The emerging field of sustainability is at the forefront of current scientific and social research. It spans a wide variety of academic fields and geographic scales. Real-world solutions to the challenge of sustainability will require discussion and collaboration between individuals with varying skill-sets and perspectives on human-environment interactions.
The Sustainability Research Symposium @ McGill (SRS) is an initiative to encourage discussion of current research in the field of sustainability at McGill University.
WHEN? Thursday, March 14, 2013
WHERE? Thomson House Ballroom, 3650 McTavish Street, Montreal
The symposium will feature (1) a series of inspirational guest speakers, (2) an oral presentation session, (3) poster session for undergraduate and graduate student research and/or class projects, and (4) a discussion session to wrap up the event. Note prizes will be awarded to poster winners!
What is the goal of the symposium?
The emerging field of sustainability is at the forefront of current scientific and social research. It spans a wide variety of academic fields and geographic scales. Real-world solutions to the challenge of sustainability will require discussion and collaboration between individuals with varying skill-sets and perspectives on human-environment interactions. The motivation for such an event can be understood from diverse points of view:
- Undergraduate students will enjoy the opportunity to showcase and further discuss often remarkable class projects which otherwise tend to be quickly forgotten due to the nature and rapid pace of undergraduate programs. They are curious to find out how others at the same or higher level of academic experience may have pursued their analysis and findings; and moreover, assess “if, how and where” they could pursue similar research topics at the graduate level.
- Graduate students will benefit from the opportunity to practice presenting their research results in public. Exchanges with students from different fields will expose them to innovative or alternative research methodologies and stimulate new ideas for future projects.
- Faculty members will benefit from the creation of a dynamic learning environment that motivates students to excel in their class projects and research, and also opens up future collaboration opportunities.
Most importantly, the research symposium and discussion session in particular will offer insight into the transformative implications and real-world applicability of research and class projects in the sustainability sciences.
Who can attend and who can submit a poster?
The symposium events on March 14th are open to all who register. McGill students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels from all faculties and departments are invited to present their research and/or class projects at the poster session.
Registration will open in January 2013.
Who is behind MSS?
The symposium event has its roots in the student associations of McGill Geography: GGS and MUGS. Academic partners include McGill’s Sustainability, Science, and Society Program and School of Environment. Other partners include GEC3, PGSS, SSMU, and the Sustainability Office.
