Julian Olden
Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Freshwater Ecosystem Sustainability
Dr. Julian Olden is an international authority in freshwater science, generating actionable knowledge to address persistent and emerging challenges in water security.
His research has transformed approaches to ecologically sustainable water management, strengthened the capacity to anticipate and respond to climate-induced changes in freshwater ecosystems, and delivered innovations in big data synthesis and quantitative modeling to inform the conservation of biodiversity.
By translating science into decision-ready tools and strategies, his work directly supports resource management, guides conservation action, and informs policy, resulting in improved ecosystem health that benefits both people and nature.
What is the main challenge your Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada program is addressing, and how are you approaching it?
Water, food and energy security are cornerstones of a sustainable and prosperous future in Canada. Realizing this future requires stewardship of our fresh waters through unified approaches to water governance and commitments to sustainable management paradigms that ensure nature’s benefits to people persist amid climate change.
My research program seeks to address the challenge of achieving ecologically sustainable water management in a changing world by addressing three fundamental questions. First, can nature-based solutions deliver on their promise to simultaneously benefit people and the environment? Second, can we develop innovative dam-management strategies that meet hydropower and water supply demands while supporting the desired ecological, social and cultural values offered by rivers? And third, is it possible to align the economic goals of rapid investment in AI infrastructure with the need for long-term freshwater sustainability and the safeguarding of valued species and biodiversity?
By addressing these persistent and emerging challenges in water security, my research program offers novel and integrated pathways to advancing freshwater sustainability in Canada. It does so by combining interdisciplinary scientific research with a comprehensive knowledge mobilization strategy that bridges academia, policy, industry and Indigenous knowledge systems.
What is the main thing you would like to achieve as an Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada, and what are the potential impacts of your work?
The goal of my program is to translate scientific discoveries into accessible, actionable knowledge for diverse stakeholders. Its innovation lies in linking cutting-edge research with collaborative co-production processes, open data platforms, and interactive decision-support tools to address challenges in ecologically sustainable water management.
Through thematic working groups, symposia, national summits and web-based data platforms, this program will strengthen Canada’s freshwater research ecosystem, support evidence-based policy and management decisions, inform national and provincial strategies on climate adaptation using nature-based solutions and AI infrastructure, and generate economic and societal benefits by enhancing water security and supporting salmon-dependent communities.
What is your primary motivation behind the research you do? What drew you to this work?
My primary motivation is to generate science that helps create a world where freshwater ecosystems are understood, valued and conserved, ensuring they remain healthy and resilient for both people and nature. These ecosystems are among the most threatened on Earth, yet they provide irreplaceable benefits—from supporting biodiversity and fisheries to supplying hydropower and clean water and sustaining profound social, cultural and spiritual values. I am inspired by the opportunity to reveal how these ecosystems function, anticipate the challenges they face, and develop science that informs better management and policy decisions.
The environmental challenges of the 21st century are increasingly complex and interconnected. Addressing them requires not only rigorous science but also collaboration across disciplines and a diversity of knowledge systems and perspectives. For this reason, I am especially driven by research that bridges fundamental ecological understanding with practical conservation and management. Whether developing ecologically sustainable dam management practices, evaluating the effectiveness of freshwater protections to support ecosystem health, or identifying nature-based solutions to climate change and other emerging pressures, my goal is to produce knowledge that is scientifically rigorous, broadly relevant and actionable.
What drew you to UBC to do this work, and what are you most looking forward to about coming here?
I was drawn to UBC because its mission closely aligns with my vision of using science to address complex environmental challenges. As one of Canada's leading research universities, UBC provides an exceptional place for developing innovative, interdisciplinary solutions towards freshwater sustainability through its commitment to pursuing excellence in research, learning and engagement. The opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues, engage with diverse knowledge holders, and mentor the next generation of scientists makes UBC an inspiring place to pursue research that safeguards freshwater ecosystems, strengthens water security, and contributes to a more sustainable and just future for all Canadians.
What does it mean to you to have been appointed as an Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada, and how is it going to help you advance your already internationally recognized research?
Being appointed an Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada is an incredible honour. Throughout my career, I have been driven by an adventuresome spirit: exploring new frontiers in freshwater science, connecting discovery with action and helping develop innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing freshwater ecosystems. The chair position provides an unparalleled opportunity to pursue bold, creative and high-impact research that challenges conventional thinking and develops innovative pathways toward a water future where ecological sustainability underpins the well-being of communities, economies and generations to come.
