A unique partnership between United Nations University and McMaster University is set to make Hamilton a hub for the study of water issues around the world.

Capitalizing on McMaster's tradition of innovation in science, health and interdisciplinary studies, Water Without Borders will offer students from all six faculties the chance to study water from a variety of perspectives. In the process, they'll earn both a graduate degree from McMaster and a diploma from the United Nations University – Institute on Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH).

“McMaster students already have a great vantage point from which to consider water issues: we're situated in a city on a Great Lake and the Government of Ontario has declared its commitment to make the province the Clean Water Capital of the World,” said Allison Sekuler, associate vice-president and dean of Graduate Studies. “Now our graduate students can also research, study and develop solutions to water issues in parts of the world in which access to clean water is much more limited, giving our students a hands-on, global perspective on water.”

McMaster is the only University in North America at which students can receive a diploma from UNU-INWEH, along with their graduate degree. The Water Without Borders program is also unique in that it considers water from so many angles.

“Water connects to everything – from health and wealth to global conflict and issues of human rights,” said Graham Knight, who has been studying water and climate change from his position as Chair of the Department of Communication Studies and Multimedia. “This program reflects that universal connection by drawing in all of our faculties. Civil engineers and students of cultural studies will be learning to speak each other's languages through a common topic of study. It's a new way to look at an issue that's critical for us all.”

Kate Mulligan, a second-year PhD student in geography and earth sciences and winner of a prestigious Vanier Award, served as a test case for the Water Without Borders program, spending much of last year working in Malaysia doing social policy research on dengue fever and urban planning. “I've been able to make research contacts around the world, and that international experience is crucial to me,” said Mulligan.

Normally, students who want to engage in international research projects face tremendous organizational, political and practical obstacles. But through the Water Without Borders program students connect directly with international research programs sponsored by the UNU-INWEH.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with McMaster University in this innovative venture,” said Zafar Adeel, director UNU-INWEH. “As the UN think-tank on water, INWEH's goal is to resolve the global water crisis, and McMaster's students will play a critical role in helping us achieve that goal.”

Susan Elliott, professor of geography and earth sciences, senior research fellow at UNU-INWEH, and a driving force behind the Water Without Borders program, agrees. “Students today don't just want research experience – they want to change the world. The Water Without Borders program offers them a chance to do that.”

“I think students will want to come to Mac just for this opportunity,” said Mulligan.

The Water Without Borders program is currently accepting its first students for the 2010-2011 school year.

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