The globe in perspective - University of Victoria

Research for a sustainable and equitable world

CFGS research considers the nexus of the local and global—how local concerns have global effects and how global issues manifest at the local level. Our fellows and researchers are exploring issues vital to people, places, policy and the planet and are making an impact around the world.

The concept of a Centre for Global Studies was a central element in the UVIC Challenge Campaign launched by UVIC President Howard Petch in 1990/91. A full proposal for such a Centre was presented to faculty and potential funders by incoming President David Strong during the 1991/92 academic year and was the subject of continuing consultation through to 1996 as funding was pursued. In 1998 the Board of Governors formally approved creation of the Centre, with Dr. Gordon Smith, who had been serving as Special Advisor to President Strong after retiring as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Government of Canada, appointed as its Founding Director.

Under the leadership of its current Director, Dr. Oliver Schmidtke (Poli and History), the Centre focusses on a mandate to promote collaborative, multidisciplinary, and cross-regional research and engage in connecting research in the field of globalstudies to local, national, and international communities. As such, CFGS is uniquely positioned to bridge academic research and student mentoring with knowledge mobilization and effective community engagement. The Centre awards fellowship to advanced graduate students, international scholars, and faculty researchers. These fellowships provide office space, a fellowship stipend for graduate students/visiting scholars and course and administrative release for faculty ranging from several weeks to a year in residency.

The CFGS is also host to numerous conferences, workshops and speakers. The centre’s activities in Victoria, Canada, and abroad are designed to promote critical citizenship in a complex and rapidly changing global environment. CFGS research and public engagement build upon the University of Victoria’s intellectual expertise in four core themes: governance, environmental challenges, social justice, and culture and identity. The CFGS strives to produce quality and practical research with tangible benefits to both the local community and internationally. The CFGS has a rich history of producing cutting edge research and disseminating it in concise and accessible ways for both policy makers and the wider community.

Watch our events online!

The CFGS hosts conferences, workshops and speakers all year round to promote critical citizenship in a complex and rapidly changing global environment and facilitate expert discourse on defining events as they unfold. These events bridge the divide between academia and the community, as well as inform policy, decision makers and citizens on important issues.

Many of our events are recorded so that we can share our experts' knowledge with a broader audience.

Missed one of our events? Check out our YouTube channel to be a part of the action.