2026 UHN Summer Training And Research (STAR) Program
The Summer Training and Research (STAR) Program, offered by the UHN Office of Research Trainees (ORT), enhances the UHN summer student research experience by providing an opportunity to develop research and professional development skills. The program includes 6 learning session, an opportunity to present at a UHN-wide research day, and a certificate of program completion. The program is open to all UHN summer research students, including those in paid, co-op, and volunteer positions.
UHN STAR Learning Sessions
To participate in the UHN STAR Program, summer students must register with the ORT (here). By registering, you will gain access to all communications about the program. All attendees of the STAR Program must read and abide by the ORT Code of Conduct and Inclusivity Commitment.
All sessions will take place in the Bob Bell Auditorium (Room 6-604) of the Princess Margaret Hospital (click here for directions) and will be recorded for anyone who cannot attend live. In-person attendance at the learning sessions will be encouraged to maximize the experience, as they will feature interactive activities such as networking and case studies.
Learning Session Dates and Topics:
Click the date and time to add the learning session to your calendar!
| May 29, 2:00-3:00 pm | Inside the Labs: An Introduction to Research at UHN |
| June 12, 2:00-3:00 pm | Research Done Right: The Dos and Don’ts of Research Integrity, with UHN Research Quality Integration |
| June 26, 2:00-3:00 pm | Creating Connections: Essential Networking Skills |
| July 10, 2:00-3:00 pm | Communicating Your Science: Crafting Clear and Impactful Poster Presentations |
| July 17, 2:00-3:00 pm | Advance Your Academics: Key Insights into Graduate School |
| July 31, 2:00-3:00 pm | Navigating Futures: Exploring Diverse Careers in Science and Healthcare |
Missed a learning session?
Did you miss an in-person learning session but still want credit towards the Certificate of Program Completion? Fill out the missed session attendance form after you watch the recording to record your participation!
UHN STAR Research Day
The STAR program also includes an opportunity for students to share their summer research with the UHN research community through an in-person poster session.
The UHN STAR Research Day will be held on August 13th. Presenting students will be eligible to win prizes for the best poster presentations. Instructions on how to prepare the posters will be shared during the July 10th learning session.
UHN summer research students who cannot present at the poster session in person will be provided an online alternative.
UHN STAR Certificate of Program Completion
UHN Research Students who attend or watch at least 4 learning sessions and participate in Research Day will receive a certificate of program completion.
Learning Session Descriptions
Inside the Labs: An Introduction to Research at UHN
With more than 1,200 research groups, the University Health Network (UHN) offers a dynamic and inspiring environment to launch your research journey. This session will introduce you to UHN’s research ecosystem and provide actionable tips to help you navigate and make the most of your summer research experience.
You’ll then hear from six experienced graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from diverse disciplines across UHN, who will showcase their innovative work and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the research happening across UHN every day.
Research Done Right: The Dos and Don’ts of Research Integrity
Curious about what it really takes to be a responsible researcher? In this interactive session, UHN’s Research Quality Integration (RQI) team will break down everything you need to know about doing research the right way! From research integrity to ethical decision-making, you’ll learn the must-know dos and don’ts that will help you avoid common mistakes and set you up for success at the start of your research journey.
Creating Connections: Networking Essentials
Master networking skills that can transform your personal and professional development. In this session, you’ll gain practical strategies for effective networking, including how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, conduct impactful informational interviews and craft compelling elevator pitches.
The session will include an interactive networking activity that will help you to put the theory into practice.
Crafting Clear and Impactful Scientific Presentations
This session will focus on creating engaging and effective research poster presentations, to help you prepare for Research Day on August 7. Experienced graduate students and postdoctoral researchers will cover the best practices for designing visually appealing posters, communicating your research clearly, and presenting with confidence to diverse audiences. This session will include an interactive activity where students will review and discuss the design of sample scientific research posters.
Advance your Academics: Key Insights into Graduate School
Are you considering graduate school? This interactive session is designed to give you a deeper understanding of the graduate school experience. The session will feature a panel of UHN graduate students from various stages and departments at the University of Toronto, who will share their personal journeys, challenges, triumphs, and advice. Prepare your questions to ask in the interactive Q&A!
Navigating Futures: Exploring Diverse Careers in Science and Healthcare
Discover the expansive array of career opportunities available in science and healthcare beyond the traditional roles of scientist and doctor. Join us for a panel discussion and interactive Q&A session featuring four distinguished UHN professionals from diverse areas of research and healthcare. Learn firsthand about their different roles at UHN, unique career journeys, and their advice for the next generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Summer Training and Research (STAR) Program is offered by the UHN Office of Research Trainees (ORT) and is designed to enhance the UHN summer student experience by providing opportunities to develop research and professional development skills. The program includes 6 interactive learning sessions, an opportunity to present at a UHN-wide research day, and a certificate of program completion.
After you have secured a UHN research supervisor, you are ready to participate in the STAR Program. To participate, UHN summer students must complete the ORT Registration Form. This provides students with access to all of ORT’s programming and resources, including additional research and career development workshops and the STAR Program.
The STAR Program is open to all UHN summer research students, including those in paid, co-op, and volunteer positions. Summer students can include high school, undergraduate, and medical students. Graduate students, college students, and health professional learners who require research placements as part of their programs are also eligible to participate.
For information on research opportunities for high school students, explore the UHN STEM Pathways website.
No, there is no formal application for the STAR Program. As long as you are working at UHN as a summer student, you can participate! There is no deadline, and the only required step to participate is to complete the ORT Registration Form.
Yes! Many students work in a variety of settings across UHN, which include clinical units, administrative departments, research labs, core facilities, and more. The STAR Program is designed to be accessible to all summer students, regardless of the type of work being done over the summer.
Yes! In-person participation is encouraged whenever possible, as many of the sessions include interactive components. However, all program sessions are recorded and will be accessible to the students after the session has occurred if in-person attendance is not possible. There will also be an option to submit a virtual presentation for the STAR Research Day.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Office of Research Trainees at ortadmin@uhn.ca.