The Institutional Strategic Initiatives portfolio increases the University of Toronto’s capacity to support large-scale, high-impact interdisciplinary research
Congratulations to the initiatives funded by the Stage II competition!
Congratulations to the initiatives funded by the Stage II competition!
Upcoming events and latest news
TRANSFORM HF Land-Based Cultural Safety Training
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 to Saturday September 19, 2026 | Transform-HF
A three-day land-based course led by Dr. Angela Mashford-Pringle, will provide TRANSFORM HF members with the opportunity to learn from Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous peoples with lived experience of heart failure.
2026 Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport Conference
Friday, September 18, 2026 to Saturday September 19, 2026 | TISS (Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport)
The Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport Conference will bring together leading experts, scientists, and practitioners to share applications of cutting-edge research at the intersection of science, medicine, and analytics in sport.
DSI to partner in major Canadian collaboration for AI and real-time health data
June 26, 2026 | Data Sciences Institute
This week, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, announced the launch of Vital — a national initiative that will connect health data across Canada for research and innovation — in one of the largest investments in Canadian history for health data innovation. As part of the newly announced national initiative, the Data Sciences Institute will lead the development of statistical methods and software tools to enable advanced analytics in federated environments for healthcare.
IHEP-supported work sparks new NFRF-funded project advancing response to health misinformation
June 23, 2026 | Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics
Interdisciplinary collaboration supported by the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics (IHEP) has helped catalyze a new interdisciplinary project that has received funding through the Exploration stream of the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF). The program supports high-risk, high-reward research that brings novel approaches to complex challenges.
Heart health begins with community: An Arts-Based Report on the Experiences of Heart Health in the Moosonee Community
June 11, 2026 | Transform-HF
A novel study led by Sahr Wali, PhD, TRANSFORM HF, conducted among Indigenous communities in Canada, utilizing sharing circles as the primary method of qualitative data collection shows that heart health is shaped by emotional, spiritual, social, and systemic factors, with trauma strongly influencing how care is accessed and trusted. The research highlights the need for interventions that extend beyond clinical management to include culturally grounded nutrition programming, relationship-centered care pathways, and models that combine Indigenous and Western knowledge systems.
SLFNHA, SLMHC, and UHN announce landmark partnership to strengthen cardiovascular care in Northwestern Ontario
May 26, 2026 | Transform-HF
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA), Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC), and University Health Network (UHN) are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes a collaborative partnership to enhance cardiovascular care for First Nations communities in the Sioux Lookout region. "This means earlier diagnosis, better managed heart failure, and a meaningful and ongoing relationship with First Nations peoples, SLFNHA, SLMHC, and providers in the region." Says Dr. Heather Ross of TRANSFORM HF.
Michael Hutchison appointed next director of TISS
May 8, 2026 | TISS (Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport)
Professor Michael Hutchison has been appointed director of the Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport (TISS). An internationally recognized expert in sport-related concussion research, Hutchison has secured more than $10 million in research funding and built a distinguished publication record. His research on sport-related concussion has had a meaningful impact on policy and practice in […]
New startup MaaTRx offers early warning system for drug shortages
May 6, 2026 | Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics
A new U of T platform, MaaTRx, aims to help predict and manage drug shortages by giving health leaders a clearer view of these risks before they escalate. MaaTRx was developed by Mina Tadrous, associate professor at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and an Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics (IHEP) member, together with co‑lead Shanzeh Chaudhry, alum of the Faculty who now plays a leading role in advancing the platform.
