Healthy Research Teams & Labs symposium: Building healthier research cultures together

On November 12, senior academic administrators and faculty came together at Massey College to explore how institutions can create research environments that support collaboration, empathy and well-being at the second annual Healthy Research Teams & Labs symposium.

Hosted by the School of Graduate Studies, this event was more than just a conversation, it was a catalyst for change. In his keynote presentation, “Empowering Research: A Roadmap for Institutional Excellence,” Carl M. Cohen, PhD, President of Science Management Associates and co-author of Lab Dynamics: Management and Leadership Skills for Scientists, highlighted the challenge of translating aspirational values into everyday practices. “Well managed, motivated people do more and better science than poorly managed, demotivated people,” said Dr. Cohen, as he shared proven strategies, from in-house programs to custom curricula, that help institutions empower faculty and unlock the full potential of their teams.

Dr. Cohen’s remarks kicked off a morning of thoughtful discussions about the university’s Healthy Research Teams & Labs (HRTL) initiative and the commitment to fostering healthy research team environments in the U of T community. The ideas shared from this event will inform next steps as we work collectively to create research environments that prioritize openness, integrity, and well-being.

“It was wonderful to see an enthusiastic and dedicated group come together to foreground good practices in leading research teams at our institution,” said Joshua Barker, Vice-Provost, Graduate Research & Education and Dean, School of Graduate Studies. “We look forward to continuing this important work through the Healthy Research Teams & Labs Initiative.”

The annual event is not the only way to get involved in this initiative. SGS invites applications to the Healthy Research Teams & Labs (HRTL) Seed Fund, which supports the development of new initiatives that improve the experience of working in research teams at the university. Nominations are also open for the Spotlight Awards, which recognize activities that are already doing this important work. The deadline for both programs is January 23, 2026.

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