William Leggett, professor emeritus in the Department of Biology and Queen's 17th principal, has received the H. Ahlstrom Lifetime Achievement Award from the Early Life History Section of the American Fisheries Society for his contributions to the fields of larval fish ecology.
The American Fisheries Society is the biggest association of professional aquatic ecologists in the world, with over 9,000 members worldwide.
"It feels good to be singled out by such large group of people who I respect so highly," says Dr. Leggett. "I didn't expect to receive this award so it's a big honour and thrill to get it."
Dr. Leggett's research focuses on the dynamics of fish populations and his work as a biologist and a leader in education has been recognized nationally and internationally. A membership in the Order of Canada, a fellowship from the Royal Society of Canada, and the Award of Excellence in Fisheries Education are just some of the awards he has received for outstanding contributions to graduate education and marine science.
The Early Life History Section of the American Fisheries Society recognized Dr. Leggett's "exceptional contributions to the understanding of early life history of fishes that has inspired the careers of a number of fisheries scientists worldwide and has led to major progress in fish ecology and studies of recruitment dynamics."
The award was recently presented in Quebec City at the 38th annual Larval Fish Conference held in conjunction with the 144th annual meeting of the American Fisheries Society.
By Catarina Chagas, Research Outreach and Events Specialist
Queen’s researcher Cao Thang Dinh has won the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year, Engineering and Technology category.
Dr. Cao Thang Dinh and his PhD student, Cornelius Obasanjo, have been researching how to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and turn it into chemicals that can be used across industries.
On November 9, 1989, the demolition of the Berlin Wall was both literal and symbolic, as it marked the falling of concrete and imagined barriers. Twenty years later, inspired by these events, a not-for-profit organization was founded in Berlin, Germany to connect stakeholders in the areas of science, business, politics, and arts to break down the invisible borders that still separate science and society. Each November since then, The Falling Walls Foundation brings together international experts and leaders to share big ideas that can tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Did you know?The Falling Walls Foundation has a Canadian hub, hosted by McGill University. Members of the Queen’s communications teams in University Relations and the Research portfolio sit on the Canada hub advisory committee, which looks for opportunities to connect science engagers across Canada with the tools and resources they need to promote their work.
The annual summit combines keynotes, discussions, and pitches on research and science engagement, culminating in the Falling Walls Breakthrough Day, when invited speakers share the stage with the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year winners in six categories. Laureates of the Breakthrough of the Year prizes are selected from a pool of over 1,000 nominations of researchers worldwide. In 2023, Queen’s professor Cao Thang Dinh (Chemical Engineering) is the winner of the Engineering and Technology category.
Dr. Cao Thang Dinh
Since joining Queen’s in 2019, building on his doctoral and post-doctoral research, Dr. Dinh has been investigating how to use carbon dioxide – one of the world’s main pollutants – to generate sustainable fuels and chemicals. Dr. Dinh’s work has been published in top scientific journals, including Nature and Science.
During the event in November, Dr. Dinh will present his innovative methods to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into methane, methanol and ethanol, all of which can be used as fuels, and polymers that can be used to create plastics, nylon, silicone, and other materials.
Although carbon conversion isn’t a novel idea, existing technology struggles with low efficiency because capturing and converting carbon are very energy-consuming processes. Dr. Dinh and team successfully built an integrated system that can tackle both at the same time, while using less energy. They are currently working with industry partners to scale up the new technology.
“This will be a great opportunity for me to speak to a non-academic audience about the importance of carbon dioxide capture and conversion technologies,” says Dr. Dinh. “This is a pressing topic in the context of a worldwide movement to decarbonize our economy and try to achieve a net-zero future.”
The Falling Walls Science Summit 2023 will take place from November 7 to 9 as part of Berlin Science Week. To learn more about the event and The Falling Walls Foundation, visit the website.
Queen’s is busy connecting with incoming undergraduate students from more than 50 countries and creating new ways to support their transition to life in Canada.
