Four Memorial researchers recently spent month-long retreats at one of the four corners of the world.

Drs. Mark Stoddart, Sociology; Natalie Slawinski, Business; Maura Hanrahan, Grenfell Campus; and Ursula Kelly, Education are the inaugural recipients of Fogo Island Research Fellowships.

According to the Flat Earth Society, Fogo Island is home to one of the four corners of the Earth.

Rewarding experience

Created through a unique partnership between Memorial and the Shorefast Foundation—founded by honorary degree recipient Dr. Zita Cobb—select faculty members are awarded the opportunity to travel to historic Fogo Island where they take up residence in a home owned by the foundation. There, they complete the writing of a significant manuscript which disseminates the results of a major research project or complete work on a major work of artistic creation.

Dr. Richard Marceau, vice-president (research), says the collaboration with the Shorefast Foundation provides rewarding experiences for faculty from various disciplines.

“Through our Strategic Research Intensity Plan, Memorial is strengthening all aspects of research, including scholarship and creative activities,” said Dr. Marceau. “Our partnership with the Shorefast Foundation not only allows our researchers to connect with, and learn from, the local community, they also complete important knowledge and artistic creations. Memorial is grateful of the Shorefast Foundation’s ongoing support of our researchers.”

The inaugural fellows engaged with the local community through activities such as public lectures, readings and presentations on their area of expertise or artistic creation, as well.

Memorial and the Shorefast Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding in 2013. The foundation is dedicated to the economic and cultural revitalization of Fogo Island. Learn more about the foundation online.