This is a joint virtual symposium co-hosted by the Network on Persistent, Emerging, and Organic PoLlution in the Environment (PEOPLE Network) and The LEaders in wAter anD watERshed Sustainability (the LEADERS Program) for Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) training. This will be a good opportunity for our HQP to present their research, learn knowledge, get career advice, and enhance professional skills. The symposium will include keynote speech, HQP presentations, virtual workshops, career sessions, and a post-conference special issue in Environmental Systems Research (https://environmentalsystemsresearch.springeropen.com/). A final program with details on Zoom links to the various sessions will be circulated before the symposium and will also be made available on our website: https://www.queensu.ca/leaders-create/sites/webpublish.queensu.ca.lwwswww/files/files/Program%20book_LEADERS%20%20PEOPLE%202021%20Symposium_Final.pdf