Implementation Science Summer School

The SMART Training Platform’s Summer School

The SMART Training Platform’s summer school is an opportunity to learn new concepts, methods, and perspectives in implementation science and healthy cities.

We welcome senior undergraduates, graduate/postdoctoral students, and working professionals with an interest in closing the gap between what we know and what we do by exploring and identifying challenges that cities face today and tomorrow. The focus could include physical activity, healthy aging, social connectivity, economic opportunity, and injury prevention, as well as access to health services, healthy-nutritious food, transportation, housing, clean air, and green space. The learning experience includes small interactive sessions, round table discussion, field trips, and a case study project where interdisciplinary teams solve a “real-world” wicked problem.

This weeklong event offers trainees foundational knowledge in implementation science in the context of healthy cities, while integrating an immersive and experiential approach to learning. Trainees are given the opportunity to work cross disciplinarily to tackle and understand these complex problems presented by a sector partners. With two years of successful summer school events, we continue to adapt and explore the many facets of healthy cities. Attendees experience our platform courses through a high-level, fundamental workshop. Attendees can expect the annual theme, case studies, and field visits are subject to change.

“This program was an amazing experience! The collaborations and interdisciplinary nature of this program made this experience a memorable one and I was able to learn a lot about how circular economies work. Meeting students across disciplines also made this a great experience, promoting fruitful discussions and critical thinking all week long. I strongly suggest such a program as it encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and learn more about the world, we live in.”

“Please take the time to sign up. It’s an amazing experience, outside of learning more about how you can contribute to creating a circular economy, the people are fantastic. Getting a chance to sit down and speak with students from almost every province, from local and international backgrounds was amazing. Coming together for this experience was amazing and Guelph is a beautiful school and an amazing place to explore and enjoy outside of the program hours.”

“I highly recommend this experience. It gives you the unique opportunity to met with individuals tackling real-world complex issues and work with multidisciplinary peers to problem solve in a collaborative and applied manner. It is an immersive opportunity that is good for any student or individual interested in context-driven, systems thinking-focused implementation science.”

Our trainees cited 94% of attendees strongly agree this experience helped develop peer network and interactions with individuals in other fields and institutions, and 81% would recommend the program to their peers. Explore our past events below.

Past Events

The Implementation Science Summer School

The SMART Training Platform’s summer school is an opportunity to learn new concepts, methods, and perspectives in implementation science. This learning experience includes small and interactive sessions, round table discussion and activities, and a case study competitions where interdisciplinary groups formed to solve a real-world challenge from sector partners.

The Circular Economy Summer School

The program gave participants a deeper understanding of topics that are inherent to the development and maintenance of circular economies and approaches to solving these problems. This includes the opportunities and challenges that arise as part of the circular food and digital agri-food revolution, healthy cities, and the circular food systems. The learning experience will include small, interactive sessions and activities as well as case study competitions where interdisciplinary groups form to solve a “real-world” challenge from a partner in the sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the event?

The Implementation Science Summer Institute for 2023 will be held June 5^th to 9^th at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario Canada.

What is the exact location?

The Implementation Science Summer Institute is held at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.

What are the accommodation arrangements?

Attendees will be provided all accommodations including housing, food, and onsite travel. Please ensure you complete your accessibility requirements, dietary restrictions, and confirm your need for accommodations on campus.
Travel to and from the Summer Institute is not included. You must arrange your own travel to Guelph and campus. You are required to be onsite by Monday June 5^th and 12pm. Accommodations for Sunday June 4^th can be provided by request if travel accommodations require.

What is the dress code?

During your time at the Implementation Science Summer Institute, you will be engaged in various activities both indoor and outdoor. We encourage you to consider the weather when preparing for your time at the summer institute. Additionally, we suggest packing with the activities in mind. Visit our Summer Institute website for more information regarding activities and suggested packing list.

What food will be served at the event?

While you are at the Summer Institute food will be provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

How do I let you know about my special dietary requirements?

During the registration process we require you to indicate your dietary restrictions, accommodation requirements and any accessibility required.

Can my spouses and children attend too?

The accommodations arranged for the Summer Institute only cover the cost of the accepted trainee. Any additional travellers are not permitted to stay on campus and accommodations will not be provided for them. If you wish to travel with others, we provide food for the trainee during the daily scheduled activities. You are welcome to book accommodations in Guelph.

When can I register?

Registration opens April 11th 2023 through our Summer Institute website. Applications will be reviewing on a first come first serve basis. Registration will close May 8^th.

How do I pay for the registration?

You will be able to complete your payment through the registration portal provided by the SMART Training Platform coordinator upon receiving an acceptance notice.

If I have questions, who can I contact?

Please direct any questions to Madison Rodrigue, the SMART Training Platform coordinator at [email protected]