Queen's is sending boxes to new international students full of items that will be helpful for their upcoming move.
Each application cycle, Queen’s works to enhance the diversity of the incoming undergraduate class by actively recruiting international students from around the world. This year, the university is enhancing its coordinated efforts to showcase all that Queen’s has to offer and to welcome new students to the community in advance of their arrival on campus.
“Our campus is enriched and enhanced by a breadth of diverse perspectives and experiences as we work to develop a global mindset and an inclusive culture,” says Allison Yokom, Senior Director, International Undergraduate Enrolment in Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment (UAR). “This recruitment cycle, we received more than 9,000 applications from international students to direct-entry undergraduate programs, and we made more than 5,000 offers. From the first connection with Queen’s, through to when they arrive on campus, we are in close contact with students, ensuring they are aware of new financial aid opportunities, as well as the breadth of academic and community supports available.”
Among these new opportunities, Queen’s has created a suite of International Admission Awards to help make an education at the university more affordable for high achieving international students. These awards are available on a competitive basis and range from $40,000-$100,000 over their four years of study, depending on the program. They join other admission awards specifically for international students, including the Principal’s International Scholarship-India and the International Admission Scholarship.
Countdown to Queen’s, a new international engagement pilot program, is also helping welcome new international students before they arrive in Kingston. Through this pilot program, UAR is sending out packages of useful items for students’ upcoming move to Canada, including luggage tags, passport holders, universal chargers, and toques. All these items feature Queen’s branding to encourage students to feel part of the campus community as they prepare for their move.
These boxes are just one touchpoint with admitted international students throughout the summer. Other outreach efforts include connecting new and current students through the new International Ambassador Program, sharing the International Student Guidebook, and engaging them with posts and videos on the Queen's UAR social media channels.
Supports for the transition to Queen’s, Canada, and beyond
Communication and assistance from the university doesn’t end once international students enrol. International students who say yes to Queen’s are provided with additional and ongoing supports for their transition to a new country and community through the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC).
“Attending university abroad is a significant change, and we are here to support students every step of the way, through their study permit process to settling in Kingston,” says Sultan Almajil, Director, QUIC. “We have expanded many of the services we offer in the past several years, and we have tailored programs that help ensure they are well prepared to arrive in Canada and start their studies. We then continue to provide services and opportunities for all international students to connect with peers, learn new skills, and build their community on campus and in Kingston.”
Through the iCent app, QUIC helps students make travel arrangements, plan for Canadian entry requirements, and more. All incoming international students are required to download the app so QUIC can ensure that they are prepared for their journey to Canada. QUIC began using the app during the pandemic to help students navigate travel restrictions and has expanded its use this year. QUIC is also hosting more than 30 tailored orientation and pre-arrival sessions for international students that started in May.
QUIC is also teaming up with Residence Life and Services to offer a new program that gives undergraduate students a bit more time to settle in before the start of the fall term. Through the pilot, incoming international students have the option to apply to move into their residence room several days earlier than the rest of the class. After their early arrival, the students will connect with QUIC as part of the centre’s annual Welcome Week programming to learn about life on campus, in Kingston and Canada, and set up services they will need, such as banking and cell phone plans.
This year, Queen’s is partnering with the City of Kingston and Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP) for a new initiative that helps all incoming international students adjust to life in their new town. When they arrive, new international students and their dependents will receive a welcome gift, including a free bus pass, tickets to Kingston museums, up to four tickets to the Grand Theatre, and a 30-day Fit Pass for access to city-run facilities such as Artillery Park, the INVISTA Centre, and Culligan Water Park.
Every year, QUIC serves more than 4,000 students across undergraduate and graduate studies from 120 countries around the world, delivering more than 400 programs, activities and sessions for current international students. Learn more about other new and existing supports for international students on the QUIC website.
