BRN Research Symposium 2026

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

The symposium will be held at Victoria University in the University of Toronto on March 27, 2026. 

The deadline to register is Friday, February 20, 2026. Please note that there is limited capacity for this event.  Register here. 

Conference theme: Transforming Research into Impact: Strategies, Stories, and Futures  

This year’s theme brings together researchers, innovators and practitioners to explore how ideas lead to real-world change. We are inviting leading voices from across disciplines to showcase how they are turning research and teaching into action, highlighting past successes, current challenges and future possibilities.

What to expect:  

• Listen to keynote presentation and panels on how Black-led projects are transforming their fields and the classroom. 

• Learn about multidisciplinary research that is taking place at the university 

• Engage in mentorship and networking opportunities to foster growth and connection
  
  

Keynote Speaker: Beverley Essue, Associate Professor, Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation 

• “Beyond Equality: Unpacking the investment potential through a Women and Health lens”
  
  This keynote argues that investing in women and their health is not only a moral and social imperative, but a powerful economic strategy with transformative potential across the life course. Current investments remain inadequate and poorly aligned with women’s health needs, limiting gains in gender equality, economic participation, and wellbeing. The talk demonstrates how purposeful, gender-responsive investment can generate a virtuous cycle of improved health, reduced poverty, and more resilient and inclusive societies. It highlights where existing policy and financing frameworks fall short, and identifies practical opportunities to reorient investments in health systems toward women and health as drivers of long-term social and economic value.

Poster Presentations:   

 Poster presentations provide a valuable opportunity for researchers to showcase their work, share innovative ideas, and engage with experts from various fields.   

 We invite participation from Black-identifying researchers from any stage of their academic career (open to faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels).  An Outstanding Graduate Student Poster Award, including a $100 honorarium, will recognize outstanding posters that excel in design, content, creativity, and audience engagement. 

• Submission deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026. View the form.   
  Please note: If you wish to submit a poster presentation and attend the conference, you must complete both forms.  

Thank you to our sponsor:   
The BRN Research Symposium 2026 is generously sponsored by Victoria University in the University of Toronto. 

Accommodation:
Please note that the elevator at Victoria College is currently out of service and expected to remain offline until mid-April. If you need any accommodations or support related to this, please e-mail us at brn@utoronto.ca.