In each panel, we invite expert speakers and a moderator to discuss the science behind key policy topics. Here are all the panels we have held to date.
May 9 2023
#JustTheFacts Canada’s Response to Climate Change
On May 9, 2023, TSPN hosted an expert panel to discuss how Canada can respond and adapt to the reality of a changing climate. We hosted scientist Dr. Alexandra Lesnikowski and economist Glen Hodgson, with moderation by journalist Molly Segal.
April 27 2022
#JustTheFacts Digital Economy – Impact of Big Data & AI on Privacy & Justice
On April 27th, 2022, TSPN hosted a panel on the topic of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence and issues related to privacy and justice. Panelists were Dr. Brenda McPhail, Ms. Allison Cohen, and Dr. Christopher Parsons with moderation from Mr. Philip Dawson. The panel included a moderated discussion as well as live Q&A.
January 20 2021
Intro to Science Advocacy
We invited moderator Brian Owens (Freelance Science Journalist) and speakers Dr. Aaron Maxwell (NSERC), Farah Qaiser (Evidence for Democracy), and Prof. Mark Lautens (UofT) to talk about science advocacy, and how scientists at any career stage (including trainees) can get involved.
May 6 2021
#JustTheFacts Green Energy Infrastructure
In this panel we hosted, Ms. Aisha Bukhari (Advanced Energy Centre at MaRS and Women in Renewable Energy), Dr. Eric Bibeau (University of Manitoba), Ms. Cynthia Handler (Office of Energy Research and Development at NRCan), and Dr. Carter Li (SWITCH). This panel focused on how funding for NRCan’s green energy infrastructure programs worked and the future of green energy systems in Canada.
March 22 2021
#JustTheFacts: Housing
With Toronto Star’s Victoria Gibson as the moderator, we welcomed Dr. Stephen Hwang (St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto), Mikaela Gabriel (University of Toronto, sitting in fro Dr. Suzanne Stewart), and Dr. Andrew Boozary (University Health Network and University of Toronto).
November 12 2020
#JustTheFacts Toronto’s Transit
This Just the Facts panel featured Cherise Burda (Executive Director, City Building Ryerson), Amanda O’Rourke (Executive Director, 8 80 Cities) and Dr. Matti Siemiatycki (Associate Professor, University of Toronto) and was moderated by Ben Spurr (Toronto Star’s transportation reporter). We thank the University of Toronto Student Initiative Fund and School of Cities for supporting this event.
November 28 2019
Let’s #VoteScience
To kick off the #VoteScience campaign, TSPN, the Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIScience) and the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB) hosted the Let’s #VoteScience panel, to talk about how and why scientists can advocate for science in the upcoming federal election.
The event featured Dr. David Naylor (Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto), Dr. Amanda Veri (Research Associate, University of Toronto) and Dr. Imogen R. Coe (Ryerson University professor, and CSMB Vice-President).
May 3 2019
Beyond the Headlines: DNA Sequencing Practicalities and Implications
We partnered with the Chemistry BioPhysics (CBP) Symposium to host a public panel on the practicalities and implications of DNA sequencing. Our speakers included Dr. Naveed Aziz (Canada’s Genomics Enterprise), Clare Gibbons (North York General Hospital), Bev Heim-Myers (Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness), and Dr. Katherine Siminovitch (Mount Sinai Hospital/University Health Network). Our moderator was Dr. Nesrin Vurgun (a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Toronto).
March 7 2019
Just The Facts: Climate Action
Our panelists included Katie Sullivan (Managing Director, International Emission Trading Association), Susan McGeachie (Global Director, Climate Change & Sustainability Services at Hatch) and Leila Durante (Chief Business Development Officer, Women in Renewable Energy). Our panel was moderated by Dr. Dan Weaver (Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto). This panel was sponsored by the Canadian Meteorological & Oceanographic Society (CMOS) and the University of Toronto’s School of the Environment.
March 4 2019
Why Representation Matters in STEM Research
The Women in Chemistry Toronto (WICTO) hosted a conversation on why representation matters in Canadian Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) research with speakers Dr. Deborah McGregor, Dr. Juliet Daniel, Dr. Imogen R. Coe and Dr. Emily Agard. The Toronto Science Policy Network was an event partner, alongside Women in Math, Women of Colour in STEAMM, Black Graduate Student Association and the Canadian Women in Chemistry Network.
December 8 2018
Just The Facts: Ontario’s Sex Ed Curriculum
This panel featured Dr. Lauren Bialystok (Assistant Professor, University of Toronto), Dr. Sarah Flicker (Associate Professor, York University) and Dr. David Brennan (Associate Professor, University of Toronto). Maleeha Sheikh (CityNews) moderated this event.
This event was co-hosted by TSPN and RCIScience, with financial support from the University of Toronto’s Student Initiative Fund.
Toronto Science Policy Network 