Historian and digital innovator John Bonnett will bring his expertise on culture, history and innovation to the Frontier Centre
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2025
WINNIPEG — The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is pleased to announce the appointment of John Bonnett, associate professor of history at Brock University and former Tier II Canada Research Chair in digital humanities, as a senior fellow. Bonnett brings a wealth of expertise in intellectual history and digital humanities to the centre’s interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Bonnett’s scholarship includes the life and thought of Canadian political economist Harold Innis, as well as pioneering work in digital history. His book, Emergence and Empire: Innis, Complexity and the Trajectory of History, offers a new interpretation of Innis’s work by exploring how self-organizing, emergent change affects economies and societies. The book received the 2014 Gertrude J. Robinson Book Prize from the Canadian Communication Association.
In digital humanities, Bonnett has led innovative projects such as the 3D Virtual Buildings Project, which used modelling to reconstruct heritage buildings and develop student critical thinking skills. He also led the DataScapes Project, which used data art and augmented reality to create new forms of landscape art.
“John Bonnett’s interdisciplinary approach and commitment to exploring the intersections of history, technology and society align well with our mission,” said David Leis, president and CEO of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. “We look forward to his contributions to our work on public policy and cultural renewal.”
As a senior fellow, Bonnett will provide insights into digital humanities, intellectual history and their implications for education, innovation and cultural preservation.
Media availability
John Bonnett
Senior fellow
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
jbonnett@brocku.ca
Bonnett is available for interviews and commentary on digital humanities, intellectual history and the role of technology in historical research and education.
Media contact
Marco Navarro-Génie, PhD
Vice-president of research and policy
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
mng@fcpp.org
About the Frontier Centre for Public Policy
The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent Canadian think-tank that conducts research and analysis on economic, social and public policy issues. Since 1999, it has published studies, commentaries and events promoting ideas for a freer and more prosperous society.
