Action on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at VIU
May 8, 2019
Note: This if the first of a two-part look at Vancouver Island University’s involvement in the the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this article, we will explore what the goals are and why they matter to VIU. In part two, we will examine how VIU has contributed to them and how we might do more in the future. In 2015, countries around the world adopted the United Nations 2030... Read more
VIU Researchers Awarded $25,000 In Health Canada's Drug Checking Technology Challenge
April 25, 2019
VIU researchers developing a breakthrough opioid drug testing system using new equipment provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific – were declared semi-finalists in Health Canada’s Drug Checking Technology Challenge. Researchers at Vancouver Island University (VIU) developing a drug-testing system that could one day save lives are getting some much-needed help from Health Canada and a... Read more
Raising a Pint of Ale to Build Links to Ancient Cultures
March 29, 2019
A VIU Ethnoarchaeology research project brings the past to life through the re-creation of ancient-inspired ales hailing from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Scandinavia. Digging up centuries-old artifacts to study human activity may not appeal to everyone, but a Vancouver Island University (VIU) Professor and an undergraduate student have found an engaging way to bring the ancient past to life.... Read more
VIU Announces Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Recipients
March 20, 2019
Five Vancouver Island University (VIU) students will have the opportunity to make a difference internationally this spring thanks to the Canadian Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Scholarship (QES) program. “The QES gives our students the opportunity to collaborate with international partners on pressing issues facing coastal communities around the world,” says Jennifer Sills,... Read more
Exploring the Importance of Snow to Vancouver Island Water Supplies
February 15, 2019
VIU researchers are helping devise new methods of assessing the quality and quantity of water sources in coastal mountains using drones. Vancouver Island University (VIU) researchers are taking a deeper look at snow packs in unique alpine forested watersheds on northern Vancouver Island, with the aim of using drone technology to fill a science knowledge gap on stream flows. VIU... Read more
VIU Researchers Aim to Develop Improved Mapping Methods For Canada's North
January 15, 2019
A Vancouver Island University (VIU) research project will provide a unique opportunity to examine the glacial landscape of Canada’s North, leading to new mapping methods that will help people identify sources of sand, gravel or minerals. Canada’s North is rich in natural resources and a major driver of economic growth in the region. Large mineral deposits could include diamonds, gold,... Read more
VIU Graduate Student Researches How Libraries Impact People's Quality of Life
January 7, 2019
The value of public libraries goes well beyond the multitude of books lining the shelves. Assessing the role that libraries play in contributing to community completeness and increasing? quality of life, and how this can, in turn, help marginalized urban groups is what Vancouver Island University (VIU) Master of Community Planning student Dylan Thiessen aims to determine. Thiessen... Read more
VIU’S MABRRI Researches the Importance of the French Creek Estuary Area
December 5, 2018
As communities continue to expand on Vancouver Island, creating a balance between development and natural spaces is even more crucial to ensure the protection of the environment and wildlife. The Friends of French Creek Conservation Society (FFCCS) sought out the expertise of VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) to help support their efforts to... Read more
VIU Master of Community Planning Program Launches Academic Journal
December 4, 2018
Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Master of Community Planning program now has its own peer-reviewed academic journal. Future Plans, an online academic journal accepting submissions from students, professional planners, consultants and researchers across Canada, published its first edition in late November. Featured authors in the inaugural edition include VIU students, a VIU professor and a... Read more
VIU Student Investigates How to Help Cities Better Prepare for Natural Disasters
November 28, 2018
Can community planning play a role in creating more resilient communities that are better able to withstand natural disasters? Vancouver Island University (VIU) Master of Community Planning student Lainy Nowak says without a doubt. She is investigating ways in which governments can plan cities to better withstand slow-moving environmental issues such as climate change and fast-moving natural... Read more