Grant: Collaborative Research and Training Experience

Physical, chemical, and biological alterations of aquatic ecosystems, which are exacerbated by climate change, pose severe threats to the reliable provision of acceptable quantity and quality of water for human health, livelihoods, national security, and ecosystems (Water Health). To date, research and training has focusing mostly on water quantity, while deterioration of water quality and integration of human dimensions have received limited attention. The proposed CREATE fills this critical gap. It will train internationally oriented problem solvers who are uniquely prepared to develop solutions and future policies in Water Health that are required by industry, governments and communities in Canada and internationally. Trainees will be mentored by a diverse world-class team representing western and Traditional Ecological Knowledge systems and will conduct ground-breaking research addressing key questions on how water quantity and quality, biodiversity, and human health/wellbeing are impacted by physical, chemical, climatic, and biological stressors. The partner institutions are global leaders in water research and are perfectly positioned to build and deliver this program. Research and training outcomes will include developing a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of critical issues in the fields of freshwater ecology, climate science, environmental toxicology, geography, socio-hydrology, hydraulic engineering, national and international regulations and policies, as well as socio-economic drivers and cultural differences affecting Water Health in North America, Europe, and globally. This will be accomplished through a balance of innovative teaching and research, consisting of courses and summer/cultural science schools, research stays abroad, internships, and other professional development opportunities. EDI is embedded in all teaching and research activities of this transatlantic program.