Leadership Development Program in Science and Innovation

Description

Cohort 13 (Fall) and 14 (Spring): Registration is now open.

Cohort 13 Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Cohort 14 Registration Deadline: Wednesday, March 17, 2027

Led by experienced practitioners and former Assistant Deputy Ministers, the Leadership Development Program in Science and Innovation (LDPSI) explores the science-policy interface and how science and policy can work together to inform public sector decision-making. This program targets scientists, researchers, and others with technical backgrounds, and seeks to provide them with the skills to promote evidence-informed decision making in a fast-paced and complex environment.

This program empowers participants to drive impactful results. 

*As a not-for-profit, the IOG does not collect HST; discount rates are available for non-profit organizations
**Includes course tuition, course materials, online tools used during the course, free registration to the annual Canadian Science Policy Conference, group mentoring, and one-on-one coaching.
***Maximum 5 participants per cohort from the same department or organization.

Email us at registration@iog.ca if you have any questions that are not addressed here on the website. Thank you.

If you are interested in this program for yourself or someone on your team, but cannot attend the cohorts currently advertised, please complete this form. We will reach out when new dates become available. The LDPSI program runs twice per calendar year.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Participants benefit from theoretical insights, guest speaker presentations, experiential learning, self-awareness tools, executive coaching, and group mentorship. They also put their experience to the test in the form of a group project, which they present on the final day of the course.

This program develops participant knowledge and leadership competencies in:

• Understanding the ‘cultures’ of science, innovation, and policy-making

• How government works, and the role science plays in government

• Analyzing interpersonal skills

• Synthesizing research

• Managing expert communities

• Communicating scientific knowledge

• Advising policy makers

• Engaging citizens and stakeholders

Facilitators

Participant Testimonials

“The overview of the program was my favourite part, simply because going through the content got me very excited about the program and made me feel lucky to be part of it.”

“I was initially struggling with whether this course would be a good fit for me, as I'm a younger participant, but these intros have reinforced the fact that leadership (and development) can happen at any age, and stage of your career. I don't have to be a director yet to shape my future or hone my leadership skills (and likely it's best to start early!).”

“I love that Karen, Geoff, Jeff, and Rhonda stayed for all the sessions. It showed their commitment and I really enjoyed their inputs. This course is a gem.”

“This course provided me with the space to think about my career journey and path forward, open my perspective on how to be more strategic and to look at issues with a different lens. I'm not sure that my 'leadership' thoughts have shifted but how I show up has shifted.”

“This course helps me understand why we do federal science.”

“Thank you for incorporating more practical experiences to reinforce the presentation material.”

“I think you have something special talking about science and policy, and that scientists in government have specialized needs for professional growth that are not the same as those of social scientists.”

“Having a mock Deputy Minister Science Committee presentation provided the opportunity to understand the thinking of senior executives and how to present to their needs. It is a very well thought out program.”

“I can’t underscore enough the huge value of quality in speakers and presenters. Their practical examples were the highlight for me. They were fantastic.”

“I didn’t think about governance a lot before joining this course.”

“This course brought me out of my comfort zone. It was great training!”

“The highlight for me was working in the group setting. I would like to do more of that.”

“I’m excited to learn about myself and continue to develop my skills. The IOG staff have done a great job of inspiring me!”