Stress management is a critical skill for everyone, including entrepreneurs. Since many entrepreneurs are juggling school, work, family and starting their own businesses, we want them to know early on in their careers that it is important to understand the difference between good and bad stress and learn ways to support their own mental health and that of their team. The session will kick off with a Keynote from Dr. Lauren Brown, which will explore how entrepreneurs can harness their intuition and disrupt the ‘stress status quo!’ A panel discussion and audience Q&A will follow, with reflections and insights from a panel of remarkable founders. Join H2i on March 3rd and give your brain a break before a busy Entrepreneurship Week!
Upcoming March offerings for Graduate Students from the Centre for Learning Strategy Support Workshops
Project Management for Grad Students
Tuesday, March 4, 4:00-5:30 pm
Academic Success Strategies for Grad Courses
Friday, March 7, 3:30-4:45 pm
Tuesday, March 11, 4–5:15 pm
Talking About Comps Themed Discussion
Wednesday, March 12, 3:00-4:00 pm
Digital Detox for Graduate Students
Thursday, March 13, 4:00-5:00 pm
Managing Procrastination as a Graduate Student
Tuesday, March 18, 4:00-5:15 pm
Time Management Reset for Grads: Clarify and Plan Priorities
Monday, March 24, 3:00-4:30 pm
Ongoing Weekly
Writing Groups and Productivity Groups
All grad students in all disciplines are welcome in these supportive, positive, popular sessions.
Links in program titles are active.
Join a weekly group. Groups run 7 days a week. See the schedule.
Email gwg@utoronto.ca to register.
Grad Productivity Groups – Actually Work From Home!
Log in using this link to browse and register for any group, anytime.
Accessibility Sections: GWG-A & GPG-A – inquire at as.learning@utoronto.ca.
Individual Learning Strategy Appointments
Meet with a Learning Strategist to improve your learning and academic experience. Book in Folio.
Booking assistance: clss@utoronto.ca, 416-978-7970.
Join our Listserv!
Graduate students, staff and faculty are invited to join Grad Student Success to receive regular, advanced notice of workshops and programming designed specifically for graduate and second-entry professional students.
Grad Programming Inquiries: Dr. Andrea Graham ak.graham@utoronto.ca
Folio (Registration System) Inquiries: folio@utoronto.ca.
EPIC Researcher Mobility Awards offer financial support to doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows to travel outside Toronto to undertake research training or complete collaborative fieldwork. Up to $4,000 is available for travel to a North American destination and up to $6,000 is available for travel outside North America.
Proposals are evaluated as we receive them. Please apply now to secure support for your research travel in 2025!
For full eligibility and application materials, please visit our website.
Full Scholarships for Aspiring Community Leaders
Interested in mentorship, leadership skills development, and funding to start your next degree?
The McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. The program brings together students who strive to engage in positive change by taking on meaningful leadership roles.
The scholarship covers:
- Tuition and fees for 150+ eligible programs at McGill University
- A living stipend of $2,300 per month during academic terms
- Summer funding options and a relocation grant
- Mentors and coaching
- A leadership curriculum
Up to 30 full scholarships and 100 one-time awards, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 each, will be offered for 2026 admission. Two-thirds of the scholarships are available for Canadian students, and one-third are for international students in Canada and abroad.
Criteria: Character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.
Timeline: Applications will open in June 2025 for Summer/Fall 2026 entry.
Information Session:
University of Toronto students and recent graduates are invited to join us online on March 5th, 1-2 PM, for a brief presentation and Q&A. The session will feature two University of Toronto finalists.
RSVP: https://apply.mccallmacbainscholars.org/register/uoft
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2025 Summer School on Neurorehabilitation (SSNR2025)
Baiona, Spain
June 8-13, 2025
https://2025.summerschoolneurorehabilitation.org
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Dear colleagues,
On behalf of the organizers, we have the pleasure to invite you to the 13th edition of the 2025 SUMMER SCHOOL ON NEUROREHABILITATION (SSNR2025) that will take place in Baiona, Spain from June 8 to 13, 2025. The objective of SSNR2025 is to provide in-depth education on advanced procedures for neurorehabilitation of motor cognitive dysfunction following neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and amputation, covering practical applications based on innovative neuroprosthetic systems, robotic interfaces, personalized rehabilitation/neurorehabilitation, and other combinational approaches.
At this time, we would like to announce that SSNR2025 workshop descriptions are posted! As a reminder, the Early Registration deadline is March 7, 2025; please see the website for more details and to apply.
If you are a senior researcher or professor, we would like to ask you to please forward this information to students who could be interested in attending. If you are a student, please forward this message to your colleagues.
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WORKSHOPS
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Hands-on workshops and interactive activities are held throughout SSNR2025 where students will team up to address key issues in neurorehabilitation.
