Alex C. Michalos Lecture Fund

About the Lecture

The Alex C. Michalos Lecture Fund was established to honor the extraordinary contributions of Professor Alex C. Michalos, one of the founding figures in the interdisciplinary study of quality of life. The fund permanently endows a series of keynote lectures at ISQOLS international conferences, highlighting scholarship that advances our understanding of quality of life, well-being, and social progress.

Lecturers for the series are selected from distinguished scholars worldwide, across disciplines that reflect the interdisciplinary scope of Alex Michalos’ work—spanning political science, philosophy, social sciences, and applied policy research.

This named lecture not only celebrates Professor Michalos’ pioneering research but also sustains his vision of linking scholarship with practical action to improve the human condition.

About Alex C. Michalos

Alex C. Michalos is Professor Emeritus with the Political Science Department at the University of Northern British Columbia. With a career in teaching and research spanning more than six decades, Michalos is internationally recognized as a trailblazer in quality-of-life studies, philosophy, and social sciences.

• Academic Career: He began teaching social sciences and philosophy in 1962, spending 28 years at the University of Guelph before joining the University of Northern British Columbia. Over his career, he has published more than 23 books and over 95 refereed articles, and founded or co-founded six scholarly journals.

• Leadership Roles:

  • President of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO’s Sectoral Commission on Natural, Social, and Human Sciences.

  • Past President of the Academy II (Humanities and Social Sciences) of the Royal Society of Canada.

  • Past President of the International Society for Quality of Life Studies (ISQOLS).

  • Past President of the International Society for Philosophy and Technology.

• Consultancy & International Reach:
  Michalos has served as a consultant to federal, provincial, regional, and municipal governments in Canada and abroad. His work has been translated into Japanese, Chinese, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Polish, ensuring a global influence.

• Awards & Distinctions:

  • Gold Medal for Achievement in Research (2004), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (the Council’s highest honor).

  • Award for the Betterment of the Human Condition (2003), ISQOLS.

  • Vincentian Ethics Scholar Award (2002), Vincentian Universities of the USA.

  • Award for Extraordinary Contributions to Quality of Life Research (1996), ISQOLS.

  • Secretary of State’s Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Research in Canadian Studies (1984).

  • British Columbia Political Science Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2005).

  • Honorary Doctor of Letters, Thompson Rivers University (2005).

  • Deryck Thompson Award for Community Social Planning (2006), Social Planning and Research Council of B.C.

Legacy

Alex Michalos’ career has profoundly shaped the field of quality-of-life studies. His work has combined rigorous scholarship, interdisciplinary vision, and public service, inspiring generations of researchers and practitioners. His leadership within ISQOLS and beyond has established frameworks that continue to guide research, teaching, and policy-making worldwide.

Through the Alex C. Michalos Lecture Fund, ISQOLS ensures that this legacy continues—bringing leading voices together to share insights, expand knowledge, and advance global well-being.

Support the Lecture Fund

Your contribution helps sustain this endowed lecture series in honor of Alex C. Michalos and supports ISQOLS’ mission of advancing quality-of-life scholarship for the betterment of society.

➡️ Please make your contribution using the donation form below.