Session 5 – Nov 13th

Session 5: Science, policy, and politics: Bridging the divide for healthier cities
1:00 pm-2:00 pm EST

About the Session

Healthy cities research aims for real-world impact, but translating evidence into practice and policy is rarely straightforward. Cities are shaped by much more than evidence alone, often heavily influenced by politics, public opinion, resource limitations, and institutional priorities. As researchers, how can we bridge the divide between science, policy, and politics? This panel tackles this question through three Canadian impact stories: addressing social infrastructure inequities in Vancouver, protecting bike lanes in Toronto, and piloting School Streets nationwide. We’ll unpack common barriers and breakthroughs, key policy levers and partnerships, strategies for persuasive communication, and the role of researchers in the process, leaving participants with inspiration and practical insights for navigating evidence-informed change.

Guest Speakers

Moderator

Dr. Meghan Winters

CIHR Applied Public Health Chair, Sex and Gender in Healthy Cities

Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University

Panelists

Patricia Collins

Department of Geography and Planning, Queen’s University

Linda Rothman

School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University

Meridith Sones

Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University