WS1 – Synergy-based multichannel functional electrical stimulation (FES) in gait rehabilitation
This workshop will introduce the application of multichannel functional electrical stimulation (FES) for gait rehabilitation. Students will learn how muscle synergy quantification can be used to drive FES and assess rehabilitation outcomes. The workshop will also introduce methods for designing a personalized synergy-based FES strategy. Through hands-on activities, Students will record and process electromyography (EMG) signals, compute muscle synergies, and reconstruct activation profiles targeting specific muscle synergies. They will also gain practical experience applying synergy-based FES using advanced devices provided by the organizers. Additionally, the workshop will provide clinical perspectives on the use of synergy-based FES, including its potential and challenges for improving gait rehabilitation in individuals with neurological disorders.
WS2 – Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling Pipeline Training Workshop
This hands-on workshop will introduce the Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling (NMSM) Pipeline (https://nmsm.rice.edu), which is open source Matlab-based software that adds Model Personalization and Treatment Optimization toolsets to the OpenSim musculoskeletal modeling software. Attendees will learn how to use the four tools available in the Model Personalization toolset and the three tools available in the Treatment Optimization toolset. Starting with a scaled generic OpenSim model and experimental motion capture, ground reaction, and EMG data, the Model Personalization toolset allows users to personalize 1) joint functional axes, 2) muscle-tendon model properties, 3) neural control model properties using muscle synergies, and 4) foot-ground contact model properties. Next, starting with this personalized model and the same experimental data, the Treatment Optimization toolset allows users to perform: 1) a Tracking Optimization that closely reproduces experimental joint motion, ground reaction, joint moment, and EMG data simultaneously using muscle synergy controls, 2) a Verification Optimization that verifies the muscle synergy controls found by Tracking Optimization can reproduce all available experimental data without tracking it, and finally, 3) a Design Optimization that performs predictive simulations to design a clinical intervention. Students will also have the opportunity to test and complete mini-simulation projects.
WS3 – Control of lower limb rehabilitation robotics
This workshop will involve the external control and data feedback of ankle rehabilitation devices and the interconnection and parameter sharing between wearable and non-wearable robotics.
WS4 – Natural Integration of Bionic Limbs via Spinal Interfacing
Natural BionicS aims to create a fully integrated, symbiotic replacement for missing or damaged parts of the human body with artificial limbs that the user will feel and command as a true part of their body. This is achieved by the breakthrough concept of surgically creating bio-connectors to bidirectionally access the spinal cord circuitries. The bio-connector enables to extract information from spinal motor neurons, unravelling the neural code for movement, and to deliver information into the spinal circuitries by stimulating transplanted biological organs. The deciphered neural code provides the ability to replicate the movement of the missing limb on revolutionary robotic limbs that are designed for soft and natural mechanical interaction with the environment. The encoded stimulation will re-establish sensory input as occurring during natural movement, thereby closing the sensory-motor loop. This workshop will discuss mechatronic design and interfacing, covering topics such as variable stiffness, control of assistive devices based on residual motion capabilities, haptic feedback, SoftFoot Pro, SoftHand X, and more.
WS5 – How to use ROS and ROS-Neuro with a brain-computer interface (BCI) system to connect external devices for rehabilitation and assistance
In this workshop, we want to present the steps in order to build a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) that allows users to control an external device. This technology can be used in the rehabilitation field using the EEG signals. We will use our open-source framework based on ROS called ROSNeuro, which facilitates the building of a BCI system. The workshop will be subdivided into three days to provide examples of BCI and the knowledge of a motor imagery BCI (MI-BCI) system.
WS6 – Sensorless Assessment of Motor Function
MOVE 4D is a 4D scanning tool for biomechanics and functional assessment. It allows dynamic analysis of shape in movements and provides insightful clinical information. It can be used as a reliable markerless device for human movement analysis. It can also be used as a contactless system to monitor muscle activation for the assessment of pathologies and rehabilitation. The workshop will provide applications for the analysis of gait in people with cerebral palsy and stroke.
WS7 – Collecting and interpreting end-user feedback: Introduction to methods in design and implementation science
Many innovative devices go unused—how can you ensure yours is adopted by end-users? This workshop explores the intersection of Implementation Science and User-centered design, focusing on the critical role of end-user feedback on device development. Participants will learn practical methods for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting end-user feedback to refine their designs. Each session will begin with a didactic overview of feedback methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and think-aloud or near-live testing. Following the introduction to each method, we will conduct interactive exercises where students will apply these techniques in real-time, and conclude with hands-on introduction to data analysis and interpretation to inform device improvements. Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in discussions, hands-on activities, and expert guidance to deepen their understanding of user-centered development. Break out of the research silo and discover how to effectively integrate end-user feedback to create devices that truly meet user needs.
