As you look forward to starting your graduate degree this September, I am writing to let you know of a number of free, online courses that the Graduate Centre for Academic Communication (GCAC) at the University of Toronto is offering this August.
If you are required to apply for a grant from the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) or from the Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), the consecutive-day intensive courses listed below will help you get a head start on crafting a strong grant proposal before the deadlines in mid- to late-September. These courses provide instruction on the principles of effective grant writing as well as a chance to receive individual feedback on your proposal. The Tri-Council prohibits students from applying to more than one agency in the same year, so students should register only for the course related to the award for which they are applying. The courses are open to both domestic and international students. Registration links can be found here.
Writing CIHR Proposals : Aug 5 – 8 (4 days), 2:00 – 3:30 pm. Online.
Writing NSERC Proposals : Aug 12 – 14 (3 days), 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. Online.
Moreover, if you are an incoming multilingual graduate who has had more experience reading and writing in English than listening or speaking, our intensive online Academic Conversation Skills course is designed to help you communicate effectively and confidently in an academic environment. Through active student participation and reflection, this course covers engaging in academic discussion in English, how to ask and answer challenging questions, how to disagree respectfully, and how to manage speaking to your classmates or professors sensitively, either in person or online. This intensive course will take place on 5 consecutive days (Aug 11 – 15), from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. Priority will be given to students starting their degrees in September 2025. Please note: You should register for this course ONLY if you are able to attend all 15 hours. If you are not available for the full 15 hours, you will have a chance to register for a 6-week, 2-hours-a-week version of the course starting in the fall.
Academic Conversation Skills : Aug 11 – 15 (5 days), 9:00 am – 12:00 noon. Online. Registration deadline: Wed, August 6th.
All our courses are free, non-credit, and open to U of Toronto graduate students. Registration instructions and links for our courses can be found here.
And finally, keep us in mind as you undertake and continue through your degree. The GCAC is a service from the School of Graduate Studies, with the purpose to help graduate students develop proficiency in research communication. Starting in September we offer a range of courses and workshops to help you get oriented to the norms and genres of writing and speaking at the graduate level. Registration for September courses will open in mid-August.
Dear BME Student,
We are excited to share that UTERC 2025 is returning for its fifth edition this summer—and there are only three days left to submit your abstract!
Abstract Submission Deadline: Thursday, July 31st 2025 11:59 PM EST
Submission Link: UTERC 2025 Abstract Submission Form
This year, BioRender, a leading scientific communication company in the life sciences, is exclusively sponsoring a named award for outstanding BME posters. They will also lead a Poster Design Workshop on Monday August 11, tailored specifically to BME students, where you will gain practical skills in translating complex biomedical concepts into clear and compelling visuals.
All BME students (MEng, MASc, PhD) working on medical devices, computational modeling, biological systems, or any health-focused innovations are strongly encouraged to participate. Present your work, build connections, and gain feedback from peers, faculty, and industry professionals!
Further Information: Visit the UTERC website for more information!
We look forward to seeing you at UTERC 2025!
The UTGSU is hosting Roommate Rendezvous, a virtual meet-and-greet designed to help students connect with potential roommates in a safe, friendly environment. Join us for a series of quick, guided conversations to find people who might be a good fit for your next home on Saturday, July 19th from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM for this online event.
The University of Toronto Undergraduate Engineering Research Day (UnERD) will be having their annual research conference on August 20th in Myhal. They are currently looking for graduate students and faculty to act as conference judges in their research area. This is a good opportunity to network with professors, provide mentorship, and understand new research frontiers being advanced by undergraduate students. The sign-up form is attached here:
The Health and Wellness Centre (UTSG) is offering U of T St. George student staff a FREE in-person LivingWorks safeTALK training on Wednesday July 23, 10 am – 2 pm at Student Commons (230 College St.)
safeTALK is an evidence-based suicide prevention training workshop designed by LivingWorks. This beginner friendly training is meant for anyone, regardless of their education or background, who wants to learn how to effectively reach out to someone thinking about suicide and help them keep safe by promptly connecting them to further support.
Date: Wednesday, July 23
Time: 10 am- 2 pm
Location: Student Commons (230 College St.), Room 556/558
The University of Toronto Engineering Research Conference (UTERC) will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship. This student-led conference provides an excellent opportunity to present your research through podium or poster presentations in the following thematic tracks:
- Health & Biomedical Engineering
- Intelligent Systems and Data
- Sustainable Solutions and Education
- Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics
Program Highlights:
- Pre-Conference Publication Workshop – August 6, 2025
- Engineering Leadership Workshop – 12:00–1:00 PM
- Alumni Industry Panel – 3:00–4:00 PM
- Keynote Address by a distinguished speaker
Abstract Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025
Submit your abstract here: UTERC 2025 Abstract Submission Form
Additional Information: gradstudies.engineering.utoronto.ca/event/uterc-2025
Contact: UTERC2025@gmail.com
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s 15th annual Pursuit Awards international competition is now accepting applications.
