2025 RIC Annual Meeting

September 17-19, 2025
In Vancouver, BC

  

Last Updated: September 11, 2025

Welcome!

Every year, Research Impact Canada (RIC) hosts an annual meeting for our members as an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and resources, and imagine initiatives and priorities for RIC’s future. It has become one of our most well-received events. 

Our agenda includes wonderful workshops, fantastic guest speakers, and opportunities for network members to showcase and share their work from their institutions.

This year’s meeting will be on September 17-19 2025 in Vancouver. It will be hosted by Simon Fraser University. While we endeavour to make as much of the meeting hybrid-accessible so that attendees can participate on Zoom, we encourage you to attend in person for the full experience.

Registration

All in-person and virtual attendees must be registered for this event. Registration is now closed.

Important Note: Our annual meeting is restricted to members of our network, primarily the RIC representatives from the institutions.

Agenda

The agenda has been added! Please note the times are in Pacific time zone. You may also view an overview of the agenda here.

Time (PT)Session
8:00 AM – 9:00 AMBreakfast
Room: 7060
Opening Plenary (Hybrid)
Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563
9:00 AM – 9:15 AMIntroduction and Land Acknowledgements (Hybrid)
Room: 7060

Presenters: Bissy Waariyo, Director, Strategy and Operations, Research Impact Canada and Cassidy Acheson, Knowledge Mobilization and EDI Specialist, SFU KM Hub
9:15 AM – 9:30 AMWelcome Remarks (Hybrid)
Room: 7060

Presenters: Elicia Maine, Associate Vice-President, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation, Simon Fraser University and David Phipps, Assistant Vice-President, Research Strategy and Impact, York University
9:30 AM – 10:00 AMIcebreaker

In-person & virtual: Scavenger hunt bingo card
10:00 AM – 11:00 AMState of the Network (Hybrid)
Room: 7060

Presenters: David Phipps & Bissy Waariyo, Director of Strategy and Operations, Research Impact Canada
11:00 AM – 12:00 PMRIC Strategic Priorities Updates (Hybrid)
Room: 7060

Presenters: David Phipps & Bissy Waariyo
12:00 PM – 1:00 PMLunch
RIC Committees – The sessions run parallel to each other so please choose one to attend per session. If you are not part of any committee, you are still welcome to join and contribute to the working session.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PMRIC Evaluation Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Room: 7060 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same Zoom link from the morning)

Lead: David Phipps, Stephen MacGregor, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary
RIC Professional Development Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Room: 2200 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/95465934670 (different Zoom link)

Lead: Michael Johnny, Manager, KMb Unit, York University and Alyse Pearce, Research Partnerships Broker, Athabasca University
2:00 PM – 2:15 PMBreak
2:15 PM – 3:00 PMRIC Committees Plenary Reportback(Hybrid)
Room: 7060 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same link from the morning)

Each committee will have about 10 minutes to do a reportback to the group.

Presenters: RIC committee chairs
3:00 PM – 4:00 PMSFU KM Hub Presentation
Room: 7060 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same link as the previous session)

Presenters: SFU KM Hub Team – Lupin Battersby, Director, Knowledge Mobilization; Sophie Ashton, Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator; Tiffany Nam, Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, AG-ACt; Cassidy Acheson, Knowledge Mobilization and EDI Specialist
In-Person Social Activity
6:00 PM – 8:00 PMRIC Network Dinner at Nuba Gastown
Time (PT)Session
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast
Room: WCC 320
9:00 AM – 10:15 AMKeynote Presentation–Inclusive Places: Co-Creation & Knowledge Mobilization (Hybrid)
Room: WCC 320 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same link from yesterday)

Presenters: Atiya Mahmood, Professor, Gerontology, SFU; Abdul Zahir, Research Project Manager, Civic Innovation Lab; Mei Fang, Professor, Urban Studies and Gerontology, SFU; Pat Scrutton, Lead, Intergenerational National Network of Scotland
10:15 AM – 10:30 AMBreak
10:30 AM – 11:00 AMMobilize U: Updates (Hybrid)
Room: WCC 320 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same link)

This presentation will focus on updates from the 2025 summer edition of the Mobilize U program, RIC’s flagship knowledge mobilization training program!

