Events | Research Innovation Office
Winter 2026
Skills for Research Impact Series
Skills for Research Impact is a workshop series organized through a collaboration between the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, the Research Innovation Office and the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute at the University of Guelph. Faculty, research staff, graduate students and anyone interested in enhancing the impact of their research are invited to join.
Through sessions facilitated by impact experts, participants will learn how to successfully plan, execute and evaluate knowledge mobilization (or knowledge translation and transfer) activities. Sessions will cover topics key to effective research communications and engagement of non-academic audiences, including policy, industry and community stakeholders.
Throughout the series, participants will gain skills that can be applied to their own research contexts, goals and projects. Workshops will be highly participatory and will provide practical knowledge, skills and tools that can be used right away.
January 27, 2026 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Planning for Research Impact; presented by Victoria Holla, Knowledge Mobilization Manager, Office of Research, Agri-food Partnership.
- Knowledge mobilization 101! Become familiar with knowledge mobilization plans and conceptualize strategies adapted to your goals and audiences.
February 3, 2026 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Clear Language Writing; presented by Kim Garwood, Production Manager, Stiletto.
- Hone your clear communications skills! Get tips on how to structure and write clear language summaries of your research for dissemination to lay audiences..
Register for Clear Language Writing
February 10, 2026 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Community Engagement; presented by Kendra Schnarr, Research Projects Assistant at CESI.
- Actively engaging your audiences in your research process is one of the most effective ways to increase the uptake and impact of your research. But how does that work?
Register for Community Engagement
February 24, 2026 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
KTT Strategies and Dissemination; presented by Elizabeth Shantz, Knowledge Mobilization Manager, Arrell Food Institute and Project Co-Lead, Agricultural Genomics Action Centre.
- How do you share your research with non-academic audiences? Learn about a number of potential mechanisms you can use for knowledge mobilization, discover how to choose a mechanism that’s appropriate for your audience, and take a deep dive into several popular mechanisms for dissemination, including social media, research summaries, infographics, and media.
March 3, 2026 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Infographic Development and Design; presented by Alex Sawatsky, Creative Advisor, Arrell Food Institute.
- Participants can learn all about best practices for designing engaging and visually appealing infographics.
Register for Infographic Development & Design
March 10, 2026 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Evaluating KTT Activities; presented by Anne Bergen, Director, Knowledge to Action Consulting Inc.
- When all is said and done, how do you know it worked? Go beyond the anecdote and learn to use evaluation techniques to assess the impact of your knowledge mobilization efforts.
Register for Evaluating KTT Activities
March 17, 2026 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Advanced Session: Principals for Working with the Media; presented by Crystal Mackay, CEO, Loft32.
- Prepare for the next time the media calls! Get familiar with practical information and tips to strengthen your ability to represent your work in interviews.
March 2026
Project SOY Plus Finale & 30-Year Showcase
March 12, 2026 | Summerlee Science Complex, Waasamowin | University of Guelph, Ontario
Join us on March 12 for the annual Project SOY Plus Finale at the Science Complex Waasamowin.
The day will feature an open house with Project Teams pitching to judges, displaying their work, and answering public questions about their projects, alongside a showcase of the Fall 2025 Creative Stream submissions.
This special 30-year celebration will also highlight the program’s history, past competitors and coordinators, and more.
Full schedule and event details will be shared soon.
