BRN Research Symposium 2025 

The Black Research Network (BRN) Research Symposium will bring together multidisciplinary researchers from across the University of Toronto tri-campus to showcase the transformative impact of Black research excellence in shaping the future. 

The inaugural research symposium will be held at Victoria University in the University of Toronto on April 14, 2025.  

The deadline to register is February 3, 2025. Please note that there is limited capacity for this event. Register here.

Conference theme: Advancing Black Excellence through Research, Mentorship and Community Impact. 

The symposium invites leading experts to share how they are driving important advancements and discussions in their respective fields. We are also providing a platform for researchers and leaders in various stages of their academic careers to form research and mentoring partnerships.  

What to expect:  

• Learn about multidisciplinary research that is taking place at the university, from STEM, social sciences, the humanities and everything in between 

• Engage in structured learning, mentorship and networking opportunities to spark interdisciplinary collaborations  

Keynote Speakers: 

Jude Kong is an Assistant Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. His principal research program focuses on developing and deploying innovative AI, mathematical and data science methodologies and technologies for decision-makers in communities, public health, government and industry. Kong is a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Community-Oriented Artificial Intelligence & Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases. 

Notisha Massaquoi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Society at U of T Scarborough (UTSC). Massaquoi is a community-based researcher utilizing mixed methods to interrogate anti-Black racism and highlight the experiences of Black communities navigating institutional structures and systems in Canada, with a primary focus on the social determinants of health. She is the inaugural recipient of the Connaught Major Research Challenge for Black Researchers award.  

Poster Presentations:  

This element of the BRN Research Symposium provide a valuable opportunity for researchers to showcase their work, share innovative ideas, and engage with a diverse community of experts from various fields.  

We invite participation from Black-identifying researchers from various stages of their academic career (open to faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students at the master’s and doctoral levels).  
 
Submission deadline: February 17, 2025 at 5 p.m. (EST). View the form.  
 
Please note: If you wish to submit a poster presentation and attend the conference, you must complete both forms. 

Outstanding Graduate Student Poster Award (open to members of the U of T Black Graduate Students’ Association):  

In its commitment to uplift the next generation of researchers, the BRN is proud to partner with the University of Toronto’s Black Graduate Students’ Association to present the Outstanding Graduate Student Poster Award. 

Open to members of the Black Graduate Students’ Association, this award recognizes outstanding posters that excel in design, content, creativity and audience engagement.  

Winners will also be acknowledged in a social media post in collaboration with the BGSA and BRN.  

For any further questions, email: brn@utoronto.ca 

Sponsor:

• Victoria University in the University of Toronto