Objectives
Develop Global Citizens
Develop global citizens through enriched academic, professional, and cross-cultural experiences.
New generation of leaders
Foster a new generation of enterprising leaders in Canada and around the world through facilitating lasting local and global community engagement.
Enhance collaborative capacity
Enhance collaborative capacity and deepen peer relationships.
The IIES-Trent projects
These projects involve critical collaborations with partners in Chile, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and beyond.
United Global Plan of Action for One Health and One Climate
- Sustainable development of critical minerals vital to the green transition Greenhouse gas
- Greenhouse gas emissions from natural ecosystems and human activities
- Carbon capture using sustainable agriculture practices and enhanced rock weathering
- The impacts of climate change on water quality and resources
Available Projects
To apply for one of the following projects, click on any of the “Apply Today” buttons and select the specific project in the application form.
EcoLink-VN – Integrated Assessment of Human-Induced Pressures on Coastal and Agricultural Water Systems in Southern Vietnam
Dr Quang Khai Ha
Host Institution: Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
Available Positions: 2
Duration: 2 to 3 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Applying Global Experiences or Knowledge to Enhance the Local Community
- Other Opportunities
About the Project
Southern Vietnam is undergoing rapid environmental change due to intensive land and water use. This project assesses the cumulative impacts of human activities across two critical systems: the Can Gio mangrove forest, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and the agricultural lowlands of the Mekong Delta. The project supports field-based research—including water, soil, and biological sampling—and social surveys to investigate water use behavior and local knowledge. We also welcome student/scholar participation through workshops, collaborative field campaigns, and academic exchanges, fostering capacity building and knowledge exchange between local and international partners.
Maximizing carbon capture for One Climate in a warming world
Professor Andrew Tanentzap
Host Institution: Trent University
Campus: Peterborough
Available Positions: 2
Duration: 2 to 6 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Volunteering within the Local Community
- Applying Global Experiences or Knowledge to Enhance the Local Community
About the Project
This project investigates how climate change alters the molecular composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and its role as a carbon pool. As one of Earth’s largest and most reactive carbon reservoirs, DOM’s persistence depends on its composition and microbial interactions. Despite advancements in DOM analysis, the impact of climate-driven changes in its “chemodiversity” remains unclear. The student will join a multidisciplinary team to conduct fieldwork, collecting DOM and greenhouse gas fluxes from lakes and soils, and analyze samples using advanced mass spectrometry, sequencing, and flow cytometry at Trent University. They will also receive training in data analysis and have opportunities to specialize based on their interests.
Assessing environmental impacts of ash as an agricultural amendment
Professor Hwong-Wen Ma
Host Institution: National Taiwan University
Available Positions: 1
Duration: 2 to 6 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
About the Project
There is growing interest in amending ash to soil (forest and farmlands) to replenish lost cations/nutrients and “capture” carbon. The sustainable management of ash as an agricultural amendment requires a comprehensive understanding of its flow through the system and its environmental impacts. This proposed project aims to integrate Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to evaluate the large-scale use of ash in agriculture.
Unraveling Metal Speciation in Sediment Using Advanced Surface Characterization Techniques
Professor Andrew Vreugdenhil
Host Institution: Trent University
Campus: Peterborough
Available Positions: 1
Duration: 4 to 5 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Other Opportunities
About the Project
This project explores metal speciation in sediment, a key factor in water quality. A visiting graduate student skilled in metal detection will collaborate with Prof. Vreugdenhil’s team at Trent University, using advanced techniques like XPS, SEM-EDS, and Raman spectroscopy to analyze metal chemical states. Focusing on Mn surface speciation and its environmental correlations, the research will enhance understanding of Mn biogeochemistry and remediation strategies. Beyond research, the student will engage in leadership activities, mentoring undergraduates, delivering a guest lecture, and presenting a community seminar.
Recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from E-Waste
Professor Tu Le Manh
Host Institution: Phenikaa University
Campus: Hanoi
Available Positions: 2
Duration: 5 months+
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Volunteering within the local community
- Applying Global Experiences or Knowledge to Enhance the Local Community
About the Project
Electronic waste (e-waste) contains valuable rare earth elements (REEs) like Neodymium (Nd), dysprosium (Dy), yttrium (Y), and europium (Eu), which are used in magnets, screens, and phosphors within electronic devices. Recovering these REEs from e-waste is crucial for reducing reliance on mining, stabilizing REE prices, and creating a sustainable circular economy. However, effective and environmentally friendly recovery methods are still under development, requiring research to optimize extraction processes and minimize environmental impacts. In this project, we propose a new extraction process based on the use of “greener” solutions such as deep eutectic solvents. Separation and extraction of REEs will be performed on a lab scale and then scale up to bench. Raw materials will be characterized using advanced techniques such as XRD, XRF. Leaching kinetics and recovery process of REEs will be studied using electrochemical means (especially, scanning electrochemical microscopy, SECM) and validated by ICP-EOS tests. The recovered REEs will be reused in form of catalyst material for wastewater treatment. Students will join us in the different research activities and possible publications of the results.
