This year's ISA-Canada Distinguished Scholar is awarded to Malinda S. Smith, Professor in the Political Science Department at the University of Alberta.
The award recognizes Professor Smith's significant contributions to the study of global politics, African politics, race and racialization, feminist theory, decolonization, and equity in the university and beyond. The author or editor of numerous books, Professor Smith's wide-ranging research has examined discourses on terrorism in the post-9/11 era, global poverty and inequality, the political economy of African development, critical race feminism, race and settler colonialism and, most recently, racialization and indigeneity in Canadian universities. Constituting a robust body of work, this research has shaped the study of global politics in Canada and beyond. For ISA 2018 in San Francisco, the new Distinguished Scholar will be announced and a panel will be put together in their honor that speaks to their research, teaching, and mentoring. For the following year, ISA 2019 in Toronto, Distinguished Scholars will be invited to design and chair a panel of emerging scholars.
A recipient of many national awards for her equity and community engaged scholarship, Prof. Smith's record is a testament to her commitment to collaboration with scholars across the country and globally. This award also recognizes Professor Smith's generosity as a mentor, as well as her work in challenging systemic oppression in the university in order to work towards the goal of achieving a more equitable academic profession. This innovative combination of scholarship, activism, and mentorship make her a significant asset to the ISA-Canada community, and indeed to the academy more broadly.
Congratulations Professor Smith!