Let’s Talk International Partnerships Fireside Chat – The research university in the current moment – Dec 5, 2025

Session Description

In many corners of the world, the university sector is under assault. Funding cuts for research, barriers to student mobility, and an increasing cynicism among many about the role and value of universities are some of the challenges that universities are currently facing. And yet we know that universities are critical engines of innovation, talent development and productive international engagement. The Canadian government recently tabled a budget in which an internationally-facing “talent strategy” is featured as a key pillar in Canada’s efforts to increase productivity at home and engage our partners on the global stage. How do research-intensive universities, such as the University of Toronto, navigate this current moment to continue contributing positively to Canada and the world? Join us on Friday December 5 at 11am for the next OVPI Fireside Chat featuring Prof. Joseph Wong  in conversation with Stephen Toope on the research university in the current moment.

Joseph Wong is U of T’s Vice-President, International. Stephen Toope is the President and CEO of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), and previously Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, President of the University of British Columbia, Dean of Law at McGill, and Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.