International Biosphere Research Journal Launched by VIU

January 8, 2018 - 4:00pm

Biosphere reserves are the subject of research around the world, yet the field of study didn’t have an academic journal dedicated specifically to biosphere research. That is, not until recently, when VIU faculty and staff stepped up and created an online academic journal — the International UNESCO Journal of Biosphere Reserves.

“There are 669 designated biosphere reserves located in 120 nations across the globe. The fact
that there was nothing out there was stunning to us. That’s when we realized VIU could take a lead in creating a journal that fills that gap,” says Dr. Pam Shaw, Master of Community Planning Program Director.  

In the fall of 2016, Shaw hired VIU graduate Taylor Alexander to create the journal’s online platform. Once the website and guidelines were in place a call for submissions was made.

“As a student, you don’t go into a master’s program thinking you are going to launch something this big or important,” says Alexander. “It’s an honour to be able to say I contributed to the start of a journal that will become a permanent fixture in the research world.”

VIU faculty and staff conduct research and share knowledge about the UNESCO-designated Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region.

“We live in a place that has a magnificent UNESCO biosphere in its backyard,” says Shaw. “Now there is a journal right here at VIU, supported by students and faculty, to publish peer-reviewed scientific papers and community-driven research notes that explore the human/natural relationship to biospheres.” 

*This article originally appeared in the Winter 2017/18 edition of VIU Magazine. Check out more stories on the VIU Magazine webpage.


Tags: Research | VIU Magazine


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