VIU students showcase research work during annual CREATE conference 

What: CREATE Conference – a celebration of student scholarship, research and creative activity 

When: March 30 to April 2, environmental art exhibit April 8 to 17  

Where: Various locations at the Nanaimo campus and online 

Nanaimo, BC: Student researchers will present the projects they have been working on all year during VIU’s annual CREATE Conference at Vancouver Island University (VIU).

The multi-day event features hundreds of student-led projects spanning a wide range of disciplines, including: 

• baking students showcasing their wares in a “high tea” pop-up shop, 
• biology students exploring how climate change is impacting ecological systems, 
• political studies students researching public policy challenges and solutions, and 
• creative writing students sharing their work through performances of their own poetry.  

“CREATE is VIU’s largest student knowledge-sharing event, showcasing the best of what students are working on,” said Vanessa Moraes, Student Research Engagement Coordinator for VIU’s Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity office. “We look forward to welcoming the community to be part of this year’s celebration of student research and creativity.” 

The conference allows students to practice making complex ideas accessible to a general audience through a variety of formats, including posters, three-minute elevator pitches, PowerPoint presentations and a spoken word showcase.  

From April 8 to 17, The Environment and Society Art Exhibit created by geography students will take over the View Gallery. Art transforms scientific data on environmental issues in a way that allows people to connect with these topics on a cultural, emotional and artistic level.  

CREATE is free to attend and open to the public. Visit the VIU CREATE website to learn more and see the full schedule of presentations. 

Media opportunities: 

• Interviews with student presenters  
• Keynote address with Alistair MacGregor, Chief Administrative Officer for Cowichan Tribes 
• Pop-up bakery 
• Environmental art exhibit

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Media contact:

Eric Zimmer, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University 

P: 250.618.7296 | E: Eric.Zimmer@viu.ca | W: news.viu.ca 

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.