Alison Blay-Palmer named Laurier’s 2025-26 University Research Professor

Alison Blay-Palmer, the UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies, has been named Wilfrid Laurier University’s University Research Professor (URP) for 2025-26. The annual internal award recognizes excellence and leadership in research and provides time and funding for the winner to complete a major research project.

“Dr. Blay-Palmer is unique in her ability to envision change on a global scale and build the necessary partnerships to bring it to life,” says Jonathan Newman, vice-president: research. “The renewal of her UNESCO Chair in 2024 affirms her standing as an international leader in sustainable food systems research. Our students are fortunate to learn from her.”

“It is an honour to be recognized for the work I have been doing since joining Laurier in 2007,” says Blay-Palmer. “Research on sustainable food systems addresses some of the key issues we face, including climate change, ensuring everyone has enough healthy food, and enabling farmers to make a fair living while working as stewards of the environment.”

Read the full release on Laurier's News Hub.