Diversity Institute’s Post

🌐 What does it take to turn research into impact? That was the guiding question behind Bridging Divides inaugural Connections Lab, hosted at Toronto Metropolitan University — an in-person gathering designed to spark collaboration across research, policy, and practice. The afternoon began with reflections from Wendy Cukier (Diversity Institute) on the shifting landscape of migration policy and public sentiment, and the responsibility researchers and sector leaders share in communicating data with care and context. Her remarks set the tone for a powerful fireside chat with Shamira Madhany (World Education Services) and The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, C.M., O.Ont (Toronto Metropolitan University) which offered a wide-angle view of how policy, practice, and research intersect in shaping the current climate around immigration, as well as the distinction between attitudes toward immigration systems and migrants themselves. Participants then joined breakout discussions on themes like: 🔹 Building collaborations between researchers and immigration organizations 🔹 Tech innovation and employer engagement in newcomer services 🔹 The role of digital tools in a time of funding challenges 🔹 Housing, health equity, and rebuilding trust with marginalized communities These small-group conversations brought together diverse voices and sparked valuable exchanges, the results of which we hope to see developed in long-lasting partnerships. 📣 The event also marked the launch of Bridges Magazine, our new platform for stories at the intersection of research and community. Thank you to all who joined us for a day of insight, connection, and shared purpose. 📸 Scroll through for a few highlights. Research – Toronto Metropolitan University Anna Triandafyllidou Maggie Perzyna TIPS-SPIIE #CFREF