More than 130 thought leaders and experts from around the globe will share their knowledge, experience and research in sustainability at a free online event created in memory of a Brock University student.

Taking place Tuesday, Oct. 3 to Friday, Oct. 6, LIAMforum is a conference on sustainable resource development aimed at engaging and empowering the next generation of young people entering the natural resources sector, including agriculture, mining, energy, water and forestry.

It is platform through which leaders from academia, industry, think tanks and governments will share ideas and opportunities, listen to the next generation’s views and concerns, and identify and advance actionable steps towards sustainable solutions together.

The four-day conference features more than 25 online sessions on topics ranging from building a career in sustainable resource development and engaging women and Indigenous youth in the natural resources sector, to forest restoration, water and the oceans, critical minerals and clean energy. Registrants are welcome to attend any or all sessions.

The inspiration for the annual event comes from Liam Jacob Zisman, who thrived as a Brock student, but whose life was cut short last year during his first year in the Environmental Geoscience program.

Liam’s father, Raziel Zisman, describes the LIAMforum as “an opportunity to showcase to Liam’s peers the many exciting and meaningful values-driven careers in the sustainability space, in industry, academia and government, and to develop their network in the sector.”

There will be an opportunity during each session for registrants to ask questions and connect with the speakers, many of whom are industry leaders and may have job opportunities available within their companies and institutions.

Speakers include Nobel Laureate Carlos Nobre, one of Brazil’s top climate scientists; Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources; and George Pirie, Ontario’s Minister of Mines.

Representing Brock University at LIAMforum will be:

• Provost Lynn Wells, who will give welcoming remarks
• Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning, who will moderate the panel “Gen Zs, ChatGPT and the Future of Work: Time to Panic or Relax?”
• Michael Pisaric, Department Chair and Professor with Geography and Tourism Studies, who will moderate the panel “Biodiversity: Priceless Today and in the Future”
• Liette Vasseur, Professor of Biological Sciences and UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: From Local to Global, who will moderate the panel “Gen Z Women and the Green Transition: STEM, Glass Ceilings and Other Challenges”
• Julia Baird, Associate Professor with Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, who will moderate the panel “Water, Nature and Us: In Search for a Better World”

Virtual information booths will also provide a means for registrants to seek information and career connections from conference speakers and others. Joining the numerous organizations hosting virtual information booths are Brock University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Earth Sciences Department, and Co-op, Career and Experiential Education Office.

To learn more about LIAMforum, and to register for the free conference, visit the LIAMforum website.