Polar Knowledge Canada provides $100,000 to Post-doctoral Fellows to advance northern scientific research
News release
- Connect post-doctoral candidates and visiting researchers with northern-based research institutions;
- Support projects that work across disciplines and connect multiple knowledge holders and knowledge systems; and
- Advance knowledge to contribute to northern scientific and community priorities.
Polar Knowledge Canada’s 2023-2024 Post-doctoral Fellowship Program recipients:
- Dr. Raquel Alfaro Sánchez, a visiting researcher at Wilfrid Laurier University, studies the effects of warming temperatures and permafrost thaw on tree growth and reproductive patterns in northern boreal forests. Dr. Sánchez will be hosted by Aurora College in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.
- Dr. Amy Caughey, a public health nutritionist in Nunavut, is co-investigator on two research programs prioritizing Inuit knowledge in country food preparation, preservation, and food safety in a changing climate, and working to support country food as foundational food for Nunavummiut. Dr. Caughey will be hosted by Nunavut Arctic College and Nunavut Research Institute in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Supporting the important and innovative work of these researchers is part of how POLAR is helping advance Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic and strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology.
Quotes
“Conducting scientific research in northern communities in collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders helps to inform the development of evidence-based policies to address the challenges of a rapidly changing North. These fellows will contribute to advancing the vision of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework by expanding our knowledge of how climate change affects northern ecosystems, and our government is proud to support such important work that will help build healthier northern communities."
-- Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs
“Congratulations to these remarkable post-doctoral scholars--it is an honour to support them. Their work will reinforce our efforts to meet the research needs of northern communities.”
-- Jennifer C. Hubbard, President and Chief Executive Officer, Polar Knowledge Canada
“We are very pleased with the calibre of the 2023-2024 fellowship recipients. Their cross-disciplinary expertise contributes to northern research and community priorities, linking multiple knowledge holders and knowledge systems, and strengthens connections with three innovative universities and colleges in northern Canada.”
-- David Hik, Chief Scientist and Executive Director of Programs, Polar Knowledge Canada
Quick facts
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Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is a Government of Canada agency responsible for strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology. It is headquartered at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) campus, which it operates, in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.
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POLAR has three main science and technology goals:
- Goal 1: Improving knowledge of dynamic northern terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems in the context of rapid change.
- Goal 2: Increasing understanding of the connections between northern community wellness and environmental health.
- Goal 3: Advancing sustainable energy, technology and infrastructure solutions for the unique environmental, social, and cultural conditions in the North.
Associated links
Contacts
Polar Knowledge Canada
Email: communications@polar.gc.ca
Telephone: 343-548-5456