This prestigious competition recognizes PhD students and recent doctoral graduates from around the world for their outstanding contributions to childhood disability research—enabling personalized versions of a good life across the lifespan for all individuals with childhood-onset disabilities, acquired injuries and developmental differences, their families and communities.
Over the years, the Pursuit Awards have celebrated some of the most promising young minds in the field—researchers who have, for instance, explored how physical activity can benefit youth with neurodevelopmental conditions, or developed tools to help families make informed decisions for children living with brachial plexus birth injury.
Award details
The top three candidates, selected by an esteemed panel of scientists, staff and family leaders, will be announced at a ceremony held during the annual Bloorview Research Institute (BRI) Symposium on November 25-26, 2025.
- 1st place: $3,000 CAD
- 2nd place: $2,000 CAD
- 3rd place: $1,000 CAD
The Pursuit Awards is made possible by the generous contributions of The Ward Family Foundation, Holland Bloorview Foundation donors, and the Bloorview Research Institute.
Learn more: https://hollandbloorview.ca/research-education/bloorview-research-institute/awards-events/pursuit-award
Application Process for the 2025 Pursuit Award
Eligibility
The Pursuit Awards are open to applicants from around the world. You are encouraged to apply if your PhD research focuses on pediatric disability, and you are a:
- Current PhD student (less than six months away from defense); OR
- Postdoctoral trainee (within one year of receiving PhD); OR
- Recent graduate (within one year of receiving their PhD).
Criteria
Finalists will be evaluated on:
- Academic excellence, including academic training, experience, and awards of distinction
- Research potential, including originality, critical thinking, innovation, and the ability to influence practice, policy or research in childhood disability
- Knowledge translation, including efforts to engage partners, disseminate findings, and collaborate across disciplines
- Research productivity, including the quality and quantity of publications and presentations
Finalists are expected to pre-record their presentations for the annual BRI Research Symposium which will take place on November 25-26, 2025. It is expected that finalists are available to participate in the event.
How to apply
To apply for the 2025 Pursuit Award competition, please fill out the attached application and submit to BRISymposium@hollandbloorview.ca by Friday, August 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST
Email Subject Line Instructions
To help us manage applications and inquiries efficiently, please use one of the following subject lines when contacting us:
- For applications: 2025 Pursuit Award Application – [Your Full Name]
- For questions: 2025 Pursuit Award Query – [Your Full Name]
Thank you for your interest–we look forward to receiving your application.
The Graduate Centre for Academic Communication (GCAC) is hosting a few valuable events in June to help you progress through your degree: a Hybrid Dissertation Boot Camp (June 17-19), a Hybrid Research Article Boot Camp (June 25-26), and a number of online workshops. Please see below for further details (eligibility criteria, application form, and registration links) for these offerings.
GCAC Hybrid Dissertation Boot Camp for Doctoral Students: June 17-19, 2025
The GCAC’s three-day Hybrid Boot Camp from June 17-19 is meant for doctoral students who are ready to write or progress on their dissertation. You may choose to attend the boot camp either in-person or online, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm each day.
Completing a dissertation is a priority for doctoral students, although finding focused writing time can often be a challenge. The GCAC’s Dissertation Boot Camp is a synchronous program that offers structure and guidance for three full days of writing and writing-related activities. You’ll be required to set aside other demands on your time for these three days, giving you the opportunity to make significant progress on your writing. Each day of the camp includes structured blocks of writing time as well as opportunities to learn process-related strategies for building momentum in your writing that will last beyond our virtual time together.
Applications are due by end-of-day, Monday, June 9.
Click here for Dissertation Boot Camp details, eligibility criteria, and the application form.
GCAC Hybrid Research Article Boot Camp: June 25-26, 2025
The GCAC is hosting a two-day Hybrid Boot Camp on June 25-26 for graduate students who are ready to write their research article in a structured, focussed environment. This boot camp will be held on the St. George campus and simultaneously online, from 9:30am – 5:00pm each day.
The GCAC Research Article Boot Camp is designed to provide U of T graduate students with uninterrupted time and a distraction-free space to focus solely on your writing. With instructor-led training sessions, you will get the much-needed support and advice to help start, make progress, or complete your research article.
Applications are due by end-of-day, Tuesday, June 17.
Click here for Research Article Boot Camp details, eligibility criteria, and the application form.