Two research centres at Brock have signed an agreement to improve their collaborative efforts.

The Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) and the Posthumanism Research Institute (PRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently that will lead to the two centres pursuing joint research projects, workshops and conferences over the coming year.

“These two research collectives at Brock ask ‘How do we relate to the world around us? And, how is this relationship changing now and into the future?’ These are fertile areas of research often requiring transdisciplinary approaches to scholarship,” says Interim Vice-President Joffre Mercier. “The ESRC and PRI complement each other and this initiative to co-operate more formally highlights the transdisciplinary strengths and openness of Brock’s researchers. We look forward to the fruits of this co-operation.” 

The ESRC undertakes research investigating the challenges that arise from the interaction between humans and the environment, and opportunities to shift society to a more sustainable way of life.

Posthumanist research explores what being ‘human’ means and questions the notions of progress, enlightenment, human nature, truth and happiness. In a world facing major crisis owing to humanity’s impact on the environment, Posthumanist thinking intersects with the research of the ESRC.

Ryan Plummer, ESRC Director, is excited about the added dimension this collaboration will give to the Centre’s research.

“Our ongoing dialogue revealed research questions of mutual interest, especially pertaining to the Anthropocene. Given our shared commitment to transdisciplinary research and scholarly excellence, the agreement provides a good basis for moving collaboration forward,” he said.

Christine Daigle, PRI Director, added “Many posthumanist thinkers tackle issues related to sustainability and the environment as part of their inquiries into the human being as entangled in the natural world. It is imperative to engage in dialogues and exchanges with researchers that examine the scientific aspect of such issues in order to push the reflection forward.”

The two centres have already made plans for their first joint venture.

“A short term goal is to hold a joint event in which we discuss the Anthropocene and what it means to be posthuman in this epoch,” Daigle said.