Transdisciplinary gathering builds connections through collaboration and community engagement

On Oct. 21, transdisciplinary scholars and partners from across campus and the community gathered to discuss one of the Institutes for Transdisciplinary Scholarship’s areas of focus: Health and Life.  

The full-day event included three panel discussions and two roundtable sessions, ending the day with an industry mixer, hosted in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Engineering, giving attendees many chances to engage with and learn from each other.  

This event was an important connection point for all those on campus, building on UCalgary's network of health research institutes to investigate health and well-being for people, animals and the environment. 

The Health and Life academic co-leads, Drs. Elena Di Martino, Jenny Godley and Nicole Letourneau, all PhD, along with Dr. Braden Manns, MD, associate vice-president (Health Research); and Dr. William Ghali, MD'90, vice-president (Research), shared their thoughts throughout the day on why Health and Life is an important topic for all of us.  

“It’s important to build a bridge over 16th Avenue, sharing knowledge and building connections across our campuses,” said Manns.  

Ghali recognized that transdisciplinary scholarship is about connecting in ways we may not have realized, setting ourselves apart from other institutions.  

“Transdisciplinary scholarship is a key component and major pillar of the university’s strategic plan, Ahead of Tomorrow. And Health and Life is a very important area, including knowledge that lives in our communities and faculties. It’s as broad as we want to make it,” he said.  

Photos from the event

Thank you to all panellists, table leads and hosts for their contributions!