Supporting international students is just one of the ways in which Queen's is working to build a global campus. Learn more about the university's Global Engagement Strategy and its wide-ranging international efforts on the Global Engagement website
International staff and faculty celebrate at Queen’s Global Connect and move toward the creation of a new employee resource group.
Attendees of the first Queen's Global Connect event gathered at the University Club.
Staff and faculty from across campus recently gathered for Queen’s Global Connect, an event organized to bring together those who identify as international and newcomers to Canada to build and strengthen community bonds, and further nurture an inclusive, globally-minded campus environment.
Organized and hosted at the University Club by a group of international employees from across the university, the June 15 gathering featured food, music, and social networking. This event was funded by the Inclusive Community Fund (Office of the Provost) and serves as a steppingstone toward the eventual creation of a new Employee Resource Group (ERG) for international employees and newcomers to Canada. This ERG will engage and inspire this important community by creating connections with one another, breaking down silos, and taking meaningful action to forge a strong sense of belonging.
“Our commitment to making Queen’s an inclusive community has never been stronger and remains imperative to the future success of our institution,” says Donna Janiec, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration), who spoke during the event on the institution’s priorities, as well as her past experiences as an international student and an immigrant to Canada. “One of the things that you will appreciate as your own Queen’s story continues to unfold and you find your home away from home is that you are surrounded here by an extraordinary collection of international people with remarkable perspectives to share.”
To facilitate the ongoing development of the ERG, international staff and faculty – including those who were unable to attend Queen’s Global Connect – are asked to participate in an online survey to gauge support for its establishment, and to capture employee interest in various activities that could potentially be organized by the ERG. Feedback will be accepted until the survey closes on July 5.
“It is my hope that through the formation of this ERG, friendships are formed, stories are shared, and the cultural exchanges that will take place will contribute to the rich tapestry that makes Canada and Queen’s truly unique,” says Supriya Venigalla, Special Projects Officer in the Office of the Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration) and one of the organizing committee members for the event.
More information and details about this upcoming ERG, will be released over the next few months.
Donna Janiec, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration), spoke about Queen's priorities, as well as her past experiences as an international student and an immigrant to Canada.
A strategy for global engagement
Creating an international ERG is only one of several objectives outlined in Queen’s new Global Engagement Strategic Plan 2023-2028. First launched in May 2023, it provides a framework for fostering international cooperation and collaboration – both necessary aspects of a thriving academic institution. The plan also reaffirms Queen’s mission to make international staff and students feel respected and valued, while promoting a campus culture that allows them to thrive.
Other strategies to promote equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion on Queen’s campus outlined under this new plan include exploring opportunities to expand participation in the Queen’s Career Gateway Program – a program that provides educational and employment support for newcomers to Canada, refugees, and individuals belonging to equity-deserving groups with limited English-language skills.
As Queen’s advances its collective commitment to equity, it is of vital importance that all its employees are equipped with the supports and resources needed to grow and thrive.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing all the great work that will come out of this global strategy over the next few years,” says Jermaine Marshall, one of the organizers of the Queen’s Global Connect event, and the Inclusion and Anti-Racism Advisor within the Human Rights and Equity Office.
To learn more about Queen’s wide-ranging international efforts, visit the Global Engagement website.
Organizers of Queen's Global Connect include, from left: Tom Collier, Office of the Vice-Provost, Global Engagement; Nilani Loganathan, Human Rights and Equity Office; Luis Herrera, Smith School of Business; Chineze Onuoha, McDonald Institute; Jermaine Marshall, Human Rights and Equity Office; Supriya Venigalla, Office of the VP(Finance and Administration); and Ishana Gopaul, Office of the VP(Finance and Administration).
University secures its best performance to date with third consecutive top-10 finish.
For the third straight year, Queen’s has ranked among the top 10 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings– earning third place worldwide and first place in North America out of over 1,700 universities. Queen’s is the only Canadian university to achieve three top-10 placements since the rankings began in 2019.
