THUNDER BAY – On Tuesday, February 26, Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service, Lakehead University and Confederation College signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Forest Science Research and Education.
“One of the goals in Lakehead University’s strategic plan is to create local and global partnerships, and this MOU helps us do that as well as grow our research capacity,” said Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President, Research & Innovation, Lakehead University.
“We are especially pleased that this signing is occurring during our 14th annual Research and Innovation Week. This week highlights our research accomplishments, and this partnership with the Canadian Forest Service and Confederation College will offer unique opportunities for increased research in forest science,” he added.
The MOU is aimed at increasing opportunities for all organizations to share expertise and resources in forest science and related research, collaboration and education initiatives. It recognizes the potential for this relationship to assist each organization in strengthening forest science research, education, and commercial development in Canada.
“On behalf of the Canadian Forest Service, we are excited to further strengthen our relationship with Lakehead University and Confederation College through this memorandum of understanding. This MOU represents our mutual support for the advancement of forest science research and education within our respective organizations and throughout Canada,” said Dr. David Nanang, Director General, Canadian Forest Service-Great Lakes Forestry Centre.
“Confederation College is deeply committed to providing access to programming that supports the needs of our region, and this partnership with Lakehead University and the Canadian Forest Service will help to advance that effort,” said Kathleen Lynch, President, Confederation College. “In particular, we are excited by the opportunities this MOU will create for students interested in the natural resources sector and the numerous applied research possibilities we will be able to collaboratively explore.”
The MOU provides a variety of opportunities and benefits for all organizations involved. There will be increased opportunities in forest science research and education that may exceed what the organizations could do separately.
There will also be increased sharing of intellectual and technical resources, including faculty and staff expertise and sophisticated research infrastructure and equipment and research sites.
Finally, the development of collaborative research projects, including more competitive grant proposals as well as the increased participation of CFS researchers as adjunct professors contributing to active mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students will support an increased collaboration of forest science research and education.
Together, Lakehead University, Confederation College and the Canadian Forest Service will continue to advance forestry research, collaboration and education throughout Canada.
Background:
The Canadian Forest Service (CFS) is a science-based policy organization within Natural Resources Canada, a Government of Canada department that helps shape the important contributions of the natural resources sector to the Canadian economy, society and environment. Their mission is to promote the sustainable development of Canada’s forests and competitiveness of the Canadian forest sector. The CFS has six research Centers located across Canada, with research scientists and professionals who conduct studies in areas such as forest ecology, impacts of global climate changes, insects and diseases, forest health, biotechnology, landscape analysis, hydrology and aquatic systems, fire behaviour and impacts, and forestry practices and inventory, which contribute to national CFS priorities.
Lakehead University is globally recognized for its research and education in the area of natural resources management and forestry-based studies. Lakehead’s program offerings are diverse; they focus on conserving and sustaining our forests for a full range of uses – from timber harvesting, bio-products, inventory and recreation to wildlife management to the conservation of biodiversity. The scope of their reach is not limited to Canadian Forestry practices. Lakehead also has a rich history of successful international collaborations with universities, NGO’s and government agencies which have focused on community-based forestry practices, land-use planning and advancing the forestry profession through the training of highly qualified personnel domestically and internationally.
Confederation College prepares students for careers in natural resource management including forest management, forest resource inventory, forest resources conservation and protection, environmental technology, silviculture and biomass energy. Confederation College is growing its capacity in applied research and is looking for collaborative opportunities to leverage recent investments in programming and infrastructure.
