Black Research Network
The vision of the Black Research Network (BRN) is to promote Black excellence at U of T and to enhance the research capacity of Black scholars within the university and on the world stage. This includes increasing the visibility of Black scholars’ research accomplishments by sustaining a cross-divisional, interdisciplinary, network of Black scholars and facilitating robust research engagement across the University of Toronto and internationally. The BRN includes U of T Black-identified faculty (research and teaching stream), librarians, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students. The BRN envisions deep connections with Black communities outside of the U of T, and also holds space for non-Black colleagues committed to addressing anti-Black racism to work alongside BRN members to achieve the goals of the network.
The Breakdown: U of T initiatives advancing Black representation in academia
Over the past few years, U of T has made strides in advancing Black representation in academia and combating anti-Black racism through a number of initiatives from the Black Research Network to the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black racism and Black inclusion in Canadian Higher Education.
The Varsity took a closer look at some of the initiatives the university offers to support its Black community members.
From math feats to great eats: U of T gets ready for Black History Month Luncheon
The annual event, one of the most anticipated on U of T's calendar, brings together community members from across the university to celebrate Black culture and excellence
The Black Research Network is an integral part of the luncheon, both as a sponsor and a symbol of excellence in the U of T community.
Inaugural BRN Research Symposium — April 14
The inaugural BRN Research Symposium will take place on April 14 and will will bring together multidisciplinary researchers to showcase the transformative impact of Black research excellence in shaping the future.
Applications now open for BRN IGNITE grant
The BRN offers the IGNITE grant annually as a small-scale fund to support interdisciplinary research led by Black faculty, librarians, post-doctoral scholars, clinical scientists and medical research fellows/residents at the University of Toronto. The IGNITE grant will offer between $5,000 to $10,000 towards professional development, research dissemination and other types of research support within the […]
BRN Brilliance: New multimedia series to spotlight Black-led research and initiatives at U of T
BRN Brilliance features interdisciplinary researchers and dedicated staff who are harnessing their expertise, diverse perspectives and bold ideas to make an impact within and beyond university walls.
Enid Montague named BRN director
The Black Research Network is pleased to announce that Enid Montague, an associate professor in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, has been named its new director.
The Black Research Network’s 2023/2024 IGNITE grant
The Black Research Network’s IGNITE grant is now open to applicants for the 2023/2024 academic year! The grant was established to provide small-scale funding – between $5K to $10K – towards professional development, research dissemination and other types of research support. Learn more and apply by Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
Waiting to inhale: U of T researcher, Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, explores the link between cannabis laws and racial injustice
A new co-authored book by Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, an associate professor in the department of sociology at the University of Toronto Mississauga, examines how harsh cannabis laws have contributed to racial injustice – and how to repair the communities most affected. "Waiting to Inhale: Cannabis Legalization and the Fight for Racial Justice" illuminates how the war on drugs has disproportionally impacted Black and Indigenous communities in the United States through the stories of people who are on the front lines of advocacy.
With support of Connaught award, U of T researchers to tackle health disparities in Black communities
A new research project, which will receive $250k through the inaugural Connaught Major Research Challenge for Black Researchers, will support Black health equity research across U of T’s three campuses. “We have researchers across U of T doing excellent work, but much of it is being done in silos,” says Notisha Massaquoi, an assistant professor in the department of health and society at U of T Scarborough and member of the BRN who will lead the project.
Behind the scenes with the Black Research Network: Groundbreakers S2 Ep.2
How is the University of Toronto promoting Black research excellence and enhancing the research capacity of Black scholars across its tri-campus community?
Those are just some of the questions explored in season two, episode two of the Groundbreakers video series as host Ainka Jess goes behind the scenes with the founders of U of T’s Black Research Network.
From mapping stars to helping youth escape poverty, student researchers break new ground
Learn more about the work of student researchers supported by the DSI, the BRN and School of Cities.
What’s next for the Black Research Network? University Affairs profiles the growing initiative
The BRN seeks to enhance the research capacity of Black scholars at U of T through mentorship and pathways, funding and investment, collaboration and partnerships and research excellence.
The network represents “a big shift in terms of the university recognizing what’s been going on in the world … and really trying to talk about how we build toward a different today and a different future,” Beth Coleman, the network’s inaugural director, told University Affairs.