The THE Impact Rankings are a global measurement for assessing universities’ performance in advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were established by UN member nations in 2015 to guide global action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure shared peace and prosperity for all people by 2030.
"It is an honour to be recognized for our institution’s ongoing contributions to advancing the SDGs. These goals are reflective of the university’s mission and our desire to be recognized as a global institution," says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. "The Impact Rankings have played an instrumental role in bringing together our community by creating a focus on the numerous ways Queen’s is engaged in solving the world’s most pressing challenges. Our performance in the rankings tells us that we are on the right track, and our efforts are having an impact."
The 2023 rankings reviewed institutions from 117 countries, including 26 Canadian universities, and saw an overall increase of 11 per cent in worldwide participation over last year.
"It’s really impressive what Queen’s University is doing to meet the goals and is a testament to how seriously it takes those critically important goals and how the whole sector is united in pursuit of a sustainable future for us all," says Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer with Times Higher Education. "The rankings are vital for millions of prospective students who are increasingly demanding to see evidence that the universities they consider for their education are committed to sustainability and to helping them to become sustainably minded citizens."
Our performance
The Impact Rankings evaluate universities’ activities across four important areas – research, teaching, outreach, and stewardship – using hundreds of quantitative and qualitative data points.
Once again Queen’s submitted evidence for all 17 SDGs, and scored outstanding marks, in particular for advancing SDGs 2, 11, and 16. The university placed first in the world for its contributions to SDG 2: Zero Hunger; second in the world for SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and seventh for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
"Our performance in this year’s rankings confirms that Queen’s is realizing its aspirations to be a university that effects real, positive change at the local, national, and global level," says Principal Deane. "Our community is working together to improve our world and to help shape a better future for all of us and the planet."
Queen’s submitted more than 400 pieces of evidence this year, highlighting institutional operations, policies, research, and strategy, and involving collaborative work by dozens of units across the university. Some examples of the evidence provided and evaluated this year include:
SDG 2 – Swipe it Forward Queen’s, an initiative to help address food insecurity on campus and provide short-term, immediate support to students in need. All students on meal plans have the option to donate up to five meals per semester to a student in need.
SDG 2 – The new Queen’s PEACH Market, a ‘pay what you can’ model where untouched food is packaged and made available to members of the university community.
SDG 16 – The John Deutsch Institute for the Study of Economic Policy in the Department of Economics informs policymaking in Canada and abroad by focusing on policy-relevant research in economics and related fields.
SDG 16 – Queen’s Model Parliament (QMP) is the oldest and largest model parliament in Canada. The student-led event sees about 300 students take over Canada’s House of Commons where they experience the legislative process by forming political parties, running for office, drafting bills, and debating them on the floor.
SDG 11 – Queen’s is committed to recording and preserving aspects of cultural heritage such as local folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge. Our Office of Indigenous Initiatives – Art on Campus program has installed artwork across campus from many different Indigenous nations, as well as an outdoor plinth that identifies the Indigenous land the university sits on.
SDG 11 – The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, or "The Isabel" as it is fondly known, hosts public performances, bringing local, national, and internationally renowned artists and performers of all genres to the local community, including musicians and performing artists.
SDG 11 – The Sustainable Transportation Sub-Working Group provides recommendations for the implementation of alternative transportation such as public transit options, parking pass options, and active transportation with a focus on benefits for the environment, human health, and the economy.
SDG 15 – The Queen's University Biological Station (QUBS) is one of the premier scientific field stations in Canada. For almost 70 years, researchers and students have gathered at QUBS to conduct leading-edge research and participate in courses spanning ecology, evolution, conservation, geography, and environmental science.
SDG 15 – Sustainability and biodiversity initiatives are core to the mandate of Queen’s Bader College (UK). The campus acts as a living laboratory, where students collect samples and perform experiments on the rich variety of ecosystems and land forms that are present.
