On the strength of their work shaping global conversations on deindustrialization and advancing research on migration and diasporic identity, three Concordia researchers have been selected to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation's 2026 cohort.
Historian Steven High has been named a Fellow - one of the foundation's most prestigious distinctions - while PhD candidates Célia Bensiali-Hadaud and Guillaume Jabbour have received doctoral scholarships. Together, they reflect Concordia's strength in research that connects scholarship with pressing social issues.
Founded in 2003, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation supports outstanding scholars and researchers in the humanities and social sciences who are committed to public engagement and societal impact.
Historian Steven High, named a Fellow, founded the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling at Concordia.A national honour for research leadership
An internationally recognized historian, High is known for his pioneering work in deindustrialization studies and oral history. His research has helped shape global understanding of industrial decline and the role of memory, community and storytelling in interpreting the past.
At Concordia, he founded the Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling, a leading hub that brings together researchers and communities to amplify underrepresented voices. His work spans books, exhibitions and collaborative research initiatives that bridge academic inquiry and public life.
"Steven's work exemplifies the kind of engaged, impactful scholarship this fellowship is meant to recognize," says Tim Evans, vice-president of research, innovation and impact at Concordia. "His ability to connect rigorous research with public dialogue, while mentoring the next generation of scholars, reflects the very best of Concordia's research community."
Célia Bensiali-Hadaud received a doctoral scholarship for her research.Advancing inclusive cities and migration policy
Célia Bensiali-Hadaud, a PhD candidate in political science, is recognized for her research on how global cities develop inclusive policies for migrants in increasingly restrictive political environments.
Her work focuses on municipal ID programs in cities such as Montreal, Barcelona and Copenhagen, examining how local governments can expand access to essential services for people with precarious immigration status. By comparing how cities operate within different national systems, her research sheds light on how urban policy can reshape migration governance and access to rights.
Grounded in experience with the City of Montreal and international research collaborations, her approach bridges academic research and public policy with a focus on democratic inclusion and social justice.
PhD candidate Guillaume Jabbour was honoured for his research-creation project that examines diasporic Palestinian identity through music and sound. | Photo by Tanis Saucier PhotographyExploring identity through sound and storytelling
Guillaume Jabbour, a PhD candidate in communication studies, is honoured for a research-creation project that examines diasporic Palestinian identity through music and sound.
His work explores how displaced communities understand and experience the idea of "home" through listening practices and soundscapes. Combining ethnography with artistic production, the project will result in a series of sound compositions and an interactive exhibition that brings these stories to life.
Drawing on personal and community experiences, Jabbour's research highlights the role of sound as a form of cultural memory and resilience, offering nuanced perspectives on identity, displacement and belonging.
Together, their work highlights the breadth of Concordia research - from documenting the past to shaping more inclusive futures and reimagining how stories are told.
