Masters Positions in Environmental Studies, associated with the Ecological Footprint (Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University and the Global Footprint Network) We are seeking several students to undertake their Masters programs and research associated with sustainability indicators and the Ecological Footprint, starting in September 2018. This research is associated with Ecological Footprint Project at the Faculty of Environmental Studies at York University. The Project: The concept of the Ecological Footprint was Introduced in the early 1990s. It is the only metric that compares overall human demand on nature with biocapacity – what our planet can renew. The Ecological Footprint project maintains national accounts databases to provide data about both demand and biocapacity. The databases cover all countries from 1961 to the present. The Global Footprint Network is currently transitioning the science, methodology and databases of the Ecological Footprints to an academic network. York University, Toronto, has been selected to host the National Footprint Accounts of the Global Footprint Network and provide the leadership and core activities for an international research collaboration to further develop, strengthen and elaborate the accounts. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to enhance the impact of the accounts upon policy-makers in government, industry and civil society. There are many opportunities for research associated with this project, including the realms of policy impact, methodology and behavioural change. Candidate profiles: Background and interests in sustainability assessment, sustainability indicators, quantitative methods, spatial analysis, and geomatics will be considered an asset. Successful candidates will be expected to develop a thesis, major paper or major project in this area, and to work with the Ecological Footprint project as Research Assistants. Candidates will have opportunities to participate in regular webinars with the Global Footprint Network team and will attend a winter retreat. There are also potential field experience opportunities at GFN headquarters in California, internship opportunities with Statistics Canada and other government agencies, and engagement with a range of major ENGOs in Canada. Funding: We are offering minimum funding of $11,000/year for two years, with additional funding to support travel and Research Assistantships. Details of the base funding model for Masters students at York University can be found at: http://gradstudies.yorku.ca/graduate-funding-model/#squelch-taas-tab-content-0-1 . Information on the Masters Program at FES can be found at http://fes.yorku.ca/apply/mes/. For more information about the Ecological Footprint project see http://footprint.info.yorku.ca/. For information on the Project and instructions on how to apply, interested applicants should contact: Prof. Martin Bunch
Associate Dean (Research)
Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University
Email: bunchmj@yorku.ca