Trent University Leads Global Climate Research Supported by $296,400 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship
Collaborations through the International Institute for Environmental Studies to advance sustainable resource development
United Global Plan of Action for One Health and One Climate, a project led by Trent University with the International Institute for Environmental Studies has been awarded a $296,400 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship (QES) from The Rideau Hall Foundation and Universities Canada, to support student- and faculty-led international research projects that focus on the adaptation, response, and resilience to a changing climate.
“This award reflects Trent University’s leadership in fostering international mobility and tackling global challenges like climate change through collaboration,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice president of Research & Innovation at Trent University. “As a founding member of the International Institute for Environmental Studies (IIES), Trent is committed to preparing the next generation of scholars by offering students and faculty unique opportunities to conduct research abroad and welcoming international researchers to Trent. These experiences allow them to engage with diverse perspectives, learn from experts worldwide, and develop a broader understanding of complex global issues beyond our borders.”
The QES funding will support an initiative co-led by Dr. Huy Dang, associate professor in environmental chemistry at Trent University and Dr. Doug Evans, director of the IIES, facilitating research collaborations with IIES member institutions in Chile, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, and beyond.
One Health and One Climate aims to address issues related to the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment while improving resilience to the effects of a changing climate. The main topics include sustainable development of critical minerals for the green transition, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture using sustainable agriculture practices, and enhanced rock weathering, and the impacts of climate change on water quality and resources.
“Canada witnesses climate change at twice the global average rate. Nevertheless, we are well positioned to lead the global combat against climate threats by bolstering up the green transition, adaptation strategies, and technological innovations,” said Prof. Dang. “Through the IIES and the QES initiative, Trent University has a central role in establishing this united global plan of action through academic collaborations and diplomacy.”
The QES funding will offer opportunities for students and researchers to engage in hands-on fieldwork and international exchanges. Students will join the 2,677 active Queen Elizabeth scholars and alumni worldwide as the next generation of engaged citizens and leaders to create lasting solutions in Canada and abroad for a climate-resilient world.
"The IIES is pleased that the strength of its international partnerships has been recognized through the awarding of the QES scholarships grant," said Director Evans. "With these scholarships we will be able to provide important opportunities for students to contribute to international research programs in several countries, tackling some of the most pressing environmental issues confronting us today."
Global institutions collaborating with Trent University on the One Health and One Climate initiative include Universidad San Sebastián in Chile, University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, University of Edinburgh in the UK, and Phenikaa University and Ho Chi Minh City University of Science and University of Technology in Vietnam.
About the International Institute for Environmental Studies (IIES)
The International Institute for Environmental Studies (IIES) is a global research network that brings together 28 member institutions from 16 countries to address critical environmental challenges. The IIES fosters international collaboration in the fields of environmental science, sustainability, and climate change. By connecting researchers, faculty, and students, the IIES facilitates interdisciplinary projects and academic diplomacy, aiming to drive innovative solutions for pressing global issues. Through its collaborative initiatives, the IIES works to strengthen academic ties, promote knowledge exchange, and contribute to a sustainable and equitable future for communities worldwide.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
Justin Beaudoin, Senior Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or justinbeaudoin@trentu.ca