Sentinel North: Impact results for the North
In catalyzing ground-breaking collaborations, Sentinel North paved the way for bold research initiatives, where creativity and risk taking helped expand the horizons of our knowledge in order to tackle more complex challenges.
From innovation to impact
Read a few selected stories that bear witness to the full extent of the impetus Sentinel North provided to propel research to the next level, and its ability to deliver genuine and lasting benefits for Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
Adapting infrastructure to the challenges of a thawing permafrost
Innovative mapping tools developed at Université Laval are revolutionizing land use planning in Nunavik. Given the accelerated degradation of the permafrost caused by global warming, these tools are helping northern communities to identify the best construction areas and plan the sustainable development of their infrastructures.
Decoding metabolic health: The impact of diet and the gut microbiome
Groundbreaking research reveals the intricate relationship between diet, gut bacteria, and metabolic health. Université Laval researchers and their partners have discovered how dietary changes can rapidly influence our gut microbiome and the endocannabinoid system, opening up new possibilities for treating obesity and metabolic disorders through targeted nutritional interventions.
Forever chemicals: From research findings to policies
Working in close partnership with the Nunavik Inuit, a Université Laval research team brought to light the high level of exposure of northern populations to PFCAs, helping to provide Canada with the knowledge needed to support its decision towards legislation on these harmful substances.
Beyond neurons: A new approach to decipher depression
Since 2018, Caroline Ménard's team has been examining the neurobiology of stress and resilience through an innovative approach that takes into account the body's other systems and living conditions, which are thought to play a decisive role, especially in northern populations.
Concerted actions for the Last Ice Area
Protecting the Last Ice Area is crucial not only for Arctic ecosystems, but for the planet as a whole. Researchers at Université Laval have played a key role in the creation and conservation of the Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area, located to the north of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
14 new research chairs at Université Laval
Sentinel North has enabled the recruitment of 14 rising new researchers. These specialists are now committed to interdisciplinary research and will continue to strengthen Université Laval’s research capacity in the coming years.
A marine research station north of the 67th parallel
Université Laval, in collaboration with the community of Qikiqtarjuaq and Qikiqtani Inuit Association, helped establish the first marine research station in the eastern Canadian High Arctic. Featuring cutting-edge technologies and strategically located, the innovative station is speeding up northern research while incorporating local knowledge.
Redesigning Arctic living
The unique challenges of living in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions inspire innovative solutions. Teams from Université Laval have developed biophilic and culturally adapted approaches to creating sustainable living spaces, optimizing natural light and involving local communities to improve their health and well-being.
Adapting infrastructure to the challenges of a thawing permafrost
Innovative mapping tools developed at Université Laval are revolutionizing land use planning in Nunavik. Given the accelerated degradation of the permafrost caused by global warming, these tools are helping northern communities to identify the best construction areas and plan the sustainable development of their infrastructures.
Decoding metabolic health: The impact of diet and the gut microbiome
Groundbreaking research reveals the intricate relationship between diet, gut bacteria, and metabolic health. Université Laval researchers and their partners have discovered how dietary changes can rapidly influence our gut microbiome and the endocannabinoid system, opening up new possibilities for treating obesity and metabolic disorders through targeted nutritional interventions.
Forever chemicals: From research findings to policies
Working in close partnership with the Nunavik Inuit, a Université Laval research team brought to light the high level of exposure of northern populations to PFCAs, helping to provide Canada with the knowledge needed to support its decision towards legislation on these harmful substances.
Beyond neurons: A new approach to decipher depression
Since 2018, Caroline Ménard's team has been examining the neurobiology of stress and resilience through an innovative approach that takes into account the body's other systems and living conditions, which are thought to play a decisive role, especially in northern populations.
Concerted actions for the Last Ice Area
Protecting the Last Ice Area is crucial not only for Arctic ecosystems, but for the planet as a whole. Researchers at Université Laval have played a key role in the creation and conservation of the Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area, located to the north of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
14 new research chairs at Université Laval
Sentinel North has enabled the recruitment of 14 rising new researchers. These specialists are now committed to interdisciplinary research and will continue to strengthen Université Laval’s research capacity in the coming years.
A marine research station north of the 67th parallel
Université Laval, in collaboration with the community of Qikiqtarjuaq and Qikiqtani Inuit Association, helped establish the first marine research station in the eastern Canadian High Arctic. Featuring cutting-edge technologies and strategically located, the innovative station is speeding up northern research while incorporating local knowledge.
Redesigning Arctic living
The unique challenges of living in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions inspire innovative solutions. Teams from Université Laval have developed biophilic and culturally adapted approaches to creating sustainable living spaces, optimizing natural light and involving local communities to improve their health and well-being.
Research Highlights 2017-2025
Learn more about the scope of the research conducted by Sentinel North teams through a selection of research results presented as five integrated chapters:
- Marine environments and human health
- Permafrost and fresh water systems
- Terrestrial ecosystems
- Metabolic health and diet
- Well-being and mental health
This summary is both a reference document to guide future research and a source of reflection for addressing the complex challenges of a changing North through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.
Over 1,000 publications
The scientific literature produced by the Sentinel North teams attests to the comprehensive scope and innovativeness of the interdisciplinary collaborations that characterized the program.
These peer-reviewed scientific publications are now a tangible legacy that epitomizes Université Laval’s excellence and commitment to the advancement and sharing of knowledge.