Presenters: Krista Jensen, Senior Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, York University, Lupin Battersby, Director, Knowledge Mobilization, SFU, and Sophie Ashton, Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator, SFU
11:00 AM – 11:05 AMTransition (5 mins)
RIC Member Presentations – The sessions run parallel to each other so please choose one to attend per session.
11:05 AM – 11:35 AMPresentation: “Success stories of integrated knowledge mobilization: Co-creating KMb plans and products with knowledge users and researchers” (Hybrid)
Room: WCC 320 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same link from the morning)

Success doesn’t come without setbacks. This presentation will explore how we applied lessons learned from previous projects to improve our processes and co-create impactful knowledge mobilization plans and products with researchers and knowledge users—turning challenges into success stories.

Presenters: Deb Denman, Director, Knowledge Mobilization and Lauren O’Grady, Communications Manager, Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans
Presentation: “Knowledge Mobilization from a Funder’s Perspective” (In Person)
Room: WCC 470
 
What are funders looking for from researchers/grantees? What part in knowledge mobilization (KM) do they, can they, or should they play? Selga will share some of the learnings from the Weston Family Foundation.

Presenter: Selga Apse, Director, Granting, Weston Family Foundation
11:35 AM – 11:40 AMTransition (5 mins)
11:40 AM – 12:10 AMPresentation: “Community-Engaged Research (CER) Days at McMaster University” (Hybrid)
Room: WCC 320 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same link)

I’d like to share about our Community-Engaged Research (CER) Days – a yearly university-wide event that showcases CER done in partnership with the university and community. The days typically include interactive workshops of CER-related topics (ethics, compensation, insider research, having the difficult conversations, etc); a research gallery (students, faculty/staff, and community can showcase project presentations/posters); informal networking time; and service booths. I’d like to share the successes, lessons learned, and future directions.

Presenter (Virtual): Shahad Al-Saqqar, Strategic Manager, Community Engagement, McMaster University
Presentation: “Mount Royal University & Community Engagement” (In Person)
Room: WCC 470

In this presentation, I will profile the innovative work of our Institutes – how they connect with community and use various KM approaches.

Presenter: Connie Van der Byl, Associate Vice-President, Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement, Mount Royal University
12:15 AM – 1:15 AMLunch
1:20 PM – 1:50 PMPresentation: “Research contribution portfolio to capture impact – A new approach at INRS” (Hybrid)
Room: WCC 320 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same link)

The new INRS institutional CV will go beyond its conventional role in assessing individual qualifications by serving as a strategic database to capture and showcase the full spectrum of activities. It will support academic staff, amplify their contributions, and demonstrate the societal impact of research, training, and community engagement. Aligned with the unique mission of INRS, this tool offers a structured approach to articulating and enhancing research impact across diverse domains.

Presenters: Gabriel Joyal, Conseiller stratégique à la Direction scientifique, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)
Presentation: “Creating Space for Impact: What I Learned Launching Brock’s Research Impact Hub” (In Person)
Room: WCC 470

What does it take to move research impact from principle to practice inside a physical space? In this session, I’ll reflect on the process of launching Brock University’s Research Impact Hub – a dedicated space for collaboration, learning, sharing, impact and knowledge mobilization. I’ll share key lessons learned about creating institutional buy-in, designing for both physical and cultural impact, and fostering a community of practice across disciplines. This session will offer practical insights for anyone seeking to embed research impact and knowledge mobilization more deeply into their institution’s culture.

Presenter: Jayne Morrish, Research Impact Manager, Brock University
1:50 PM – 1:55 PMTransition (5 mins)
1:55 PM – 2:25 PMPathways to Impact: Vision and process thus far (Hybrid)
Room WCC 320 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same link)

This presentation will be an update on Concordia U’s Pathways to Impact Project. It is a framework for a shared institutional vision of research impact that supports multiple pathways to impact by leveraging existing and enhanced resources and expertise through cross-unit collaboration and cooperation. 
 
