Knowledge mobilization and networking can help build relationships and capacity, create opportunities, and reduce inequities. Here is a sample of the numerous research events organized by Faculty members over the past year.

Launch of the Health Equity for the Aged Lab - May 2023

Professor Beogo presenting at the podium

Professor Idrissa Beogo (School of Nursing) officially launched the Health Equity for the Aged Lab (HEAL) on May 5th, 2023. HEAL aims to provide decision- and policy-makers with the evidence necessary to develop best practices in long term care, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of underserved older adults, to support equity, diversity and inclusion in the later years. The event itself, supported by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health and the Faculty of Health Sciences, welcomed the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of Canada, and featured a panel with Dr. Mireille Norris (University of Toronto) and Martine Lagacé, Associate Vice-President, Research, Promotion and Development (University of Ottawa).

Canadian Congress on Leisure Research – May 2023

Maureen Harrington Scholar Winners

The month of May also welcomed the 17th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research. Organized by Professors Paul Heintzman, Alexandra Arellano, Audrey Giles, and François Gravelle from the School of Human Kinetics, the event’s goal was to critically reflect on A half century of Canadian leisure research and move toward a more inclusive future. The 3-day conference attracted almost 100 leisure academics and professionals, as well as over 75 students from across Canada and around the world, addressing the critical role leisure can play to reduce social challenges linked to poverty, climate change and inequities.

Book Launch - June 2023

Professor Garcia presenting at the podium

Well-being in Later Life – The Notion of Connected Autonomy (Routledge, 2023)

Edited by three members of the LIFE Research Institute, Professors Linda Garcia and Jeffrey Jutai (both from the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences) and Louise Bélanger-Hardy (Faculty of Law), the book highlights important interdisciplinary research in support of the concept of connected autonomy in later life. A book launch was organized on June 1st and featured expert panellists from academia and community groups. 

World Congress of Sociology of Sport - August 2023

Conference attendees discussing near the registration table

From August 14 to 17, the University of Ottawa hosted the World Congress of Sociology of Sport 2023, the annual event of the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA). Over 250 participants from 30 countries reflected on the theme Publics that Matter: Sociology of sport in our local communities. The event showcased the research of professors in sociocultural studies at the School of Human Kinetics, as well as their community partners (e.g. Indigenous, Francophone, municipal communities). Professor Christine Dallaire (outgoing ISSA President), supported by the ISSA, organized this event highlighting the social importance of sport, exercise and physical activity, in collaboration with Professor Alexandra Arellano and Professor Audrey Giles for the pre-congress graduate student professional development activities.

World AIDS Day - December 2023

Presenters posing in front of the screens

Researchers at the Faculty of Health Sciences organized and participated in the 2023 World AIDS Day activities. On December 1st, Professor Patrick O’Byrne  (School of Nursing) was a guest speaker for the AIDS Committee of Ottawa event that took place on Parliament Hill, discussing the GetaKit research project. A health fair was also organized by the Co-CREATH Lab, lead by Professor Josephine Etowa (School of Nursing), enabling knowledge exchanges on the Peer-Equity Navigator Program, a capacity building initiative to help close health equity gaps. 

Nutrition Month - March 2024

Researchers attending a cooking session

The School of Nutrition Sciences hosted the Dietitians of Canada for the official launch of Nutrition Month – We are Dietitians, celebrating this important healthcare profession. The event included an allocation by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Yasir Naqvi. Later in the month, in partnership with the Embassy of Italy, the School held its Annual Research Day, titled Food, Nutrition, and Health, with a special focus on the Mediterranean diet. Professor Antonella Amato (University of Palermo, Italy) gave the plenary lecture, which was followed by a demonstration by Cristian Lepore, the chef of the Embassy. This networking event also offered the opportunity for trainees to present their research projects with dignitaries, researchers, and health professionals.

Events taking place between May 2023 and April 2024 are featured.