Laurentian University introduces new wave of annual projects supported by IAMGOLD Innovation Fund

August 5, 2026– Laurentian University is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the IAMGOLD President’s Innovation Fund for Strategic Investment. Thanks to the generous investment from IAMGOLD, the fund allows ideas to become reality while advancing innovation in mineral resources, mining education and research.

This year’s selected initiatives highlight the practical, hands-on research being driven by Laurentian students and their faculty mentors. Six separate projects were selected to receive varying levels of funding based on their projected project budgets. These projects further Laurentian University’s standing as Canada’s Mining University. 

"We are very proud of this year's IAMGOLD Award recipients. Their projects demonstrate dedication to hands-on, impactful research that brings practical solutions to our industries and Northern Ontario communities. We are deeply grateful to IAMGOLD for their continued partnership and vital investment in the next generation of innovators."—Dr. Lynn Wells, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University

“IAMGOLD is proud to invest in the next generation of mining leaders through this fund. Our partnership with Laurentian University reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovation, applied research and accountable mining practices that strengthen the industry and create lasting value for Northern Ontario communities. We look forward to seeing the impact these projects will have.”  – Renaud Adams, IAMGOLD President and CEO. 

This Year's Award Recipients:

Karolyn McGovern – Master of Science, Vale Living with Lakes Centre

• Project: Assessing Anuran and Wetland Recovery in Response to Ecological Restoration and Remediation Strategies in Greater Sudbury
• Advisor: Dr. Jacqueline Litzgus and Dr. Mark Mallory
• This research offers a critical assessment of frog and wetland recovery in response to ecological restoration and remediation strategies within Greater Sudbury's severely mining-impacted landscape.

Ali Garland – Earth Sciences Club

• Project: Field Trip to Bancroft
• Advisor: Dr. Stephane Perrouty
• Supporting a student geology trip to Bancroft, Ontario, to provide club members with crucial hands-on, practical field experience.

Jack Moskalyk – Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health

• Project: Comparing EEG and PERCLOS Fatigue Monitoring Systems at Preventing Sleep Events
• Advisor: Dr. Sandra Dorman
• A comparative study of Electroencephalogram (EEG) and Percentage of Eye Closure (PERCLOS) systems used to monitor and prevent workplace fatigue among mining workers.

Vincent Oyeyinka Amosum – Master of Science in Computer Science

• Project: AI-Enabled Wireless Sensor Network for Real-Time Mine Safety and Environmental Monitoring/
• Advisor: Dr. Kalpdrum Passi
• Developing a wireless sensor network that uses machine learning to detect abnormal environmental conditions and send early safety alerts in mining environments.

Connor MacNeill – Master of Human Kinetics, Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health

• Project: Psychosocial Health and Safety in Northern Ontario's Mining-Related Industrial Sector
• Advisor: Dr. Caroline Dignard
• In partnership with ANMAR Mechanical and Electrical Contractors, this research will pilot an education and assessment framework to address psychosocial risk factors, workplace stress, and burnout in industrial construction workers and support staff.

Laurentian University Snobots Team – School of Engineering and Computer Science

• Project: Advancing Student Innovation in Autonomous Robotics through the 2026 FIRA RoboWorld Cup
• Advisor: Dr. Meng Cheng Lau
• Supporting the Laurentian University Snobots Team to compete at the 2026 Federation of International Robot-sport Association (FIRA) RoboWorld Cup in Markham, Ontario. The project provides students with hands-on experience in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and humanoid robotics while representing Laurentian on the international stage.

Laurentian University sincerely thanks IAMGOLD for their ongoing collaboration and financial support.