Designed in alignment with the Queen’s Strategy, the plan sets out six objectives for embedding global engagement across the university’s mission, and for creating a thriving global community that welcomes diverse ways of knowing and being from around the world. Its development involved consultation with more than 400 Queen’s students, faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, alumni, and staff, as well as local and global partners.
“As the most urgent challenges of our time transcend borders and geographical distance, Queen’s ability to make a positive difference requires a global mindset in all aspects of university life,” says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “This plan aims to enhance global engagement in our research and knowledge mobilization, teaching and learning, communications, and overall campus environment.”
Some of the key commitments within the plan include expanding global learning and study abroad opportunities, financial and administrative supports for global research, and the Principal’s Global Scholars and Fellows program. The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a critical component of Queen’s definition of global impact as well, and the plan includes actions for advancing them across the university’s mission.
Principles for values-based global engagement
The plan takes a values-based approach to global engagement grounded in six principles, including Indigenization, and equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility (I-EDIAA). These principles are at the forefront of this plan and inform all the institution’s global work.
“One of the core philosophies underpinning our plan is mutually beneficial partnership, which is the cornerstone of an I-EDIAA-informed approach to global engagement,” says Sandra den Otter, Vice-Provost (Global Engagement). “Through thoughtful collaborations with global partners directed at co-creating solutions to our shared challenges, we can strengthen not only our capacity to share and advance knowledge, but also our ability to build a more fair, equitable, and sustainable world for all.”
Partnering in priority regions
The strategic plan identifies four priority regions for expanding Queen’s partnership capabilities, including Africa and the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. It also prioritizes building mutually beneficial partnerships with Black and Indigenous communities worldwide, in keeping with the university’s commitment to the Scarborough Charter and Extending the Rafters.
Queen’s will continue to deepen partnerships in all regions for the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. Bader College is well positioned—through its geographical proximity to mainland Europe and the global orientation of its teaching and learning, research, and sustainability initiatives—to be of particular impact. Over the next five years, the university will continue to clarify and leverage Bader College’s unique role in advancing global engagement at Queen’s.
Implementation and planning
This university-wide strategic plan will involve the whole university community and will be led by the Office of the Vice Provost, Global Engagement and the Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, in collaboration with faculties and units across campus. A full implementation plan will be released by fall 2023.
The following statement was issued by Sandra den Otter, Vice-Provost, Global Engagement:
Over the past two weeks, conflict has broken out between rival forces in Sudan, with violence particularly affecting civilians in the capital city of Khartoum, as the numbers of those who have been killed or injured continues to climb. We have been deeply troubled by news of residents who have lost access to drinking water and other basic supplies, as locals find themselves caught in the middle of an increasingly urgent and fast-changing situation. Various ceasefires and truces that have seemingly been agreed to have not held for long enough for some residents to be able to stock up on those supplies.
The events that have led to this outbreak of violence in Sudan’s capital are complex and longstanding, but our desire to stand in solidarity with those who are impacted by the ongoing violence remains absolute. This solidarity extends to those in our local communities who have connections to family, friends and loved ones who are directly affected by recent events.
Queen’s vision is to work in service to the world’s most significant and urgent challenges, and to put these words into action, we must do so as a community. This statement is an expression of our solidarity, as a community, with the peoples of Sudan who are impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Our thoughts remain with those who have lost their lives and their loved ones at this most challenging time. At Queen’s, we will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds, and post on the Vice Provost Global Engagement’s website any action we can take to assist those impacted.
Through the Queen’s University International Centre, the university will continue to contact directly international students and new Canadians who also have family and strong ties to the region to provide information, resources, and guidance. All students can turn to supports and resources offered by Queen’s and campus groups. Student Wellness Services has expanded mental health services and weekly student wellness groups, and students can also access support at the AMS Peer Support Centre. Faith and Spiritual Life also offers multi-faith, non-judgmental support. 24/7 crisis support and counselling is available to undergraduate and MBA students through the Console app; Graduate students can access 24/7 crisis support and counselling through Empower Me. Good2Talk is another 24/7 phone service available to all postsecondary students in Ontario.
The Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor has appointed Dr. Heather Aldersey as Special Advisor to the Principal on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Heather Aldersey will begin her work with an environmental scan of UN SDG work across the university and at other institutions in North America. (Queen's University photo)
Across the Queen’s community, a great deal of research, teaching, learning, community engagement, and stewardship activities are directly related to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Increasing awareness of these relationships and coordinating and enhancing the work is a priority for the university. Like the Queen’s Strategy, UN SDGs call on us to harness our sense of social responsibility, address significant and urgent real-world challenges, and advance our social impact.
The Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor has appointed Heather Aldersey, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, as Special Advisor to the Principal on UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Aldersey’s role will involve creating an inventory of UN SDG work by identifying best practices and champions of UN SDG work at Queen’s, and she will also create and chair a Principal’s Council on UN SDGs to inform, collaborate, and innovate on the development of a UN SDG operational framework for the university.
“The UN SDGs provide a roadmap to a more sustainable future. They address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. My initial focus will be on fostering intentional collaboration among those doing UN SDG work at Queen’s and coordinating these relationships in a meaningful and engaging way,” says Dr. Aldersey. “I look forward to working closely with other university roles who engage with UN SDG work, specifically in the Office of the Vice-Provost, Global Engagement and the Office of the Vice-Principal, University Relations, and for others to share their exciting projects and initiatives with me so they can be supported and celebrated.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Aldersey plans to establish a UN SDG for Impact award that will recognize campus community members and options for funding UN SDG projects to enhance and support more UN SDG initiatives at Queen’s.
“It is fundamental that we weave UN SDG work into all aspects of the Queen’s community and collaborate across the institution as we strive towards these global goals,” says Principal Patrick Deane. “We are on the right track, as indicated by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, but there is much more important work ahead of us as a university for the future.”
The Queen’s community is invited to participate in virtual workshops and events on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in higher education.
Post-secondary institutions across the country are coming together from March 6-10 to mark the first SDG Week Canada. This national collaboration is organized by the Sustainability Hub at UBC, Colleges and Institutes Canada, and SDSN Canada, of which Queen’s is a member. Through workshops, panels, and interactive programming, the week will showcase and accelerate the advancement of SDGs on Canadian university and college campuses in a coordinated and collaborative way. SDG Week Canada aligns with the global UN SDG Action and Awareness Week focused on promoting awareness of the SDGs among students, faculty, and staff in higher education with the goal to action them in their local communities. Queen’s is a member of several organizations, including the University Global Coalition, who are recognizing the week with events and activities open to members, as well as the launch of new initiatives.
Action and Awareness at Queen’s
Read the report: Queen's contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Advancing social impact | 2021-2022 [PDF Report 10 KB]
In 2023, the university is continuing to build on actioning the Queen’s Strategy. Earlier this year, the second annual social impact report was released, highlighting the university’s activities in research, teaching, outreach, and stewardship that support advancing the UN SDGs. The report and Advancing Social Impact website provide a snapshot through storytelling, videos, and other media of the collaborations and initiatives across the university that generate impact on our campuses and in our communities.
To build on this momentum, the Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor will soon be making an announcement regarding the appointment of a faculty member to the position of Special Advisor to the Principal on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This new position will work to highlight and enhance all the important work happening across the Queen’s community to advance these global goals and further the university’s social impact. With an eye towards Queen’s partnerships and collaborations, Wendy Craig (Psychology) was recently appointed as Special Advisor to the Principal on Community Engagement. Dr. Craig will work to enhance community engagement learning and research opportunities while also bringing together the multiple facets of community service work, outreach, and training within the Queen’s Strategy.
Engagement and Outreach
The SDGs are also embedded in the university's draft Global Engagement Strategic Plan presented by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Global Engagement. Developed in response to the goals of the Queen’s Strategy and in consultation with more than 400 faculty, students, staff, community members, and global partners, the plan outlines six objectives to deepen the university’s global impact and work towards a more just, equitable, and sustainable society. Shared just ahead of SDG Week Canada, the draft plan will be open for feedback until March 17.