Presenter: Prem Sooriyakumar, Knowledge Broker, Concordia University
Presentation: “Working “backwards”: Using knowledge translation strategies to develop research partnerships with Indigenous communities” (In Person)
Room: WCC 470

Despite the push towards integrated knowledge translation, we have found that many researchers and research administrators still think more about knowledge translation and mobilization near the end of a research project rather than the outset. In the CIHR-funded Saskatchewan NEIHR network (Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research), we are encouraging researchers to use KT strategies as an entry point to developing partnerships with Indigenous communities. The nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk Research, Training and Mentorship Networks that make up the SK-NEIHR provide funding of up to $10,000 for knowledge translation and community research partnership development to assist in developing these partnerships.

One example of this approach is a legacy project led by Terri Hansen-Gardiner (Métis), the Saskatchewan NEIHR’s knowledge keeper in residence. As a breast cancer survivor living in northern Saskatchewan, Terri is an advocate for Métis undergoing cancer treatment. In 2023, she co-led a knowledge translation legacy project with Dr. Robert Henry and Dr. Chelsea Gabel, both Métis researchers, and the StoryCentre Canada. In July 2023, at the Back to Batoche Métis Gathering, we brought together six senior Métis residents of Northern Saskatchewan who were cancer survivors. Together with facilitators from StoryCentre Canada, and staff of the Saskatchewan NEIHR, survivors visited and created digital stories of their cancer experiences. Once the stories were completed, we brought participants back to Saskatoon to share their completed stories, and talk about what the project meant to them. Speaking about the experience at Back to Batoche afterwards, Terri said, “That was one of the best weekends I have had since I started doing cancer advocacy and support, and helping with cancer research after my own cancer diagnosis and recovery. Afterwards, I talked to other Métis people who participated, and we all felt the same way. It was a very special few days together.” We have found the advantages of focusing on knowledge translation first helps develop more authentic relationships from which research partnerships can form, counters extractive methods, and emphasizes storytelling as a process of research development. By “working backwards” this research highlights the importance not on the question, but on the process and outcome to create authentic relational accountability.

Presenter: Fleur Macqueen Smith, Manager, Saskatchewan Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research, University of Saskatchewan
2:25 PM – 2:30 PMTransition (5 mins)
2:30 PM – 3:00 PMPresentation: “Living With Long COVID: An iKT project leveraging photography” (Hybrid)
Room: WCC 320 | Zoom: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/97217389563 (same link)

3.5 million Canadians (9% of the population) experience Long COVID symptoms. Every Canadian knows someone affected, whether it is a mild or disabling case, impacting family, friends, and communities. Many patients and the people who provide care for them have identified the need to increase awareness and recognition of Long COVID in Canada. Our project addresses this community-identified priority by using photography to showcase the visible realities of this ‘invisible illness’ in British Columbia.

The photography exhibition was co-produced and presented at the Museum of Vancouver and displayed photos taken by Longhaulers (people with Long COVID) to highlight their daily lived experiences By using a community participatory arts-based approach, we promote education and informed discourse surrounding Long COVID to reduce shame and stigma, empower patient voices, and advocate for support.

Presenter: Rackeb Tesfaye, Knowledge Mobilization Lead and Senior Scientist, Bridge Research Consortium, SFU
3:00 PM – 3:15 PMConclusion of annual meeting for virtual attendees | Prep for the world cafe session (15 mins)
3:15 PM – 4:15 PMIn-Person World Café
Room: WCC 320

The world café session will open with an introduction of the format. Each presenter will then provide a 1-2-minute pitch for attendees to come to their table. Attendees will choose one of the tables for the first round. After 20 minutes, the room will rotate. Attendees will pick a different table for the next 20 minutes. After the second round is over, the world café session will conclude.

