Resilience By Design Lab assists research capacity in the Maldives

The Maldives—one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations—is advancing its leadership in climate change research through a groundbreaking collaboration with Canada. Supported by Global Affairs Canada and facilitated by Alinea International, the Resilience by Design Lab at Royal Roads University partnered with the Maldives National University (MNU) to co-develop a comprehensive University Research Framework focused on climate change and environmental sustainability.

MNU already had a robust climate research portfolio, but its leadership sought to make the institution’s work more systematic, interdisciplinary, and transparent. By strengthening governance and clarifying priorities, the framework aims to better position the university to attract research funding, recruit students, and influence national and regional climate policy.

At the heart of the project was an interactive workbook created by the RbD Lab. The workbook structured a series of on-site workshops and consultations with MNU faculty and staff, enabling them to co-generate the framework’s vision, guiding principles, and research priorities. The sessions emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration across faculties and departments, and the inclusion of gender equality, ethics, and community relevance in research.

Subject matter experts from Royal Roads enriched the process. Deborah Zornes, Director of Research Services at RRU, provided guidance on establishing effective university research systems. Amber Gallant, RRU librarian, data services, shared best practices on research data management. Associate Faculty members Michelle Hamilton-Page and Jennifer Hoffman facilitated the interdisciplinary onsite workshops that encouraged faculty and staff researchers to identify opportunities for cross-campus collaboration.

The resulting framework offers MNU a clear roadmap for climate and environmental research, from priority-setting to governance, ethics, data management, and knowledge mobilization. It ensures alignment with the Maldives national climate goals and priorities, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, embeds gender-based and intersectional analysis and supports capacity-building for early-career researchers.

 “What excites me most” says Robin Cox, director, Resilience by Design Lab and professor at Royal Roads, “is that this framework won’t just sit on a shelf—it’s designed to grow with MNU, spark new partnerships, and ultimately help shape solutions to some of the most urgent challenges of our time.”

For a nation facing rising seas, coral reef degradation, and extreme weather, this framework represents more than an academic milestone. It is a strategic tool for resilience—positioning MNU as a leader in research that informs evidence-based decision-making, fosters innovation, and strengthens the Maldives’ response to the climate crisis.

“This work was deeply collaborative,” says Cox. “By co-creating the framework with MNU faculty and the Research Development Office, we ensured it reflects local priorities while drawing on international best practices. The result is a tool that can guide MNU’s research for years to come.”