Participating in a new nationwide scientific freshwater observatory will help to secure the University of Windsor as a leader in freshwater research, says Aaron Fisk.

Professor and Canada Research Chair in Changing Great Lakes Ecosystems in the School of the Environment, he also serves as scientific director of the Real-Time Aquatic Ecosystem Observation Network (RAEON) — a key component of the new Global Water Futures Observatories.

Awarded $40.67 million from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation through the Major Science Initiative, the GWFO comprises instrumented observation in 64 basin, lake, glacier, river, and wetland sites; 15 deployable water measurement systems; and 18 water laboratories. Its meteorological, glaciological, hydrological, water quality, and freshwater data will inform the development of water prediction models, diagnosis of risks to water security, and solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of resources across Canada.

It is led by the University of Saskatchewan and in addition to Windsor, includes researchers from seven universities: Waterloo, McMaster, Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier, Carleton, Western, and Trent.

“This network will give scientists from the University of Windsor new mechanisms for collaboration with other leading freshwater research universities and participating in large-scale projects and grant applications,” says Dr. Fisk.

The advanced monitoring capabilities will support Indigenous communities, governments, industry, and agriculture in developing policies to secure their futures in a time of rapid climate change and threats to freshwater ecosystems.

RAEON will receive a share of the CFI grant, funding it through 2029.

“Our researchers will leverage this infrastructure to provide expertise in water utility management, harmful algae blooms, nutrient dynamics, environmental genomics, fish ecology, oil and gas sources, and contaminant fate,” Fisk says. “We will provide knowledge and leadership for the study of large freshwater ecosystems around the world.”

Shanthi Johnson, UWindsor vice-president, research and innovation, emphasized the importance of the federal investment.

“Funding through the Major Science Initiative is very competitive, with only 19 projects nationwide,” she said. “This support showcases our network's excellence and crucial role in addressing climate change. We are deeply grateful for this investment, which will significantly impact our ability to safeguard water resources for future generations.”

A launch event Wednesday took place online from Saskatchewan, with an in-person gathering at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research. Learn more on the Global Water Futures website.

Lancer Recreation has six options for intramural activity during summer semester open to UWindsor students and community members: soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football, spikeball, and ultimate frisbee.

Each will have at least nine weeks of competition.

Registration is now open, with a deadline of May 3 — but leagues may fill sooner. Visit goLancers.ca/Intramurals for schedules and details, and to register.

The Rhodes Scholarship is an international postgraduate award for students to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Awards are based on academic achievement, leadership potential and commitment, and moral character.

A webinar at 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, promises information on the scholarship, what it funds, and eligibility criteria, as well as a chance to hear about the experience from current and recent Rhodes Scholars. Register to attend here.

For further information about competing for the University of Windsor endorsement, contact Tim Brunet, co-ordinator of Outstanding Scholars and Student Leadership, at tbrunet@uwindsor.ca.

In a significant joint venture, the Procurement and Information Technology Services departments are working together to refresh the Xerox multi-function devices (MFDs), commonly known as printers, across the campus. This initiative will also include the deployment of print management software PaperCut.

This project will see the replacement of 94 campus MFDs with new Xerox AltaLink C8155 Series devices equipped with PaperCut. Additionally, 30 existing printers will be upgraded with the software, enhancing their functionality. The Procurement department has reached out to each area to assess whether to keep, replace, or remove their printer.

The installation of the new MFDs is scheduled to commence in early May and is expected to continue through June. Departmental contacts will receive an email notification prior to their printer’s replacement or upgrade.

An important piece of information to note is that on the day of the Xerox MFD installation and setup, the unit will be unavailable for use from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. due to offsite work. In the event of printing or copying needs while a department’s unit is down, the University Print Shop can be contacted at ext. 3680, printshop@uwindsor.ca, or by submitting your print job online.

Watch for more detailed information about the rollout and installation, which will be shared by email and through your departmental contact. Knowledge-base articles will also be provided to help with the transition.

This project marks a step towards enhancing the printing services on campus, offering a more efficient, environmentally sustainable, and user-friendly experience.