About

Be part of the USask water research community!

Our members are part of a strong interdisciplinary research community that is dedicated to fostering water security in Saskatchewan and beyond. By becoming a member, you will receive regular updates on professional development and research collaboration opportunities. We have a particularly strong GIWS Student & Young Researchers membership with many activities planned throughout the year.   

GIWS student members at the GWF 2-year anniversary.

Outside the University of Saskatchewan and want to become a member of GIWS? Please email giws.secretariat@usask.ca. 

Membership Protocols

The Global Institute for Water Security supports two (2) membership types (regular and student/Young Professional) as well as leading the Water Signature area. GIWS encourages inclusivity and a sense of belonging in the water community at USask. It is the institute’s responsibility to promote diversity and inclusion within the water community at USask and to ensure transparency in sharing both the benefits and expectations for members to facilitate a positive experience for all members.

Benefits

Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, Researchers or Staff at USask and co-located facilities are eligible to become members of GIWS. Members are eligible to request space at the institute for themselves and their students. Members are kept apprised of all information that runs through the institute including funding and partnership opportunities, training and learning opportunities, and social gatherings. Members can stand for membership in and vote on members of the GIWS Strategic Research Advisory Committee. 

Benefit GIWS Member GIWS Student Member
Office/lab space
Proposal development
Post-award support
GIWS Strategic Research Advisory Committee
Newsletter, social media, events

Expectations

Members of all categories will be expected to take an active part in GIWS activities to further the goals of the institute, and to further the goal of water security as a signature area within the University of Saskatchewan. Members are expected to include direct costs of research support (and portions of indirect, where appropriate) in eligible grant proposals. Members commit to acknowledgement of GIWS in publications and on social media (profiles and post tags) in addition to their primary affiliation at the university, to publish in Q1 journals such as Water Resources Research, Journal of Hydrology, when appropriate, to contribute to GIWS newsletters, and to actively participate in GIWS and Water Signature events including, but not limited to, Water Fridays, lunch and learns, workshops, seminars, training, networking opportunities and social gatherings.

Expectation GIWS Member GIWS Student Member
Acknowledge GIWS in relevant publications, presentations, and professional affiliations
Submit appropriate publications to Water Resources Research, Journal of Hydrology, or other Q1 journals as first choice
Acknowledge Signature Area in USask grant proposals (UNIVRS) (USask only)
Participate in/lead GIWS events
Include GIWS supports in direct cost of research where applicable
Contribute to newsletters/social media

Student and Young Professional Members are encouraged to join GIWS and become active in the GIWS SYR, an institute-supported group which engages in GIWS events and activities, but which also hosts its own events under the GIWS umbrella.

The decision to become a member of GIWS does not affect participation in the USask Water Signature Area, although it is presumed that members of GIWS are also active in the Water Signature Area. Water Signature Area members are, however, encouraged and welcome to share publications and newsletter items when desired and to participate in public GIWS events such as lunch and learns, workshops, seminars, training, networking opportunities.

Membership Application

Membership 

Members of GIWS are individuals working at a level of responsibility which includes initiating, leading, managing, or implementing water research activities. This may include, but is not limited to:

  • Faculty members, adjunct faculty, and research scientists at USask
  • Water-related support staff and technicians, including the GIWS secretariat
  • Research scientists, staff scientists, or science associates in recognized co-located research institutions (i.e. Environment Canada, SRC, CLS, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) and USask research institutes

Student and Young Professional Members: Students and post-doctoral scholars registered at a postsecondary institution who are engaged in water-related research activities under the supervision or co-supervision of a GIWS member, or any graduate or undergraduate student, or post-doctoral scholar in a water-related field registered at USask. Student and young professional members must have the permission of their supervisors as part of their application.

Applying

Membership Criteria

  • Applicants must be committed to following the membership expectations outlined above.
  • Prospective members should be involved in research or activities that show a commitment to advancing the vision and mission of GIWS and contribute to and support its strategic strengths.
  • Students require the approval of their supervisor to join GIWS.
  • All applicants must agree to the GIWS Code of Conduct for their membership to be approved.

Application Steps

  • Complete the membership application form
    • If asked to log in, please do so using your USask NSID in the format: abc123@usask.ca

After Submission

  • You will receive a confirmation within 48 hours of your submission.
  • A member of the GIWS Secretariat will contact you if there are questions or clarifications needed on your application and will advise you once your membership is complete. 
  • Memberships will be reviewed annually by the GIWS Secretariat.
  • Should you wish to amend your membership at any time, please reach out to the GIWS Secretariat at giws.secretariat@usask.ca.