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.
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 for 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.
Data scientist says field is crucial to the success of AI boom: The Logic
May 5, 2026 | Data Sciences Institute
The artificial intelligence boom won't deliver on its promise without greater investment in data science, says Lisa Strug, a senior scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and and a professor in U of T’s departments of statistical sciences and computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science.
TRANSFORM HF Researchers Make Headlines
March 31, 2026 | Transform-HF
A new study led by Dr. Heather Ross, Dr. Chris McIntosh, Dr. Yas Moayedi, and Will Gao was published in Nature Medicine! Featured on the cover, this research shows that wearable technologies, such as the Apple Watch, can help monitor heart failure by providing early signs of deteriorating health – often days to weeks before unplanned medical care is needed.
