Grant: Collaborative Research and Training Experience

The Remediation Education Network (RENEW) is a CREATE program that will train the next generation of engineers and scientists in the interdisciplinary professional and technical skills they need to work at cleaning up the most challenging contaminated sites in Canada. Contamination of soil and groundwater is an urgent problem affecting 30,000 sites in Canada alone that engages over 60,000 workers in the growing and vital Canadian environmental sector. Four Canadian universities, eleven international academic institutions and eight leading environmental remediation firms will collaborate on this vitally important training and research program. Groundwater remediation is a complex endeavour requiring broad-based technical knowledge best learned through hands-on training, complemented by professional skills training. Each trainee will participate in: (1) Professional skills development including an innovative program of science communications training, project management / leadership training, and exposure to the business and regulatory landscape through industry contact; (2) Field-based training in field methods, safety, field-based research; (3) Internships with partner firms; (4) Interdisciplinary coursework including academic courses in hydrogeology, geochemistry, microbiology, simulation, and remediation engineering from instructors from the different universities through videoconferencing; (5) Short courses led by professors and industry partners that will explore technical and professional topics, including environmental legislation. Trainees will also have opportunities to work with our international partners to learn about environmental practices around the world. The RENEW program will produce high calibre graduates who will become leaders in the Canadian environmental sector, whether they choose careers in the private sector, academia or government.