More workshop details will be updated here:
https://2025.summerschoolneurorehabilitation.org/workshops/
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SPEAKERS
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Sunil Agrawal, Columbia University, USA – “Rehabilitation Robotics: Improving Everyday Human Functions”
Emilia Ambrosini, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Vincent C. K. Cheung, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China – “Motor Modularity as a Theory of Neuromotor Control and its Relevance to Neuro-rehabilitation”
R. James Cotton, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, USA – “Clinically Accessible, AI-Powered Movement Analysis”
Julius Dewald, Northwestern University, USA
Dario Farina, Imperial College London, United Kingdom – “Neural Interfacing in Bionics: Separation of Neural Drives to Muscles from Transferred Polyfunctional Nerves Using Implanted Micro-Electrode Arrays”
Oskar C. Aszmann, Medical University of Vienna, Austria – “Reconstructing limbs at the border of biology and technology- possibilities and limitations”
Antonio Bicchi, University of Pisa, Italy – “New directions in prosthetic research”
B.J. Fregly, Rice University, USA – “Designing Optimized Treatments for Movement Impairments using Personalized Neuromusculosketal Models”
Olivier Lambercy, ETH Zurich, Switzerland – “Neurorehabilitation robotics: Unsupervised robot-assisted therapy along the continuum of care”
Maarten Lansberg, Stanford University, USA – “Neurorehabilitation From the Perspective of a Stroke Neurologist”
Natalie Mrachaz-Kersting, Albert–Ludwigs–Universität Freiburg, Germany
James Patton, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA – “Methods for mechanically inducing beneficial neuroplasticy for recovery”
Miriam Rafferty, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, USA – “Accelerating technology adoption: Connecting engineering and design to clinical implementation”
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CONTRIBUTIONS
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Students are encouraged to submit contributions to SSNR2025! 2 page abstracts can be submitted to be considered for oral presentation and/or included in the Proceedings. Students can also display posters throughout SSNR.
For further and up-to-date information, please visit the conference website:
https://2025.summerschoolneurorehabilitation.org
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Baiona, Spain in June 2025!
Best regards,
The SSNR Organization Committee
e: info@summerschoolneurorehabilitation.org
w: https://2025.summerschoolneurorehabilitation.org
This term’s research ethics information session for health sciences research involving human participants.
The session will be held online on February 18, 2025 from 10:00-11:30am and will include a presentation with opportunity for questions and discussion. Topics will include:
- History and principles behind research ethics review
- Procedures under the Tri-council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS2 2022)
- U of T’s risk matrix for assessing participant vulnerability and research risk
- Free & informed consent, privacy & confidentiality, conflict of interest
- Preparing a research ethics protocol
Science Rendezvous is a free outdoor science festival meant to get kids and families excited about science and technology. The event is happening at the University of Toronto, St. George Campus, on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 from 11am to 5pm.
We are currently looking for volunteers to help us run the show. Some exciting positions include cotton candy making, showing the world of virtual reality, helping to run the annual UofT Science Chase competition for youth, and many other activities meant to promote science education, engagement and research.
What’s in it for you?
- Great volunteering experience
- A chance to contribute to your community
- An opportunity to visit entertaining and interactive exhibits
- A free T-shirt, lunch and snacks
- References available upon request
If you are interested in applying as a volunteer, please fill in the application form at the link provided: https://forms.gle/sodR7M9MoU2vsjzd7. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will close on March 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM, or once all spots are filled—so apply quickly!
If you would like more information about the festival, please visit our website http://www.sciencerendezvousuoft.ca. Please email us at uoftsr.volunteers@gmail.com if you have any questions!
Hope to see you soon!
Reke, Svetha, Ali, Jason
Volunteer Coordinators
UofT Science Rendezvous 2025
We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to lead the BCI division of a clinical trial on Parkinson’s.
Working between Toronto and Montréal, this project will be in a very interdisciplinary environment. This position comes with an excellent salary level and the requirement is very strong previous work in brain-computer interfaces. The position can be based in Toronto.
Job Summary:
Maman Biomedical is seeking a motivated Research Scientist under the Mitacs Accelerate program to join our innovation team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advancing our novel formulations by designing and executing in vitro and in vivo experiments. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in reproductive biology, focusing on cell viability, toxicity, oocyte development, and animal model development for safety and efficacy validation.
Key Responsibilities:
- In Vitro Experimental Design:
- Design and execute experiments to assess the cell viability and toxicity of novel formulations.
- Develop and implement assays to evaluate the efficacy of formulations in stimulating oocyte development.
- Troubleshoot experimental challenges and optimize protocols as necessary.
In Vivo Model Development:
- Develop and validate animal models to assess the safety and efficacy of novel formulations.
- Conduct in vivo pharmacology and pharmacodynamic studies to understand the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of the formulations.
- Prepare and manage Animal Use Protocols (AUPs), ensuring ethical and scientific justification for animal use, compliance with regulatory standards, and humane treatment of animals.
Collaboration and Coordination:
- Work closely with colleagues, consultants, and external partners to design and coordinate development and regulatory plans.
- Participate in the planning and execution of proof-of-concept studies, pre-clinical animal studies, and clinical trials.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare detailed reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to the preparation of regulatory documents and publications.
Qualifications:
- MSc or PhD in Biology, Pharmacology, Reproductive Biology, or a related field.
- Experienced in cell viability, toxicity assays, and efficacy studies in vitro.
- Experience with animal model development and in vivo experimentation.
- Familiarity with the preparation and management of Animal Use Protocols (AUPs) and compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
- Ability to troubleshoot and optimize experimental protocols.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Contact: latchmi@mamanbiomedical.ca
Cover letter: NO