The Environmental Policy Institute (EPI) is dedicated to excellence in
research, teaching and learning and public engagement on environmental policy
issues in Newfoundland and Labrador, in Canada, and internationally.
EPI's activities include analyzing
current environmental policies, exploring innovative solutions, and conducting,
co-ordinating and disseminating research widely to both academic and general
public audiences and developing provincial capacity in environmental policy. Since its establishment in 2011, EPI has been very active hosting
multiple guest speakers and workshops, participating in
various university and government consultations, and hosting public engagement
events.
You can learn more about the Master of Arts (environmental policy) program here.
What We Do
In pursuit of its mission, the EPI engages in the following activities:
Research
EPI uses theories, approaches, and methods from social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences to advance excellence in research and analysis on environmental policy issues. The EPI conducts research on environmental policy issues in topics such as water, forests, land, fisheries, minerals, oil and gas, energy, climate change, and biodiversity. It also conducts research on environmental policy issues at and across multiple levels, including individuals, households, communities, regions, provinces, nation-states, and international. EPI communicates and mobilizes research and knowledge to both academic and non-academic audiences.
Teaching
EPI is engaged in both undergraduate and graduate teaching and learning activities. The EPI established the new Masters of Arts in Environmental Policy (MAEP) program, the first graduate program at Grenfell Campus, which started in Fall 2012. The MAEP program educates students to develop research and professional skills in order to become highly qualified personnel in the field of environmental policy. EPI facilitates professional capacity for environmental policy research, development, evaluation, and engagement through the MAEP program and through knowledge mobilization and public engagement activities.
Public Engagement
EPI builds awareness of, and stimulates dialogue and debate on, environmental policy issues within the broader public through initiatives including workshops, panel discussions, the Reel Green Film Series, and other sponsored events. It collaborates with academia, policy makers and governments, industry and businesses, non-governmental organizations, Indigenous peoples, rural and urban communities, and citizens to address environmental issues and problems.
Our Mandate
EPI is a cornerstone of Memorial University-Grenfell Campus’ strategic research theme of Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources, which examines the the interaction of people, industry, and communities with the natural world – locally, nationally and globally.