on next year in Montreal at Concordia University to celebrate again the best that social sciences and humanities can offer.