What is the Intelligent Environmental Solutions Foundry meant to be? An environmental research hub? An advisory board for environmental policies? An interdisciplinary research association? IESF is meant to be all of these and more.
As the research landscape evolves, with the traditional divisions between scientific disciplines being seen as more restrictive then they are helpful, a new era of interdisciplinary research has emerged. Research focused on bringing together experts from various disciplines to tackle the same questions. With the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning the use of these technologies will completely change what can be done with data.
Organizations like IESF represent the power of collaboration, between disciplines, between communities and academia, and institutions and the government. We can can raise public awareness and involvement with environmental conservation through education and volunteer opportunities. We can bring together experts in AI modelling and environmental field research together to create models to better observe and predict the impact of humans on the environment. We can bring together scientists with provincial and federal governments to craft policies to protect our natural ecosystems. We also want to connect with people near and far, those who visit our campus, and those who cannot travel to IESF. We want to share the experience and benefits of every IESF event with as wide an audience as possible, through live-streaming, videorecording and hybrid events.
IESF is a collaboration between Land’escapes located in Coe Hill on the territory of the Curve Lake First Nations and the University of Guelph located within the Between the Lakes Purchase (1784, confirmed 1792); the treaty and territory of Mississaugas of the Credit (Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg). For generations, these nations have helped steward this land, honored and cherished this place as a center for rejuvenation, wisdom and healing. Following in their footsteps, we welcome you to join us, in a celebration of creativity, collaboration and learning.
Dr. Edward Sykes
Scientific Director, Intelligent Environmental Solutions Foundry
