Welcome to the International Institute for Environmental Studies

Many institutions and organizations recognize the importance of internationalization to solving environmental problems, and especially of providing opportunities for students and faculty to be involved in research of an international scale. However, opportunities to gain this experience, especially for students is not always possible. IIES is a response to this need.

Find out more about our activities and join an international community focused on environmental research.

The IIES facilitates international collaboration between research scientists, policy experts, associated postdoctoral fellows, and students.

The International Institute for Environmental Studies (IIES) has grown out of international collaborations among a number of universities around the globe that have leading programs in environmental science, engineering and policy.

As a global leader in environmental research, the Institute facilitates the exchange of information, ideas, research needs and results among member institutions, governmental members, and industry partners of the Institute. Through a variety of annual public events, the Institute works to transfer the outcomes of the research of its members to its governmental and industrial partners and to the public at large.

Upcoming Intensive Online Course in Collaboration with Trent University

Online Course | Spring 2025

We are excited to provide support in the development of a new online course at Trent University, Isotope Hydrology, coming next Spring 2025. This course will introduce participants to the principles of stable isotope geochemistry as applied to catchment hydrology and ecohydrology, providing a broader understanding of environmental research in the hydrosphere. The course will be co-led by a team of instructors with diverse backgrounds who actively use isotopes in their research, ensuring a rich learning experience while exposing participants to different topics. More details to come.

Registration will open soon!

Let's Collaborate!

The IIES can benefit organizations by organizing tailored lecture series that cater to the specific interests of our members. These lectures can be designed to align with academic curricula, allowing participants to earn online credits from their respective universities. Contact us to learn more!

Events and Courses

The IIES offers opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate and exchange information through annual workshops, graduate student forums, online lectures, and group research projects.

ANNUAL WORKSHOPS

The IIES offers opportunities for students and faculty to present their research, while networking for future collaboration. The workshops are structured around the four pillars of the Institute: Environmental Health, Environmental Policy, Environmental Process, and Green & Novel Technology.

International GRADUATE STUDENT FORUM

The international graduate student forum allows graduate students from IIES member universities to meet and discuss environmental research from various perspectives, with an emphasis on networking, discussion, and professional development.

ONLINE LECTURE SERIES

Leading researchers from around the globe offer series of free weekly online lectures on specific themes. The e-lectures are broadcasted live to a wide international audience, offering participants the collective insight of the speakers as well as the opportunity to network with people from other countries.

Upcoming Events and Courses

November 20, 2024 to March 5, 2025 | Online

Improving Water Security | UNA Europa Online Lecture Series

Join us for an exciting online series in conjunction with our upcoming workshop and forum in South Africa. This periodic series of lectures will explore and expand on issues related to improving water security.

April 7-8, 2025 | Johannesburg, South Africa

9th Annual Science & Policy Workshop

We are excited to announce that the 9th Annual Science & Policy Workshop is now open for registrations! The workshop will be hosted by University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and will run from April 7-8, 2025.

April 10-12, 2025 | Acornhoek, South Africa

International Graduate Student Forum

The 8th International Graduate Student Forum will be held in conjunction with the 9th Annual Science & Policy Workshop. The forum will take place in Acornhoek, South Africa at the Wits Rural Facility from April 10-12, 2025.

latest news

December 5, 2024

Trent University: Recipient of Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program Grant

We are excited to announce that Trent University in collaboration with the IIES has been selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Queen Elizabeth Scholars (QES) grant program. With this grant, the IIES will coordinate the United Global Plan of Action for One Health and One Climate initiative, which involves critical collaborations with partners in Chile, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and beyond.

November 27, 2024

The IIES welcomes its newest member, the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique

The IIES is delighted to welcome its newest member, the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) in Quebec, Canada. The MOU, signed in August 2024, establishes a partnership aimed at fostering collaboration in the academic and research missions of IIES’s members while advancing their shared vision of creating sustainable solutions to global environmental challenges.

November 12, 2024

2024 International Graduate Student Forum in Hong Kong

We were thrilled to return to one of our member institutions for the 7th International Graduate Student Forum, hosted by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on October 29, 2024. The Grad Forum brings together graduate students from IIES member institutions to share and discuss environmental research from diverse perspectives.

Inside the current issue

The IIES welcomes our newest member institution, Université de Toulon, France

February 28, 2024

2023 International Graduate Student Forum in Puerto Montt, Chile

January 23, 2024

Universidad del Desarrollo, Chile graciously hosted our 8th Annual Science & Policy Workshop in 2023

January 19, 2024

FOUR PILLARS OF THE INSTITUTE

The IIES annual workshops typically focus around four general themes. The themes, however, are not all-inclusive, therefore people working in other areas are always welcome.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Under this theme, we focus on the relationships between people and their environment, promotion of human health and well-being, and maintaining healthy and safe communities.

ENVIRONMENTAL Policy

Under this theme, we focus on the commitment of organizations and government to the laws, regulations, and other policy mechanisms concerning environmental issues.

ENVIRONMENTAL Processes

Under this theme, we focus on processes related to the interaction of natural resources with humans and their environment.

GREEN & NOVEL TECHNOLOGY

Under this theme, we focus on technology and science that helps to reduce human impact on the natural environment.

Testimonials

"I strongly recommend the annual IIES Science and Policy Workshop to anyone that is interested in environmental science. This workshop provides a unique and welcoming platform to broaden your perspective on various environmental issues. Additionally, it offers an outstanding opportunity to enhance academic connections, engage in networking, share knowledge, collaborate, and pave the way for future prospects."

Neda DalirAssistant Researcher | University of Edinburgh

"The IIES workshop and grad forum were great experiences, allowing you to meet people with different backgrounds from different countries, learn about their research, and spend a week together in a new country/city. Engaging with one another, learning from each others’ experiences and knowledge, and connecting with others is my main takeaway."

Pearl FinkelzonMaster’s Student | Trent University

"The IIES provided an amazing representation of the global and interdisciplinary research that graduate students in environmental research are doing. I hope that the IIES continues to grow, because I believe that international discussions that take place in these workshops and forums are important in developing solutions for our environmental challenges."

Kyle ReyesMaster’s Student | Trent University

“It was a wonderful experience attending IIES meetings wherein we had the opportunity to interact with other experts in the diversified fields, encouraging multidisciplinary research collaboration and fruitful scientific discussions.”

Amit BhatnagarAssociate Professor | University of Eastern Finland

“The IIES provided me with an amazing opportunity to attend my first international research meeting. This was a great platform to share my research and receive feedback from a diverse group of scientists. It has allowed me to cultivate a new network of connections, which I plan to utilize in my professional career moving forward.”

Steven ChowPhD Candidate | Johns Hopkins University

Sponsors & Funding

The International Institute for Environmental Studies is supported by funding from its members, government agencies and private philanthropic donations. Funding to start the Institute was generously provided by Dr. Justin Chiu, an alumnus of Trent University. Follow the link below to donate to the IIES today.