Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service, Lakehead University and Confederation College have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Forest Science Research and Education.

“One of the goals in Lakehead University’s strategic plan is to create local and global partnerships, and this MOU helps us do that as well as grow our research capacity,” said Dr. Andrew Dean, vice-president, Research & Innovation, Lakehead University.

“We are especially pleased that this signing is occurring during our 14th annual Research and Innovation Week. This week highlights our research accomplishments, and this partnership with the Canadian Forest Service and Confederation College will offer unique opportunities for increased research in forest science,” he added.

The MOU is aimed at increasing opportunities for all organizations to share expertise and resources in forest science and related research, collaboration and education initiatives. It recognizes the potential for this relationship to assist each organization in strengthening forest science research, education, and commercial development in Canada.

“On behalf of the Canadian Forest Service, we are excited to further strengthen our relationship with Lakehead University and Confederation College through this memorandum of understanding. This MOU represents our mutual support for the advancement of forest science research and education within our respective organizations and throughout Canada,” said Dr. David Nanang, director general, Canadian Forest Service-Great Lakes Forestry Centre.

“Confederation College is deeply committed to providing access to programming that supports the needs of our region, and this partnership with Lakehead University and the Canadian Forest Service will help to advance that effort,” said Kathleen Lynch, president, Confederation College. “In particular, we are excited by the opportunities this MOU will create for students interested in the natural resources sector and the numerous applied research possibilities we will be able to collaboratively explore.”

The MOU provides a variety of opportunities and benefits for all organizations involved. There will be increased opportunities in forest science research and education that may exceed what the organizations could do separately.

There will also be increased sharing of intellectual and technical resources, including faculty and staff expertise and sophisticated research infrastructure and equipment and research sites.

Finally, the development of collaborative research projects, including more competitive grant proposals as well as the increased participation of CFS researchers as adjunct professors contributing to active mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students will support an increased collaboration of forest science research and education.

Together, Lakehead University, Confederation College and the Canadian Forest Service will continue to advance forestry research, collaboration, and education throughout Canada.