In the first of her two Ashley Fellow Lectures, Ms. Lucie Edwards advocated a rapprochement between scientists and policy makers in the challenge to address problems facing developing nations. “In my first lecture I spoke about ‘wicked problems’,” she explained. “These are problems with far-reaching social consequences where there is no right answer – only better or worse options for action, where there’s no opportunity for trial and error and time is running out. These problems are generally found at the frontier of existing scientific knowledge and integrate significant ethical challenges: Facts are uncertain, values are in dispute, the stakes are high and decisions are urgent.”

In Ms. Edwards second talk entitled, "So what is Science for? The Role of Science in International Development," on October 18, 2011, Ms. Edwards traced the history of science in international development from the Green Revolution to the present, arguing that in spite of its mixed track record on development issues, science is crucial to addressing these types of difficult problems as they affect the developing world. Ms. Edwards praised Canada’s work in particular, citing the creation of the International Development Research Council (IDRC), under prime minister Trudeau.

Another focus of Ms. Edwards’s praise was the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). ICIPE, according to Ms. Edwards, is a “made in Africa solution for a big African problem” – insects. Founded by Kenyan entomologist Thomas Odhiambo and supported by Carl Djerassi, ICIPE looks at ways to reduce the negative impact of insects on health, livestock and crops, through means other than insecticides – such as companion planting, the introduction of natural predators and the distribution of low-cost mechanical insect traps – but also works on using insects as a solution to other world problems such as hunger. “There are scientists at ICIPE who’ve decided that when it comes to insects, if we can’t beat them, we should eat them,” explained Ms. Edwards, noting that insects are an incredibly efficient source of protein. While Ms. Edwards is a self-confessed entomophobe, she admitted that even she might be converted by the new tofu-like insect protein cakes being developed by scientists at ICIPE.

Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Global Governance at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, University of Waterloo, Ms. Edwards comes to her subject matter with a practical knowledge gained from over 30 years of hands-on work in the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Canada) (DFAIT). Her roles with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs included Canadian high commissioner to India (2003-06), South Africa (1999-2003) and Kenya (1993-95), director general of the Global Issues Bureau (1995-96), director of Middle East Relations (1992-93) and chair of the Southern Africa Task Force (1989-93). In 2009 she was awarded the Award of Excellence—Lifetime Achievement Award for her career in the Foreign Service.

Ms. Edwards was born in Ottawa, Ontario and has a B.A. (Honours) from Trent University and a MPA from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. The Ashley Fellowship is funded by a bequest from the late Professor C.A. Ashley, long-time friend of Trent University and an enthusiastic proponent of the role that informal contacts of college life can play in the academic pursuits of the University.