“Ethics of Impact: It’s more than doing no harm, it’s about doing the right thing“

Presenter: David Phipps, Assistant Vice-President, Research Strategy and Impact, York University

“A New Model For Knowledge Mobilization: Agricultural Genomics Action Centre (AG-ACt)“

The Agricultural Genomics Action Centre, a knowledge mobilization and implementation hub, is a Genome Canada initiative that works with the Interdisciplinary Challenge Teams (ICTs) in the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems portfolio to help bridge the gap between knowledge research, practice and policy. It will support each ICT’s knowledge mobilization strategies and identify areas of alignment or opportunities for cross-cutting connections to help make research findings relevant, accessible, and usable by end users to drive climate change impacts. The goal of the project is to mitigate climate change by reducing CO2 equivalents produced by the agri-food sector and increasing carbon sinks, helping to move Canada towards net-zero.

Presenter: Elizabeth Shantz, Knowledge Mobilization Manager, Arrell Food Institute and Project Co-Lead, Agricultural Genomics Action Centre, University of Guelph

“AI & Knowledge Mobilization – From Practice to Possibility“

Join the conversation that balances hands-on experience with forward-thinking strategy. Together we’ll explore three connected questions: 1) How are you using AI in your research or knowledge mobilization work—or planning to?; 2) What ethical challenges are coming up, and how can we handle them responsibly?; 3) What new possibilities could AI unlock for building impact and connection? Whether you work in academia, nonprofits, research, or communications, bring your ideas, concerns, and insights. This table is a space to share what’s working, name what’s hard, and shape what’s next.

Presenter: Bonnie Zink, KMb Consultant, University of Saskatchewan

“Imagining a Knowledge Mobilization Planning Decision Tree“

Talk with Rackeb and Sophie about what a decision tree might look like for knowledge mobilization planning. What questions would be important to ask? What are the key cornerstones in KM planning? Come brainstorm and map a tree with us!

Presenter: Rackeb Tesfaye, Knowledge Mobilization Lead and Senior Scientist, Bridge Research Consortium, SFU and Sophie Ashton, Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator, SFU KM Hub
5:00 PM – 6:00 PMIn-Person Social Activity
Hogan’s Alley Society neighbourhood walking tour (1 hr guided outdoor walk)

Our facilitator will be Lama Mugabo and thoughtful prompts will be posed to the group at some stops. Here is the itinerary for the walking tour. Learn more about the tour in the description below.

“Step into the vibrant and complex history of Hogan’s Alley, once the heart of Vancouver’s Black community. This guided walking tour traces the cultural, political, and social life that thrived in this neighborhood before it was largely demolished by the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts in the 1970s.

This tour is not just about remembering what was lost—it’s about recognizing what is still possible. From the Black Strathcona Resurgence murals to the Hogan’s Alley Block redevelopment, we highlight how the community is reclaiming space and reimagining its future through affordable housing, a Black cultural center, and collective ownership models.”
Time (PT)Session
8:00 AM – 9:00 AMBreakfast
Room: WCC 320
9:00 AM – 10:30 AMWorkshop: The Messiness of Inclusive Leadership in Research and Knowledge Mobilization (In-Person)
Room: WCC 320

The purpose of this session is to build understanding and foster dialogue for creating and sustaining inclusive research and/or inclusive teams, informed by our consulting and training work in the area. This session is for those in research and/or staff roles at any given level across higher ed and community organizations.

Facilitator: Miranda Eng, Senior Portfolio Manager, Consulting & Training Services, RADIUS SFU
10:30 AM – 10:45 AMBreak
10:45 AM – 12:00 PMRIC Reflections: Carousel-Activity (In-Person)
Room: WCC 320

Facilitator: David Phipps
12:00 PM – 12:15 PMClosing Remarks (In-Person)
Room: WCC 320

Presenters: RIC (David and Bissy), SFU (Lupin & Sophie)
12:15 PM – 1:15 PMLunch

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Sandy Chan at sdychan@yorku.ca.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

MEETING VENUES

Please note that the venue for the first day of the annual meeting will be at Harbour Centre, but the remaining days will be at the Morris J Wosk Centre:

HYBRID IN PERSON OR ZOOM PARTICIPATION

We endeavour to make as much of our programming hybrid as possible this year. Any session where we welcome hybrid participation (e.g. Zoom or in-person) or in-person participation only will be clearly designated in the agenda. For Zoom, we will use the same Zoom link throughout the meeting. 

