Medical Research Advocacy Workshop
2026-04-07 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)
IMSSA is hosting a Medical Research Advocacy Workshop for graduate students interested in learning how patient partnerships and research advocacy shape medical science across academia, clinical practice, industry, and policy. Whether you’re in basic research, clinical science, or considering a career in industry or policy, this workshop will provide insight into how advocacy and patient engagement can shape your work and its broader impact.
Hear from Dr. David Malkin (Clinician-Scientist, The Hospital for Sick Children), Antonia Palmer (Executive Director, Kindred Foundation; Co-Founder, Canadian Childhood Oncology Research Network), and a representative from Roche Canada as they discuss what advocacy and patient partnerships look like in their respective areas of work. The session will include talks from each speaker followed by an open Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, April 7th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Register here: https://forms.gle/r7n2gH3AaJUb9KbX9

MedComic Con 2026
2026-04-01 17:00 - 20:00
Get ready for MedComic Con 2026, brought to you by IMS and BMC students! This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of science comics and enjoy awesome talks and activities.
MedComic Con is designed like a traditional academic conference but with a creative twist! Listen to inspiring speakers in the field of Graphic Medicine, participate in a hands-on drawing workshop, browse comic books, and engage in a dynamic poster session showcasing the latest medical science research in comic format.
Registration is free, and refreshments are provided. Spots are limited, so grab your tickets NOW at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/medcomic-con-2026-uoft-tickets-1984440994434?aff=oddtdtcreator

Healthcare Innovation Challenge: Improving Rural and Remote Healthcare in Canada
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:30
Watch our Top 5 teams pitch their AI solutions—plus a panel on the future of rural and remote healthcare in Canada.
As part of this year’s Healthcare Innovation Challenge Finals, we’re hosting a thought‑provoking panel discussion exploring one of Canada’s most pressing questions:
What does the future of rural and remote healthcare look like—and how can AI help shape it?
Our distinguished panel of leaders in medicine, data science, health innovation, and primary‑care transformation will share insights on current challenges, emerging opportunities, and the role of responsible AI in strengthening healthcare access across rural communities.
Following the panel, our Top 5 finalist teams will take the stage to pitch their AI‑driven solutions for a chance to win $5,000 in prizes.
Join us for an evening of expert perspectives, innovative ideas, refreshments, and raffle prizes. We look forward to an inspiring conversation and an exciting finale to this year’s challenge.
Register with this registration link!

Are You Smarter than a Grad Student?
2026-03-19 17:30 - 19:30
Join us for an exciting Trivia Night hosted by the IMSSA Academic Affairs Team! Get ready for a fun, fast-paced evening with questions across a mix of topics, open to all students, any level.
Food provided
3 main prizes + smaller prizes
$300 worth of prizes up for grabs!
Thursday, March 19
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Sydney Smith Hall (SS 2105), 100 St George St, Toronto
Bring your friends, test your knowledge, and don’t miss out on the fun!
Register via the QR code on the poster

P2P: Wellness Workshop & Mentorship Social
2026-03-16 18:00 - 20:00
The P2P Mentorship Program is hosting a Wellness Workshop for IMS students. Join us for an evening to unwind, connect with fellow peers, and take a short break from your research. We will have arts and crafts, games, and plenty of food and drinks.
Please see the event details below.
Date and time: Monday, March 16, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location: Bahen Centre, 40 St. George Street, Room 2155
Spots are limited, so please register here: https://forms.gle/SkbP7gsQAZDsVzPM6
We hope you can join us for a relaxed and fun evening with the IMS community. Looking forward to seeing you there.

MaRS Pi(zza) Day
2026-03-13 12:00 - 13:30
On behalf of MaRS Site directors: MaRS is hosting an early Pi Day pizza party on Friday, March 13th 2026 from 12:00 to 1:30pm, hosted at the MaRS East Tower (101 College St.) 2nd floor Conference room (Room 2-821). Scan QR code to RSVP!

IMS International Community x IMSSA: Iftar
2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00
Sign up to join the IMS International Community and IMSSA for an Iftar (dinner) to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan!
When? Thursday, March 12th @ 7:00PM
Where? Zafoon Middle Eastern Restaurant, 384 College St
The restaurant is halal and we will be meeting at 7:00PM to ensure we receive our food by the time we break fast (~7:20PM).
Please register only if you are able to attend, as reservations are limited: https://forms.gle/fcMnGFQ1tFxiyEaF7

Crafting Connections
2026-03-11 18:30 - 21:00
IMSSA Community & Outreach is excited to present Crafting Connections — an evening of creativity, conversation, and community building with seniors at Venvi the Annex Retirement Residence.
Join us as we make beautiful crepe paper flower bouquets together and spend meaningful time connecting across generations. This event is a wonderful opportunity to give back, brighten someone’s day, and foster genuine relationships within our local community.
Wednesday, March 11th at 6:30 PM
123 Spadina Rd, Toronto
(Option to meet at Robarts Library at 6:00 PM to walk over together.)
Sign up using the QR code to participate!

