This year’s Queen’s Northern Research Symposium will have a different feel this year. While still focusing on highlighting research happening in the Canadian North, the event will also give faculty and students a chance to remember Dr. Robert Gilbert and his research in the Arctic and Antarctica.

Dr. Gilbert, who taught courses in earth system science, physical limnology and Arctic and periglacial environments, passed away April 27, 2015.

“The day will begin with a session serving as a memorial for Bob,” says organizer Neal Scott (Geography and Planning). “He was a key part of this department for many years, and we felt it fitting this year to remember him. He started at Queen’s in 1975 and his work in the Arctic and Antarctica is legendary.”

Along with remembering Dr. Gilbert, the fourth annual event gives Queen’s researchers focusing on northern research a chance to display posters and meet with others working in similar regions. Students and faculty from all departments are welcome.

“We hold this at Queen’s hoping researchers from many disciplines will take advantage of it,” says Dr. Scott. “We are hoping to create research and teaching synergies, bring the community together and also encourage students to present their work.”

Another highlight of the day is the two keynote speakers. John England from the University of Alberta is presenting Honouring Bob Gilbert with Tales From a Tent while Amy Leventer from Colgate University is speaking on Environment Change in Antarctica: Bob Gilbert’s Contribution to Antarctic Science. These are certain to be great stories of the trials and tribulations of research in cold regions! The poster session takes place after keynote speeches.

This year’s symposium takes place on Friday, April 15 in the Biosciences Complex. Dr. England is speaking at 9:10 am followed by Dr. Leventer at 10 am. The poster presentation starts at 11 am in the Biosciences Atrium.

The event is being sponsored by the Department of Biology, the Department of Geography and Planning, Queen’s University Research Services and the School of Environmental Studies.