Graduate researchers showcase innovation and entrepreneurship at GRIP 2026

2026 Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP) co-chairs Amir Afsharpour and Martin Ho (centre) with GRIP Committee members.

The 2026 Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP) Symposium brought together more than 170 students, faculty members, researchers, alumni and industry professionals to explore this year's theme, "Innovations & Future Technologies." Held at the University of Toronto's Victoria College, the student-led event highlighted the connection between research taking place at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and innovations shaping the broader pharmaceutical sciences community.

Throughout the day, attendees participated in presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that showcased how emerging technologies and entrepreneurship are helping advance research, drug development, and patient care.

In a message to attendees, Alison Thompson, associate professor and associate dean of student success, highlighted the Faculty's commitment to scientific discovery, noting that graduate trainees and their research teams are helping shape the future of health care through innovative research.

The day opened with a keynote address from alumna Charlene Ng, global medical affairs head for women's health, nicotine replacement and vitamin and mineral supplements at Perrigo. Drawing on her experience in industry and public health, Ng explored the many stakeholders involved in bringing health innovations to patients. She highlighted career opportunities in areas such as medical affairs, market access, and policy, encouraging students to consider pathways that may not always be visible during graduate training.

“We were excited to see students engage with new ideas, explore different career paths and celebrate the outstanding research taking place across the Faculty.”

Alumni speaker Arthur Li, vice president at Chemical.AI, reflected on his journey from graduate research at the Faculty to leading commercialization efforts in the artificial intelligence sector. Discussing the growing role of machine learning in drug discovery and scientific research, Li encouraged students to remain open to opportunities and position themselves for future success.

“Luck is real — but it's only semi-random,” said Li. “You manufacture luck by putting yourself in rooms, taking on assignments no one else wants, and staying curious. Position yourself to be ready when luck strikes.”

One of the most engaging sessions of the day was an alumni entrepreneurship panel featuring startup founders Seray Cicek and Shiron Lee alongside intellectual property counsel, Yuen Shek. The panel explored the realities of translating scientific discoveries into successful ventures and offered attendees a firsthand look at the innovation ecosystem. During the inaugural Dragon's Den-style pitch session, panelists provided live feedback on student proposals, drawing on their expertise in entrepreneurship, commercialization, and intellectual property.

Throughout the symposium, graduate students shared their work through oral presentations, poster sessions, Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) and Lightning Talks. The presentations showcased research spanning pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, health services research, artificial intelligence, and emerging health technologies.

“One of the strengths of GRIP is that it brings together researchers at different stages of their careers and creates opportunities for meaningful conversations beyond individual disciplines,” said co-chairs Amir Afsharpour and Martin Ho. “We were excited to see students engage with new ideas, explore different career paths and celebrate the outstanding research taking place across the Faculty.”

GRIP 2026 demonstrated how innovation thrives through collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The symposium continues to serve as an important platform for celebrating graduate student research and inspiring the next generation of leaders in pharmaceutical sciences.

See photos from GRIP 2026