IMSSA Thesis Writing & Defense Workshop
2026-03-11 18:00 - 20:00
IMSSA Academics is excited to partner with the Graduate Centre for Academic Communication (GCAC) to bring you a workshop focused on thesis writing, along with successful panelists to help navigate thesis defense!
Join us to gain valuable insights, discover key success strategies, and learn how to craft a strong and impactful thesis.
Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScucl6j4m-cXxAvhbswBT0ZVaYDxItwkVE-3NYhr-cR8usLUg/viewform?usp=dialog

IMSSA Yoga Event
2026-03-09 18:00 - 19:00
Sign up for a yoga event hosted by the IMSSA Wellness/Sports subcommittees that will take place March 9th from 6pm – 7pm at the Multi-Faith Centre @ 569 Spadina Cres (Multi-Purpose Room, KP207).
Sign up link: Yoga event

IMS International x IMSSA EDI Present: Alone, Together
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00
We invite you to Alone, Together — a community sharing circle created to hold space for reflection, connection, and honest conversation.
In a time when many of us move quietly through shared spaces, this gathering offers an opportunity to sit together, to listen, and to speak about belonging, identity, and what community means within IMS.
Join us for an evening of thoughtful dialogue in a calm, welcoming environment. Cultural desserts and warm drinks will be shared. All are welcome!

Date: Thursday, February 26
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: University College, Room 65

IMSSA Social Presents: Arcade Night
2026-02-19 17:30 - 22:00
Hello folks! Come kick back with us at FreePlay Toronto Retro Arcade Bar (300 College St.) on Thursday, Feb 19th at 5:30 PM for a night of games, food, and fun — $5 for IMS students. Sign up below!!!
https://forms.gle/zYKU1c2SDDgyXQPh9

GPSN Gym Crawl at BeatBox
2026-02-18 18:30
The Graduate Peer Support Network is continuing our gym crawl series! We’re teaming up with BeatBox to help you get moving. We are providing an exclusive class with 20 spots for U of T graduate students on Wednesday February 18th at 6:45pm. Join us using the link or scan the QR code. We hope to see you there!

IMS International Lunar New Year Celebration
2026-02-18 18:00 - 21:00
Come celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year with the IMS International Community!
The event will include a hands-on dumpling-making station, plus snacks, refreshments, games, and music. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to help us plan for space and food.
When? Wednesday, February 18 @ 6:00PM
Where? Grad Loft, 16 Bancroft Ave, 2nd Floor
Please register below
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE8WnV8eavU2kXadNalW4BBOgGtlAe_wvj5pS264AGRHkpZA/viewform?pli=1

Pueblo Science RISE Program - Apply By Feb 15
2026-02-15 08:00 - 17:00
Pueblo Science is inviting IMSSA students to apply for the RISE (Rural Initiative for Science Education) Program, an international outreach initiative in Indonesia and the Philippines (late April–May 2026). Participants will deliver hands-on STEM lessons (e.g., slime, engineering builds, chemistry demos) in rural schools while gaining experience in science communication, global education, and community outreach. Internal travel and teaching period expenses are covered. A virtual info session will be held Jan 30 at 6:30 PM at the following Zoom Link:
https://utoronto.zoom.us/my/imssa
Apply by Feb 15, 2026: https://forms.gle/7XiLSKqfBggXsYJT6

IMS International x IMSSA Sporting Skate Night
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:30
Join IMSSA Sporting and the IMS International Community for an evening of ice skating at the Bentway Skate Trail
Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Bentway Skate Trail, 250 Fort York Boulevard
Skate rentals are free and available on site. To rent skates, participants must present a valid government-issued ID and complete a waiver.
Please note that the skate trail may close due to:

Extreme cold (below −20 °C, or −25 °C with wind chill)
Heavy snowfall

Registration is required — sign up below!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBy44fW9PN-pKOEUR0GtulhUNbrndtvqyuQVWnyxuF4YKo1w/viewform