Following the success of last year’s re-imagined SDG-focused Art of Research, University Relations is continuing the theme with the 7th edition of the photo contest. Queen’s faculty, staff, students, and alumni are all eligible to enter the contest for a chance to win one of six prizes of $250 for sharing their research through compelling visuals. Alongside the five categories highlighting specific SDGs, the contest has expanded this year to include a special video category, “Research in motion.” Submissions will be accepted throughout SDG Week Canada until March 10.
Beyond SDG Week Canada
For students looking to put the SDGs into action, DDQIC has partnered with the Centre for Social Impact at Smith School of Business to co-host the Queen’s edition of the World’s Challenge Challenge (WCC). Competing as multi-disciplinary teams and guided by the SDGs, students will pitch an idea to make our world a better place with the chance to win funding to put it into action. Winners of the Queen’s Regional Competition will represent the university at the WCC Global Final at Western University where they will have a chance to compete for $30,000. The Global Final will take place during a week-long conference where the winning Queen's team will have the opportunity to network with other teams from 20 institutions around the world. Applications for the Queen’s Regional Competition will be accepted until March 21 with the event on March 31 in Mitchell Hall.
To learn more about SDG Week Canada and to participate in virtual events held across the country, visit the Sustainability Hub at UBC.
University releases draft Global Engagement Strategic Plan for campus consultation.
The Global Engagement Strategy consultation is open for feedback until Friday, Mar. 17, 2023.
Queen’s is launching an online call for feedback on the draft Global Engagement Strategic Plan. Created to support the Queen’s Strategy, the plan outlines six objectives to deepen the university’s global impact and ability to help shape a more just, equitable and sustainable society.
“Our university community is driven by intellectual curiosity, passion, and a propensity for teamwork, positioning us as an institution capable of addressing society’s most significant global challenges,” says Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “With a new, comprehensive Global Engagement Strategic Plan to guide this work, we will continue to strengthen our impact on a global scale.”
The draft Global Engagement Strategic Plan aims to take a principled approach to global engagement grounded in I-EDIAA, mutual benefit and sustainability. It focuses on several areas for growth, among them: embedding Queen’s in the global community through mutually – beneficial partnerships, cultivating critical and innovative thinkers through global learning, advancing inclusive excellence in research, and creating a campus environment in which everyone can thrive.
The strategic plan has been built on extensive community engagement. The Office of the Vice-Provost, Global Engagement considered and incorporated input from over 400 faculty members, students, staff, Kingston community members, and global partners. Queen’s sought additional guidance from the International Association of Universities (IAU), whose representatives visited campus in May 2022 and shared comprehensive recommendations for how to enhance our international engagement.
“A spirit of partnership and collaboration animates the global engagement strategic plan. A plan is most promising when designed with the same collaborative spirit it seeks to encourage, so that has been our approach from the start,” says Sandra den Otter, Vice-Provost, Global Engagement. “We consulted widely in preparing our draft Global Engagement Strategic Plan, and we look forward to receiving further feedback to ensure that the plan resonates with the broader campus community.”
All campus community members are invited to review and submit feedback on the draft Global Engagement Strategic Plan before it is finalized. The consultation period ends on Friday, Mar. 17, 2023. To share your thoughts, visit the Global Engagement Strategic Plan consultation website.
Dr. William Leggett.
![[Illustrative aerial drone photo Queen's University campus]](/gazette/sites/default/files/assets/stories/2020/Queens-times-higher-ed-2023-phase1-static-globe-gazette-feature-1000x667.jpg)
![[Report Cover: Queen's contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Advancing social impact | 2021-2022]](/gazette/sites/default/files/assets/stories/2020/UN%20SDG%20Report_Cover_2021-2022.jpg)
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