Project 411947

For decades, researchers have studied sex differences and gender as health determinants. In recent years, as the realization of connections between sex and gender has deepened, we see collaboration and merging between these previously disparate areas of inquiry. A new field of Sex and Gender Science is emerging out of the intersection between these paradigms and it is catapulting our understanding of how biology and society interact to affect health and disease. Much like the development of the field of Neuroscience (c. 1969), Sex and Gender Science is emerging from individual research disciplines. It incorporates sex and gender into existing experimental paradigms and is engaged in developing methods to investigate how sex and gender influence health and the etiology, progress, and treatment of diseases in men, women, boys, girls, and gender-diverse people. Canada leads the world in Sex and Gender research. Yet, we have no Canadian organization for sex and gender researchers across disciplines and communities to meet to discuss the field or form partnerships to support and grow the field in Canada. The purpose of this Planning and Dissemination Grant is to have the Inaugural meeting of the Canadian Organization for Gender and Sex (COGS) Research. The meeting will be held in Vancouver in January 8-9, 2020 at the University of British Columbia. This meeting will include multiple invited stakeholders-academics from across disciplines, charitable organizations, funders, and community members-all invited to provide the nexus of the Organization going forward. The question of the meeting will be, "How do you incorporate sex and gender in your research." The meeting will provide an opportunity to share perspectives, build community, and make plans for the Organization going forward. Ultimately, the goal of COGS is to advance and apply sex and gender science to improve the health, wellness, and equity of all.