Valentine's Day Crafts Night
2026-02-11 17:30 - 19:30
Join IMSSA for a fun and relaxed Valentine’s Crafts Night featuring cookie baking, bath bomb making, goody bag assembling, and card making. Whether you’re creating something for a partner, a friend, or yourself, everyone is welcome!
Feb 11
5:30–7:30 PM
Location: OISE2295
Please sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn1_ty6BMSBlpRiq4mEwZCuMZO5IkrLZPmgqK9doVlkylHFw/viewform?usp=header

IMS Research Rounds - Emergency Medicine
2026-01-29 09:00 - 22:30
Please join us for breakfast as we hear from our fellow IMS graduate students on their research on treatments for mood disorders:

Sara Corvinelli’s research focuses on delirium in older adults in the emergency department and ways to improve early recognition. Her thesis examines the use of trained volunteers and a brief screening tool to enhance delirium detection and patient outcomes.
Luca Salvatore Menga’s research focuses on acute respiratory failure, using large-animal models and advanced respiratory monitoring to study lung injury and develop more personalized ventilation strategies.
Anisa Nazir’s research examines adverse events and latent safety threats during early trauma resuscitation using trauma video review. She analyzes real clinical encounters with validated teamwork and safety frameworks to improve trauma team performance and patient outcomes.

Location: C. David Naylor Building – Room NL 203
This is an in-person-only event. Please register here and help spread the word!
*
If you are interested in presenting your research, please fill out this form. This is a great opportunity for you to practice your presentation skills, learn from your peers, and cultivate collaboration opportunities!

Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Academia - A Panel Discussion
2026-01-28 18:00 - 19:30
Join the IMSSA Wellness Sub-Committee for a panel discussion featuring five speakers who will share their experiences and insights on how they dealt with imposter syndrome during their graduate studies and in medical school!
Food will be provided, and there will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end.
Please fill out this form to RSVP.
– Sent on behalf of IMSSA Wellness Subcommittee

IMS Magazine Workshop
2026-01-27 14:00 - 15:30
The IMS Magazine will be hosting a workshop, led by Senior Research Communications Officer Dr. Betty Zou, on how to plan for, conduct, and write about an interview. Dr. Zou will discuss how to get the most out of an interview and tell an impactful story. The workshop will be on Tuesday January 27th from 2-3:30pm over Zoom. Please register below if you are interested!
https://forms.gle/L8bqhGHjnUZKdciw7

GPSN Presents: Gym Crawl
2026-01-22 16:15 - 17:30
The Graduate Peer Support Network is continuing our gym crawl series! We’re teaming up with Barry’s Bootcamp Yorkville to help you get moving. We are providing 20 spots for U of T graduate students on Thursday January 22nd at 4:25pm. Join us using the link or scan the QR code. We hope to see you there!

OGS/QEII/OSOTF Peer Review Workshop
2026-01-20 15:00 - 17:00
Applying for the OGS/QEII/OSOTF scholarship this upcoming cycle? Attend the upcoming Peer Review Workshop to learn more about crafting a successful research proposal and receive personalized feedback on your application!

When: Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
Time: 3:00-5:00 PM
Where: Online (Zoom link shared upon registration)

Register for the workshop below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ9ZT7OVso9BuPF8Oh7o5l5ucfHoIyAE7zXdl8JAYlwR3iIw/viewform?usp=header

We’re also recruiting volunteer Peer Reviewers (previous awardees or upper-year students) to share their insights, provide constructive feedback, and support this cycle’s applicants during the workshop.
To volunteer as a Peer Reviewer, please fill out the form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftzOeE6cCfdYVa9U9hV9JjPM6rMSM6Hsmi6PxzwQkKCWnhmA/viewform?usp=dialog

IMPORTANT: We are seeking successful OGS/QEII/OSOTF research proposals to use as exemplars during the workshop. If you are willing to share your research proposal, please select “Yes” on Question 7 of the form. Please note that only short excerpts will be shown, and proposals will not be distributed.

We look forward to seeing you at the workshop in January!

