Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this week that establishes a framework for collaboration on a Global Institute for Energy, Mines and Society (GIEMS) to collaborate on research and innovation in the mining and energy sectors.
Dr. Jeff Keshen, president and vice chancellor of the University of Regina, Dr. Peter Stoicheff, president and vice chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan, and Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic all signed the MOU in the Saskatchewan Pavilion at the Conference of Parties COP28 conference in Dubai.
GIEMS aims to better meet industry needs by having state-of-the-art research and development in place. It also will provide training and experiential learning to help build the provincial workforce in the areas of skilled trades, engineers and scientists.
“Our institutions have a shared commitment to be highly responsive to the needs of the economy – including employers, industries, and growing the workforce – by providing quality post-secondary research, education and training opportunities,” Dr. Keshen in the statement. “To those ends, working collaboratively through GIEMS provides an exciting opportunity to amplify our global impact as innovators in sustainable energy and mining.”
Through this collaboration, these post-secondary institutions aim to rapidly advance provincial research and innovation in the areas of mining, energy and critical minerals.
“With the mining and energy sectors such a crucial part of Saskatchewan’s economy, and global demand for critical minerals continuing to grow, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is excited to join our partners in signing this MOU,” Dr. Rosia said. “We look forward to contributing our applied research expertise as we collaborate to unlock the incredible potential for innovation in mining and energy and help train the workforce of tomorrow.”