HOTEL

RIC members will be responsible for paying for their own hotel rooms. We do have a group block reserved for us at the Pan Pacific Vancouver hotel (999 Canada Pl #300, Vancouver, BC V6C 3B5) should you wish to stay at the same place as other RIC members.

It’s about a 8-minute walk to Harbour Centre on Day 1 and about a 7-minute walk to the Morris J Wosk Centre on Day 2 and 3.

Check-in date is September 16, 2025 4pm PT (the day before the annual meeting). Check-out date is September 19, 2025 by 12 pm PT (the last day of the annual meeting, which will be a half day).

If you wish to participate in the group block for the discounted rate, please contact Sandy for more information and to be added to the RIC rooming list.

If you wish to cancel your room, advance notice must be provided at least 72 hours in advance or the full charges will go through to the RIC member.

TRANSIT

All our activities are within a 15-minute walking distance of each other. If you prefer to ride in a car, we are happy to accommodate you by ordering taxi rides. Please let Sandy know if you require transportation arrangements.

FOOD

The catering for our meeting will be Tayybeh and The Lazy Gourmet.

If you’re interested in seeing the food that will be served each day, click here.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

On September 17, 2025 (Day 1), we will have a RIC network dinner at Nuba Gastown, a 12-minute walk from the Pan Pacific hotel or a 5-minute walk from the Harbour Centre. We will be following a “family-style” sharing menu featuring “La Petite Feast” and “La Grande Feast.”

On September 18, 2025 (Day 2), we will go on an outdoor, neighbourhood walking tour of Hogan’s Alley Society for one hour. Our facilitator will be Lama Mugabo and thoughtful prompts will be posed to the group at some stops. The walk will happen rain or shine so come dressed for the weather. Here is the itinerary for the walking tour.

Lastly, we will have a hands-on, inclusive research workshop led by Radius SFU!

VANCOUVER RECOMMENDATIONS

If you’re looking to explore Vancouver, here is a list of places to eat and things to do!

Thanks Sophie for the fantastic list of recommendations below – specially curated from a local Vancouverite!

Eateries

Waterfront/Gastown Area (Near Harbour Centre)

  • Nuba Gastown – Lebanese share plates (good for veg/vegan, gluten free, etc.)
  • Di Beppe – Italian small plates (pasta, anti-pasti, salads)
  • Water St. Cafe – West Coast inspired Italian (big menu, lunch, brunch, dinner, the works!)
  • Purebread – Café (good coffee, amazing pastries with huge selection)
  • Kozak – Ukrainain food (amazing platters with perogies, sausage, latkes)
  • Bao Bei –  Chinese small plates (nice cocktails, a little spendy but great)
  • Pourhouse – bar-style food (amazing burgers, live music some nights)
  • Jinya Ramen – ramen bar (super delicious, and quick!)
  • Nightingale – fancy, expensive, farm-to-table in a very cool building
  • Nelson the Seagull – seat yourself, avocado toast on crunchy sourdough bread

Main Street

  • Anh and Chi – delicious Vietnamese food, cool cocktails, and a good wine menu
  • Zarak – Afghan food, amazing brunch (get the full Afghan if you’re hungry) and the cutest/coolest non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (dirty chai comes with a yummy cookie on top!)
  • Sun Sui Wah – classic dim sum! Sticking around for Saturday or Sunday?

Commercial Drive

  • Havana – Cuban food (yum tostones) with a huge patio and great drinks – ask for a beer colada (off menu, they’ll think you’re a regular)
  • Livia – amazing sourdough, great Italian breakfast foods
  • Pepino’s – iconic Vancouver Italian spot with HUGE portions and spaghetti that is truly magnificent
  • Thai Basil – Sophie’s #1 takeout restaurant with great lunch deals!
  • Lunch Lady – Amaaazing Vietnamese food! Always busy, a great evening out for something special
  • Moja coffee – a great coffee spot, go-to coffee
  • La Gotta Del Fromaggio – the best Italian sandwich place – for muffuletta lovers!
  • Harambe – traditional Ethiopian eats and drinks, cozy feel, cool art!

Attractions