IMSSA Winter Crafts Night
2025-12-15 17:00 - 20:00
Take a break from your coursework and research and join IMSSA Wellness for a cozy Winter Craft Night on December 15 from 5–8 pm at the U of T Grad Loft. We will be making ornaments, painting mugs, and creating winter-themed crafts, with all supplies, hot chocolate, and holiday snacks provided. Just drop in to unwind, get creative, and connect with fellow IMS students.
Register here

IMSSA Holiday Party 2025
2025-12-11 18:30 - 23:30
This holiday season, step into the spotlight and join us at Firkin on Bay for IMSSA’s Met Gala-themed Winter Soirée!
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of high fashion, dazzling ambiance, and festive indulgence. Expect couture-inspired cocktails, decadent bites, live entertainment, immersive experiences, and plenty of surprises worthy of the runway.
Dress to impress in semi-formal or fashion-forward attire—but most importantly, come as you feel comfortable. Whether you’re channeling avant-garde glamour or keeping it cozy chic, we’re excited to celebrate with you.
NOTE: IMS student tickets are $5 each and $15 for plus ones. Following registration, Payment will be at the door of the event (cash and card accepted).
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/imssa-holiday-party-2025-tickets-1967205709232?aff=oddtdtcreator

IMSSA x UofT LLC x Canadian Blood Services - Holiday Blood Drive
2025-12-10 18:00 - 20:00
Join us in spreading generosity this holiday season! IMSSA, in collaboration with UofT LLC and Canadian Blood Services, is hosting a Holiday Blood Drive on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 6–8 PM.
All students are invited to sign up, come out, and make a meaningful impact—every donation can help save a life. Bring your friends, enjoy some treats, and give back to the community during this season of giving.
Meet at 67 College Street
Or join the group walk from the UofT Medical Sciences Building at 5:30 PM.
Scan the QR code to register—we hope to see you there!

Inclusive by Design Series: Equity by Design Workshop
2025-12-08 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for Equity by Design, the first workshop in the Inclusive by Design series, focused on applying the Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) framework in research and academic contexts. This hands-on session will introduce practical strategies for identifying structural barriers, mitigating inequities, and integrating equity principles into study design.
We are excited to welcome Sonia Meerai, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Laurentian University. Sonia is an interdisciplinary scholar whose work explores racial justice, reproductive technologies, algorithmic surveillance, and the impacts of digital health through critical race feminist and decolonial frameworks. She brings deep expertise in applying equity-centered methodologies and has collaborated on HEIA processes across health system projects.
Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Earth Sciences Building, Room 4000
Free snacks, resources, and participation certificates provided.
Reserve your spot and be part of our first Inclusive by Design workshop.

P2P Mentorship - Thriving Through Grad School Event
2025-12-04 18:00 - 20:00
The P2P Mentorship is hosting our upcoming virtual event, Thriving through Grad School. Please see the event information below:
Date: Thursday, December 4th
Time: 6-8pm
Zoom Meeting Link: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/86793810342
Meeting ID: 867 9381 0342
Please fill out this form to let us know if you are coming and to let us know what topics you would like to see us cover: https://forms.gle/FodxT3ktfwZVEXy4A
We are planning to go over a variety of topics including graduate timelines, student-supervisor dynamics, courses, PAC meetings, as well as external/internal grants and awards from an upper year student perspective. We will also be hosting a Q&A period!

First TGH-IMS Coffee Meet-Up of the Year
2025-12-04 10:00 - 11:00
We’re excited to kick off the year with a coffee meet-up hosted by the Toronto General Hospital (TGH) site – IMSSA group! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with students from the TGH-IMS community and make new friends over coffee and treats.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am.
Location: MaRS Building, in front of Tim Hortons (101 College Street)
We’ll provide free coffee and Timbits for everyone to enjoy! To help us plan accordingly and make sure there’s enough for everyone, we kindly ask you to fill out the RSVP form.
Thanks and looking forward to seeing you there!

Board Games Night
2025-12-03 17:00 - 21:00
Looking for a cozy, laughter-filled break from the semester grind?
Join us for IMSSA’s Board Game Night, happening December 3rd from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Grad Loft! Expect a relaxed, fun atmosphere with a lineup of games for every mood, whether you’re here for lighthearted laughs or a competitive challenge. And yes, we’ve got you covered with free pizza and drinks!
Click here to RSVP!
Come recharge, reconnect, and enjoy a good vibe!!!

IMS International Community Distillery Winter Village Fest
2025-12-02 17:00 - 21:00
We invite you all to join the IMS International Community for a magical evening at the Distillery Winter Village!
We’ll meet at the Distillery Loop TTC Station on Tuesday, December 2 at 5:30 PM, as we’re heading to one of Toronto’s most festive spots for a cozy, outdoor holiday market experience! It will be the final day that entry to the Winter Village is free
When? Tuesday, December 2, at 5:30 PM
Where? Distillery Loop TTC Station
Who? Everyone is welcome!
What to bring? Yourself and some good vibes!
Please register using the link below, and the first 10 people to register will be treated to hot chocolate on us!
https://forms.gle/R1rq4e8bAdxiMfNm8
