After a decade of visionary leadership, the International Institute for Environmental Studies (IIES) marks a pivotal moment as Professor Douglas Evans steps down from his role as founding Director. Having guided the Institute from its inception, Professor Evans will continue his involvement by joining the IIES Board of Directors, ensuring his experience and insight remain central to the Institute’s future direction.
Professor Evans’ tenure as Director has been transformative. Under his stewardship, the IIES has grown into a globally respected network, now comprising 28 leading institutions from around the world. His commitment to facilitating international research collaboration and advancing policy-oriented environmental science has shaped the Institute’s mission and solidified its global footprint.
Among the many accomplishments of the last ten years, the IIES has convened nine Annual Science and Policy Workshops in locations as diverse as Canada, Finland, China, Edinburgh, South Korea, Vietnam, Chile, and most recently, South Africa. These gatherings have been pivotal in bringing together academics, policymakers, and students for interdisciplinary exchange. Alongside these flagship events, the IIES has hosted eight International Graduate Student Forums—most held in conjunction with the annual workshops—providing the next generation of environmental leaders an international space to network. The Institute has also delivered 11 free online lecture series featuring leading experts and researchers in the respective fields, as well as a number of thematic workshops and international summer school courses, all aimed at broadening access to high-quality, globally relevant environmental education.
To honour his enduring contributions, the IIES is proud to announce the establishment of the R. Douglas Evans Award for International Research and Collaboration to Trent graduate students. This award will recognize outstanding achievements in international environmental research partnerships, a fitting tribute to Professor Evans’ legacy.
Stepping into this new era of leadership are Professors Huy Dang and Margaret Graham, who will serve as Co-Directors of the Institute. They bring with them deep expertise, a global perspective, and a shared commitment to advancing the IIES’s mission. Both have played pivotal roles in the IIES, contributing significantly to the planning and success of IIES events over the years.
Associate Professor Huy Dang
Trent University, Canada
Professor Margaret Graham
University of Edinburgh, Scotland
In a joint statement, the new Co-Directors said:
“We are both delighted, and indeed it is an honour, to take on the role of IIES Co-Directors. We would especially like to acknowledge the ten years of leadership of the IIES founding Director, Professor Douglas Evans, in establishing the firm foundations and growth of the Institute. The network now comprises 28 leading institutions from around the world. Just a few weeks ago, the 9th Annual IIES Science and Policy Workshop and the 8th IIES Graduate Forum, hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, brought together graduate students and senior faculty from almost all continents, representing different cultures, disciplines, and ways of thinking. There were wide-ranging and challenging discussions around the theme of “Water”, including a panel session focused on water management and peace-building. We hope to build upon this success as we work to promote the IIES as a global leader in the development of research and policy for the management of environmental issues having international dimensions.”
– Professor Huy Dang, Trent University & Professor Margaret Graham, University of Edinburgh
As the IIES enters its second decade, the Institute stands poised to deepen its impact under the new co-directorship. With an expanded global network and a strong foundation of collaborative achievement, the IIES continues to be a vital hub for environmental scholarship and policy innovation.
