About
The York Institute for Research and Innovation in Sustainability (IRIS) was established by York University in 2004 to create an interdisciplinary university-wide research institute that is a focal point for the sustainability-related activities of all eleven faculties at York.
York has identified sustainability as one of its four overarching strategic priorities for research, along with health, international studies and culture and entertainment. York is also a signatory of the Talloires Declaration, which is an action plan for incorporating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach at colleges and universities.
IRIS supports the sustainability-related research of York faculty and brings academics together, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. The research projects described on this site are examples of current and past research. IRIS is governed by an executive drawn from across the University.
Read the 2009 Annual Report.
IRIS builds on the experience and accomplishments of a number of important sustainability programs and activities, including:
- The former York Centre for Applied Sustainability - provided research services to all levels of government in Canada and helped establish Sustainable Toronto among other leading programs. It was the immediate predecessor of IRIS, headed by David Bell.
- Faculty of Environmental Studies – known internationally for its undergraduate and graduate programs, this interdisciplinary faculty undertakes a broad range of sustainability research and learning activities.
- York Centre for Atmospheric Chemistry – a leading air quality monitoring centre whose work is addressing some of the most pressing air pollution problems facing urban regions in all parts of the world.
- Erivan K. Haub Program in Business and Sustainability at the Schulich School of Business – Schulich is consistently ranked among the top business schools worldwide for its integration of sustainability into research and the core curriculum.
- Faculty of Education – housing the UNESCO chair in Education and Sustainability.
Through collaborative and interdisciplinary research, IRIS is striving to push beyond traditional research methods to tackle real-world challenges with unique solutions.
IRIS funding definitions and policy
IRIS seeks to maintain a balance between different funding sources. We are pleased to accept the following forms of financial and in-kind support from funders and partners:
Endowments and Capacity Building Grants
Financial and in-kind grants designed to help support core activities and capacity building. Always provided and accepted on a “no strings attached” basis.
Commissioned and Applied Research
Financial and in-kind support for specific exploratory purposes or problem solving. Typically initiated by a third party and provided with an overhead component.
Public Research
Financial and in-kind support for longer-term or more fundamental research programs. Typically initiated by the academic researchers and their collaborators on an “open inquiry” basis.
