York Vice-President Research & Innovation Robert Haché announces the appointment of Jennifer Foster, professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies, to chair of the new Task Force on Sustainability Research.
“I am delighted that Professor Foster has accepted the opportunity to chair the Task Force on Sustainability Research. At York, we are eager to support the development of initiatives that will help continue to build the recognition of the University as a Canadian leader in sustainability research,” said Haché.
Foster is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners-Ontario Professional Planners’ Institute and the coordinator of York’s Urban Ecologies Program. Her research focuses on urban planning, urban environmental justice, habitat creation and novel ecologies, and environmental aesthetics. Recent major research projects include From Rubble to Refuge (2008-2012, with Professor Anders Sandberg) and Land|Slide: Possible Futures (2010-2013, with Professors Janine Marchessault and Chloë Brushwood Rose).
“The goal of the Task Force on Sustainability Research is to engage the broader York sustainability research community to leverage collegial expertise in soliciting advice and ideas to be used in the development of recommendations. These recommendations will guide the development of strategic initiatives to enhance the success and recognition of York’s researchers in this important area of research leadership for York,” said Haché. “This initiative is particularly timely with the recent launch of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund,” a new federal program to promote international research leadership for Canadian universities.
The mandate of the Taskforce on Sustainability Research is to:
- provide feedback and recommendations to help strengthen and advance the concentration of sustainability research at York;
- provide strategic advice that represents broader community interests and becomes a conduit for action within the community; and
- provide feedback and recommendations through a final report that will be released to the York community to stimulate engagement and action.
The Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI) invites expressions of interest from those considering volunteering to join the task force. Submit an expression of interest to volunteer for the Task Force on Sustainability Research.
View the Task Force terms of reference or for more information, contact Barbara Edwards, senior policy adviser, Office of the VPRI.