The biggest breakthroughs come when researchers follow their instincts, ignore conventional thinking and allow themselves to move freely between disciplines.
That's according to Geoffrey Hinton, a University Professor Emeritus of computer science at the University of Toronto, who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for his foundational work on artificial intelligence. "The boundaries of fields, you just ignore them," Hinton told U of T News .
Recognizing the power of such an interdisciplinary approach, U of T created the Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI) program several years ago. The program, supported by the ISI Office along with collaborators across U of T's three campuses, brings together a diverse group of researchers from across the university and beyond to work on solving the world's most complex challenges - from cancer to climate change.
To date, the portfolio's nearly two dozen research initiatives have secured $490 million in external funding, sparked 300 partnerships and created 800 research opportunities for students - and that's only the beginning.
U of T News recently sat down with Professor Leah Cowen, U of T's vice-president, research and Innovation, and strategic initiatives - who oversees the ISI portfolio along with Timothy Chan, associate vice-president and vice-provost, strategic initiatives, to learn more about the program - the challenges individual initiatives aim to solve and plans to expand the effort in the coming year.
What is a U of T institutional strategic initiative?
In 2019, U of T recognized that solving big, global challenges required a new approach - one that brings together brilliant minds, allowing them to think big and beyond their area of expertise. Also, one that helps seed ideas and activities not funded by traditional, discipline-specific research grants.
Today, there are 22 initiatives involving faculty from 17 different academic divisions at the university. These ISIs break down academic silos by facilitating large, collaborative projects across disciplines, faculties and campuses. The portfolio covers a wide array of areas and draws upon U of T's extraordinary depth and breadth of research excellence.
Some ISIs reflect institutional priorities that respond to global challenges, while others are enabled by U of T's research networks.
For example, Climate Positive Energy (CPE) is focused on tackling climate change and the energy transition while also reflecting our position as the most sustainable university in the world . As the second-most prolific health sciences research university in the world , health-related ISIs are pushing the boundaries of biomedical research. This includes the Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium (EPIC) , Institute for Pandemics , Medicine by Design , and PRiME .
Other ISIs emerged from the university's commitment to inclusive excellence - namely the Black Research Network , the Indigenous Research Network and Inlight , which is focused on student mental health.
In all cases, the university undertakes a rigorous strategic review to ensure it's seeding relevant and impactful initiatives.
Why is U of T the ideal place to do this sort of interdisciplinary work?
U of T excels in interdisciplinary research because of its expertise across many disciplines. To this end, we recently ranked among the top 100 in 42 subjects in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects .
Our interdisciplinary research is also supported by a broad ecosystem that's incredibly collaborative. This includes our strong relationships with the Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN) and our hospital partners. We also have partnerships with the Vector Institute , Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) and MaRS - all of which are in Toronto's Discovery District near many of our researchers and research centres.
Being in this diverse ecosystem and region makes us a hub for all kinds of activities. It allows us to attract the best minds from around the world.
What has this approach accomplished so far?
The ISI portfolio is having a wide-ranging impact on individuals and communities alike.
Some ISIs are advancing brand new fields. The Acceleration Consortium , awarded $200 million through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) in 2023 , is accelerating the discovery of new materials and molecules through self-driving labs . This grant, the largest federal research grant awarded to a Canadian university, is a testament to the potential of this transformative, interdisciplinary research.
Others are creating valuable training opportunities. For instance, the Data Sciences Institute's certificates , funded by Palette Skills, are helping professionals secure opportunities in data sciences and machine learning. Other ISIs like AGE-WELL are helping entrepreneurs commercialize technologies, creating jobs and alleviating pressures on our health-care system.
However, these kinds of activities aren't possible without partnerships and specialized research infrastructure. Take, for example, U of T's Containment Level 3 lab (CL3) . This lab allows the Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium and its partners to study high-risk pathogens and viruses. Despite past federal and provincial funding, additional investment is needed to revitalize this facility. These kinds of investments benefit numerous investigators and institutions. They're crucial for our future health security and economic prosperity.
Where does U of T plan to go next?
A number of existing ISIs are growing and scaling nationally and internationally through partnerships. For instance, the Robotics Institute co-led the formation of a national association to support the growth of our homegrown researchers, students and firms, and to promote robotics adoption and greater economic productivity. Inlight developed a global research network to support post-secondary student mental health with other international partners. The School of Cities established an alliance of Canadian and Indian researchers to address critical urban issues . PRiME launchedPrecision X to accelerate drug discovery with top universities worldwide. The scope and ambition of the ISIs is breathtaking.
At the same time, we continue to think strategically, aligning with provincial and federal priorities and those of researchers across the tri-campus. Last year, we launched a competitive process to support the development of new ISIs. This allowed scholars to bring forward new ideas. We're excited about this and look forward to seeding new and impactful initiatives later this year.
