Brock University
AC-10: Support for Sustainability Research

The Sustainability Science and Society (SSAS) graduate program offers students three paths to study environmental sustainability. Students can tailor their program to specific career and research interests through enriching classroom learning with a practical co-op experience (Scheme A), intensive thesis research experience (Scheme B), or a major research paper and course-based experience (Scheme C). Students in the SSAS graduate program are eligible for funding from the University. Through this program students will earn a Masters of Sustainability in 12, 16 or 24 months.
The PhD in Sustainability Science (SSCI) was launched in fall 2022 and aims to cultivate a sustainable and equitable future by offering a state-of-the-art education that integrates rigorous scientific practice with an understanding of the unique linkages between humans and the environment. Students in the SSCI program complete core and elective course work, a comprehensive examination, research proposal and the submission and defence of a dissertation. The PhD in Sustainability Science is designed to be completed in 4 years (12 terms).
At the undergraduate level, students in any discipline may obtain a Minor in Environmental Sustainability within their degree program by completing the following courses with a minimum 60 percent overall average: ENSU 2P01: Introduction to Environmental Sustainability; ENSU 2P02: Environmental Sustainability in Practice; ENSU 3P90: Contemporary Environmental Issues; and Any 2.5 credits from an approved list of courses in many disciplines (course list is available in the University Calendar). All the Minor in Sustainability courses include research components, more specifically, ENSU 3P30: Contemporary Environmental Issues conducts a research paper at the end of the course.
The Howard Martin Memorial Award by The Niagara Falls Nature Club which is an In-Course Award valued at $500. It is awarded to a full-time Brock University student in second, third or fourth year of study. Candidates must demonstrate an interest and involvement in the natural environment. Candidates must also have satisfactory academic standing and demonstrate financial need and Ontario residency requirements. Applicants must submit a statement (approximately, one page in length) indicating their specific involvement in the area of the natural environment (including any specific activities, affiliations, experiences, etc., which detail their passion and dedication to the environment).
The PenFinancial Credit Union Graduate Award is made to a graduate student in a sustainability program. Preference is given to students who demonstrate a high degree of leadership and/or volunteerism in Niagara/Haldimand area. The award is valued at $2,500 annually.
The Rovinelli Family Bursary is made to an entering graduate student(s) at Brock University studying in the Master of Sustainability program who demonstrates financial need and meets the Ontario residency criteria. The Rovinelli Family Bursary is valued at $665 annually.
The TD Bank Group Scholarship in Environmental Sustainability - Awarded to a(n) undergraduate student(s) at Brock University in Environmental Sustainability who demonstrates academic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) residency requirements. Annual endowed amount of award differs, however as an example, for the past 2 years (2022/23) 5 to 12 students were awarded between $1,500 and $3,600 each on an annual basis.
[https://brocku.ca/esrc/minor-in-sustainability/; https://brocku.ca/programs/graduate/ssas/; https://brocku.ca/webcal/2022/undergrad/scho.html]

Brock’s current strategic plan 2018-2025, Niagara Roots – Global Reach, has four key priorities, one of which is to “build research capacity across the university.” One of the goals listed under this key priority includes enhancing transdiscipalinary research and high-impact research practices through actions such as enhancing and promoting awareness of transdisciplinary research and supporting collaborative research activity across disciplines and academic institutions, as well as non-academic partners.
To support and encourage sustainability research, the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) was established in 2013, along with 4 other new transdisciplinary research units (TD hubs). Through the TD hubs, Brock undertakes important community-focused research that is relevant to Niagara and beyond, and sustainability has become one of the key areas of focus, in large part due to TD hub initiative.
The ESRC’s Strategic Plan 2018-2023 has helped create a transformative and creative transdisciplinary community dedicated to research and advancing environmental sustainability locally and globally. The ESRC provides a focal point for environmental sustainability research, education, and engagement. With over 20 Faculty Affiliates (Core and Participating) and Librarians coming from 14 units across Brock University. They are joined in the Centre by Adjunct Professors, Affiliate Members, staff, and students. Undergraduate and graduate academic programs are offered at Brock University by the ESRC. Research and education provide the basis for multi-faceted engagement by the ESRC. One of the main objectives is to engage in knowledge mobilization and foster knowledge impacts, this is achieved through innovative partnership development, consistent web presence, as well as the hosting and of events and activities. Looking forward, the ESRC is excited about the future and continuing to make important contributions to science, education, and society.
[https://brocku.ca/strategic-plan/; https://brocku.ca/strategic-plan/priority-research/; https://brocku.ca/esrc/]

The Brock University Faculty Association Collective Agreement clearly articulates the tenure and promotion process for faculty members at Brock University. There is not a stipulation that faculty must undertake interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and/or multi-disciplinary research and instead, individual faculty members direct their own research and for many the aforementioned research types are of high importance. For those faculty members who focus on interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and/or multi-disciplinary research, they would then be expected to provide evidence of research excellence during the tenure and promotion process. As mentioned in the above section, Brock University’s current strategic plan has focused on a specific goal, with associated actions, to enhance transdisciplinary research and high-impact research practices.

The Brock University library supports all areas of research, including sustainability through a variety of channels including email consultations, live chat, research consultations and workshops. The library has created several different video tutorials and research guides to assist researchers at Brock. The library also has created resource guides for student researchers to learn more about sustainability.
[https://researchguides.library.brocku.ca/SSAS; https://brocku.ca/library/research-support/]

Brock University Strategic Research Plan:
https://brocku.ca/research-at-brock/wp-content/uploads/sites/73/Brock-Strategic-Research-Plan-2019-2025.pdf