Laurier honoured for sustainability education at QS Reimagine Education Awards

Wilfrid Laurier University won gold at the 2024 QS Reimagine Education Awards, chosen as the top submission from Canada and the U.S. across all 18 categories.

Laurier was recognized for providing impactful experiential learning opportunities as part of its long-time research partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), which sees students work alongside community partners to tackle the effects of climate change on northern ecosystems and well-being.

The Reimagine Education Awards honour the exceptional efforts of educators, institutions and edtech start-ups in preparing learners for the challenges of the future. Laurier was celebrated for its sustainability education initiatives that inspire tangible change, demonstrate leadership through community partnerships and foster a more sustainable future.

“Laurier students are fortunate to learn from Indigenous peoples on their land, addressing urgent environmental changes that threaten traditional ways of life,” says Jonathan Newman, vice-president: research. “We are grateful to our partners in regional and territorial governments, Northwest Territories residents and our exceptional faculty members who bring these collaborative research opportunities to life.”

Northern Canada is one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth, leading to more intense wildfires, thawing ice, food insecurity, changes to wildlife habitats and loss of Indigenous culture. As local communities identify challenges, Laurier researchers join them to exchange knowledge and work toward solutions as part of the GNWT-Laurier Partnership.

Since the partnership began in 2010, more than 600 Laurier students have participated in northern research projects, taking them to forests, lakes and tundra for field research. Much of this work is led by Laurier’s Cold Regions Research Centre, including the maintenance of more than 50 northern research sites.

Charity Parr-Vasquez, assistant vice-president: research, accepting Laurier's award

QS also announced its 2025 World University Rankings for Sustainability. Based on an evaluation of environmental impact, social impact and governance, Laurier ranked 454 overall out of 1,744 institutions globally. Within North America, Laurier ranked 80 for environmental research, 67 for environmental sustainability, 54 for equality and 63 for health and well-being.