NSERC CREATE-TESS
Transdisciplinary Engineering and Science for Sustainability (TESS)
TESS is a transdisciplinary NSERC-CREATE (Collaborative Research And Training Experience Program) that prepares trainees to design and implement sustainable, inclusive, and equitable solutions to complex global challenges. It connects students, researchers, and industry partners together around sustainability-focused learning, collaboration, and real-world applied research.
While the program is geared towards students in natural sciences and engineering disciplines, TESS welcomes students from all backgrounds interested in addressing today’s complex global challenges and meaningfully integrating sustainability in their research to apply. The strength of the program is in its diversity, and the learning outcomes from the program can be applied to research practices across numerous disciplinary backgrounds.
Program Goals
Training for Sustainability
TESS is a cohort-based training program which builds on its trainees disciplinary expertise, integrating four core modules into its curriculum: Values-Based Science and Ethical Design, Impactful Science Communication, Knowledge Co-Production and Community-Based Science, and Science Policy.
By linking technical expertise with ethical, cultural, and policy perspectives, TESS ensures that both learning outcomes and research outputs are not only scientifically robust and socially transformative, but that they equip trainees to tackle global sustainability challenges with relevance and impact.
Opportunities for Students
Prospective students can explore program opportunities designed to support advanced training in sustainability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research impact.
Click here to review program information, eligibility details, and next steps for getting involved with TESS.
Get in touch with TESS
Whether you are a prospective student, current trainee, research partner, or stakeholder, we invite you to reach out and connect with the TESS community.