- 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.
“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.” – Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs