Student Training - Building Capacity through Research

 

What is the SFM Network Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) Program?

The development of a significant number of new researchers and managers is critical to sustainable forest management. A new generation of educators, managers and researchers will need to work closely with industry, First Nations, government and the public to achieve sustainable forest management. The SFMN is committed to the development of HQP to link research, education and training. All research projects funded by the Network include the training of HQP as part of the project requirements.

 

What are the benefits of HQP?

The SFM Network is playing a key role in training the next generation of scientists and managers to think about sustainable forest management in a new way.

• Students reap the benefits of a network approach based on partnerships. 
• Working with researchers from many fields of study gives students a broader perspective of sustainable forest management 
• Students learn to ask questions that may help solve problems that forest managers face on a daily basis.

How does the SFM Network train HQP?

The SFM Network is committed to providing enhanced training opportunities including:

• Workshops, conferences and short courses are designed to help students develop new skills and a broader understanding of sustainable forest management,
• Special field camps or internships, for example, allow students to see first hand how forests are managed in the real world, and
• National and international exchanges with other universities and research institutes give SFMN students a chance to explore ideas with researchers from across Canada and around the world.

How many HQP receive this training?

In 2006-2007 there were 106 Masters students, 64 PhD candidates, 31 undergraduate students, 41 technicians, 14 Research Associates and 13 Post Doctoral Fellows working on SFM Network supported research projects.

 

How is the HQP program affecting forest management in Canada?

• Twenty-six former HQP have accepted academic positions at universities across Canada
• Six are now Principal Investigators on projects funded by the Network for 2005/2006
• Over 75 former HQP are working for provincial, territorial, and federal government departments, and more than 50 are employed with industry and consulting companies supporting the forest sector

Who should I contact for more information?

   Bruce Macnab
   Research Administrator - HQP
   bruce.macnab@sfmnetwork.ca