Investigation of Trace Metal Accumulation on MiPs and Their Impact on Aquatic Organisms in Red River Delta
Professor Huong Ngo
Host Institution: Phenikaa University
Campus: Hanoi
Available Positions: 2
Duration: 3 – 4 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Other
About the Project
The pollution caused by microplastics (MiPs) in aquatic environments has become a pressing global issue, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering the oceans each year, posing significant threats to marine organisms. Recent studies have primarily concentrated on the presence of MiPs and the pollutants, particularly metals, that they can adsorb in aquatic ecosystems and biological communities. This study, conducted in the Red River Delta, aims to investigate the ecological toxicity of MiPs in this aquatic environment, specifically focusing on the influence of adsorbed metal types on the surface of MiPs. The objective is to identify the role of MiPs as vectors facilitating the transfer of metal contaminants into aquatic organisms. Additionally, the study seeks to elucidate the toxic effects of these metal-contaminated MiPs on aquatic species by examining changes in the activity of specific enzymes, including glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and lysozyme (LYS). By doing so, the research aims to highlight the importance of using biomarkers for monitoring and early warning of aquatic pollution, particularly related to metal accumulation on MiPs, in the Red River Delta ecosystem.
Exchange opportunities & Funding
Outbound Students*
16 Canadian students to eligible international institutions
Priorities for existing IIES members with possibilities for new connections
Funding
Minimum 60 Days**
$8,000
8 awards of 60-89 days
$10,000
8 awards of 90-120 days
*Funding might be up to $12,000 for 121-180 day award or $13,000 for awards of 180 days or more.
**The 60 days period does not include travel or in-country orientation. At least 35 hours of activities per week.
Inbound Students
8 International students from eligible international institutions to Canadian institutions – IIES members
Priorities for existing IIES members with possibilities for new connections
Funding
Minimum 60 Days
Up to $13,000
8 awards of 90 days
Tuition, accommodation, visa expenses, health insurance, airfare, transport, winter clothing, installation and monthly allowance, books.
Eligibility
Outbound students
Awards for Canadian students
- Not previously received QES funding
- Less than 35 years old (exceptions exist)
- 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate programs* or graduate programs
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Registered at a Canadian postsecondary institutions
- Able to communicate in at least one of the languages used by the partner institution
*Possible although not ideal in the context of the Trent-IIES initiative
Eligibility
Inbound students
Awards for International students
- Not previously received QES funding
- Graduate Students
- Able to communicate in English or French
- Citizen of an eligible country – students currently in Canada with a valid study permit are eligible
- Less than 35 years old (exceptions exist)
Leadership & community engagement examples
Professional Workshops
Volunteering within the Local Community
Community Events: Roundtable, Panel Discussions, etc.
Peer Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing
Public Speaking, Problem-solving & Leadership Activities
Applying Global Experiences or Knowledge to Enhance the Local Community
Application Process
QES Process
- Project lead invites student(s)
- Students register on the QES portal and submit pre-departure form
- Project lead approves pre-departure form
- Students submit scholar narrative report
- Project lead approves scholar narrative report
IIES Process
- Proposals submitted to the IIES platforms from host faculty members
- Students apply for proposals with a ranked wishlist (up to 3)
- Selection committee (rep from the IIES, America, Europe, Asia)
- Pre-departure training & meetings with the IIES coordinator and host faculty members
- Registration on the QES portal
Annual Deadlines
| Project Phase | Spring Session | Summer Session | Fall Session |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Proposed Projects by Faculty |
March 1 |
July 1 |
November 1 |
|
Student Applications to Projects |
April 1 |
August 1 |
December 1 |
Financial Support & Conditions
- Through Trent University Financial system
- Immigration fees (IRCC) covered by host faculty for inbound scholars
- A hold back of $500 will be released upon the submission of the scholar narrative report
General Requirements
All QES funded activities must be for academic credit/recognition.
- All students must receive academic credit/recognition for the successful completion of their QES funded activities. How the credit/recognition is attributed is to be determined by the Canadian postsecondary institution.
- Possibilities include specific course credit, directed reading, co-curricular, and work-integrated learning credit. In the case of incoming scholars undertaking short-term study or research, QES funded activities must be directly linked to the graduate program in which they are registered in their home country.
The program will require all scholars to participate in leadership development, networking, and community engagement activities.
Requirements
for Queen Elizabeth Scholars
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Research activities
- Leadership development and community engagement activities
- Support and advice as active QES and alumni (pre-, during and after the scholarships)
- REPORTING
- QES: Pre-departure form on the QES portal
- Pre-departure orientation with the host institutions and IIES representative
- Final scholar narrative report
- Program evaluation process (surveys, interviews)
- Create a community of young global leaders (QES’ mandate)
Requirements
for Host Institutions
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Provide each scholar with leadership development activities
- Help each scholar identify community engagement activities
- Enable ongoing peer mentoring and alumni interaction
- REPORTING
- Partner report
- Create a community of young global leaders (QES’ mandate)
Evaluation Committee
Huy Dang
Trent University
Margaret Graham
University of Edinburgh
Douglas Evans
Trent University
Craig Sheridan
University of the Witwatersrand
Khai Quang
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
Download a sharable or printable PDF of the full Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program Presentation.