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Queen’s Centre for International and Defence Policy Announces New European Research Project

Dr. Yannick Veilleux-Lepage will lead Queen’s contributions to a $5 Million research project on extremism, gender, and security

Dec 15, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KINGSTON, ON – 15 December 2025 / The Centre for International and Defence Policy at Queen’s University has secured a major research grant under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, marking both the first Horizon Europe award in Queen’s University’s history and one of the first granted to a Canadian university since Canada became an associate country participant in late 2023.

The AMALTHEA project (EnAbling a Model driven deep understAnding of the roLe of gender Towards a Holistic solution against Extremism and radicalization Activities), will bring together leading international partners to examine how gender shapes pathways into extremism and radicalisation. The 3-year initiative has secured over 3.11 million Euros (over $5 million CAD) to develop a rigorous evidence base, new analytical models, and practitioner ready tools for law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, educators, and prevention specialists.

“As a Royal Military College of Canada faculty member cross appointed at Queen’s, I see this project as an important form of bridge building” said Dr. Veilleux-Lepage. “AMALTHEA connects researchers and practitioners, Canadian and European partners, and our two Kingston institutions by having an RMC scholar lead a major international initiative that strengthens Queen’s global research presence. Our contribution anchors a comparative and gender sensitive approach to extremism that has direct relevance for policy and community safety on both sides of the Atlantic.”

“We are delighted to see the AMALTHEA project coming to Queen’s,” said Dr. Bob Lemieux, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. “The CIDP and Dr. Veilleux-Lepage are supporting Queen’s growing international profile in defence policy, extremism and gender research, and global security studies.”

Dr. Michael Murphy, Director of CIDP, added that “The AMALTHEA project aligns with CIDP’s mission to connect cutting edge research with real world security challenges and to advance evidence-based responses to emerging threats. Congratulations to Dr. Veilleux-Lepage and the entire project team for developing this ambitious project.”

ֱ CIDP: The Centre for International and Defence Policy, established in 1975, has a mandate to conduct research in matters of national and international security and other aspects of international relations. It supports teaching in the field of security and defence and, through its publications and activities of its members, contributes to public debate on Canadian foreign and defence policy, and on issues of international peace and security. The CIDP is based in the Queen’s University School of Policy Studies.

ֱ Horizon Europe: Horizon Europe is the European Union's (EU) latest research and innovation framework funding program. It supports the creation, distribution, and advancement of science- and evidence-based solutions to the world's most important challenges.