Clean energy and water for all: Hadis Zarrin receives funding for a globally-inspired water-energy nexus project.

In the face of climate change, Hadis Zarrin, a chemical engineering professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), is turning to innovative methodologies and international collaboration. Through her “Sustainable Water-Energy Nexus (WEN) for a Circular Economy” project, Zarrin will work alongside faculty from the State University of São Paulo (UNESP) to develop more sustainable, cost-effective systems to produce green hydrogen. 

Thanks to newly awarded funding from Rideau Hall Foundation via the 2025 Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship (QES), Zarrin’s team will embark on several innovative approaches for the WEN system’s key components. This work includes developing corrosion-resistant coatings for electrolyzers, cost-effective and stable electrode materials for catalyzing water-splitting reactions, and advanced membrane materials for ion exchange and water treatment. The project will also explore renewable energy sources like solar and wind to power water electrolysis and treated wastewater as a hydrogen production source. Ultimately, Zarrin aims to make these technologies accessible and beneficial to diverse users, including those from socio-economically marginalized communities. 

To solve critical global challenges like water scarcity and energy security, Zarrin recognizes that diverse perspectives are needed. To this end, TMU Global is helping to mobilize talent by facilitating an international exchange for TMU and UNESP graduate studies students. Ahmed Shaker, associate dean of Cairo and international at the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science said, "At FEAS International, we believe in the profound impact of faculty and student mobility on the academic system. Professor Zarrin’s partnership with UNESP exemplifies the value of international collaboration. The students taking part in the talent exchange will be able to contribute to social innovation, gain renowned mentors, and disseminate new knowledge to their communities."

TMU Global is driven by a mission to enable students to explore the diversity of the world’s cultures, knowledge systems, worldviews, perspectives, and nations. From learning abroad to virtual global learning, TMU Global coordinates a range of activities to prepare students to face the world’s interconnected, global challenges while respecting and engaging with diverse, multifaceted perspectives and approaches.

If you are a current TMU student interested in learning more about global learning opportunities or other international university-sanctioned activities, visit TMU Global’s website. You can also email global.learning@torontomu.ca for more information about learning opportunities, funding, and travel safety.

About the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships Program

The QES program is led by the Rideau Hall Foundation (external link)  in collaboration with Universities Canada (external link)  and with founding support from Community Foundations of Canada.

Established in 2012, this scholarship has been awarded to more than 2,500 scholars from Canada and across the globe. Queen Elizabeth Scholars worldwide preserve and promote the enduring importance of cultural exchange, leadership, and civic engagement. This new round of funding is enabling 47 Canadian universities to participate in the program through 112 impactful projects in 80 countries worldwide. 

To learn more about the program, visit queenelizabethscholars.ca (external link)