The Trebek Initiative


The Trebek Initiative is a joint grant-making venture between the National Geographic Society and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS). Established in 2021 and named in honour of Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, the program recruits, funds, and trains emerging scientists, storytellers, explorers, and conservationists whose work deepens understanding of our changing planet. Once projects are completed, their impact is amplified through the extensive media and education networks of both founding Societies and their global partners.

This year, the Trebek Initiative awarded six new grants following a rigorous six-stage review process, led collaboratively by the National Geographic Society, RCGS, and the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Each proposal is assessed for scientific merit, narrative strength, urgency of impact, and alignment with shared strategic priorities.

The Trebek Initiative projects include:

• Testing Novel eRNA: Working in partnership with Indigenous communities in BC, University of Toronto researcher Robert Masaki Hechler is analyzing salmon heat-stress response using environmental RNA (eRNA). This marks the first demonstration of eRNA in nature and has the potential to transform biodiversity science across species.

• Living with Wolves: In Nuu-chah-nulth territory on Vancouver Island, filmmaker Sam Rose Phillips is creating QwAYAĆIIK, a feature-length documentary and impact campaign exploring how humans can coexist with coastal wolves. Developed with the National Film Board of Canada, the film advocates for Indigenous-led conservation.

• Deep-Sea Guardians: Filmmaker Nicole Holman joins Canada’s largest deep-sea expedition aboard the DFO’s J.P. Tully research vessel. Using underwater remote vehicles, she is capturing rare ecosystem footage to drive awareness and influence ocean-protection policies.