George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
On May 8, George Brown Polytechnic (GBP) demonstrated a commitment to strengthening its research culture with the launch of the inaugural GROW Symposium, an ambitious, full-day event designed to turn curiosity into capability and ideas into impact.
Led by the Office of Research & Innovation and funded by NSERC, GROW (Grants, Research Opportunities & Workshops) reinforces GBP’s institutional commitment to innovation, collaboration, and inclusive research excellence. The symposium brought together more than 80 employees from across the polytechnic, including faculty, administrators, and support staff, all united by a common goal: to better understand, engage with and develop the research landscape at GBP.
Building a culture where research thrives
At its core, the GROW Symposium is about embedding research into the everyday fabric of George Brown. The event provided a clear, practical roadmap for transforming early-stage ideas into funding-ready projects, equipping participants with the tools, insights, and confidence needed to move forward.
Through presentations, panels, and discussions, attendees were introduced to the full research lifecycle, from ideation and partnership building to proposal development and knowledge dissemination. The result was a dynamic learning environment that emphasized both accessibility and ambition, encouraging first-time researchers while accelerating momentum for those already on their research journey.
Reframing the future of research
The day was anchored by a compelling keynote from Dr. Glen A. Jones, a leading voice in higher education policy. In his address, “There Is No New Normal: Contemporary Challenges in Research in a Rapidly Shifting Context,” Dr. Jones challenged participants to rethink uncertainty, reframing it not as a barrier but as a catalyst for innovation, adaptability, and purposeful leadership.
Against a backdrop of rapid technological advancement, shifting global dynamics, and growing public skepticism, he underscored the urgent need for research that is responsive, resilient, and grounded in purpose. His message set a clear tone: that the future of research will belong to those willing to adapt, collaborate, and lead with intention.
From inspiration to implementation
Throughout the day, speakers translated big-picture thinking into clear, actionable guidance for George Brown employees. Real-world examples and candid insights demystified the research process, equipping attendees with practical strategies for navigating funding opportunities, refining methodologies, and building meaningful partnerships. The sessions empowered participants to anticipate emerging opportunities at George Brown and beyond, sparking new collaborations and helping researchers move forward with confidence, ready to shape what comes next.
The symposium also underscored the power of collaboration—both within the polytechnic and with external partners—as a catalyst for impactful research. By showcasing projects rooted in community engagement and interdisciplinary thinking, the event reinforced a central message: meaningful research does not happen in isolation, but through connection.
Sustaining the momentum
With its successful debut, the GROW Symposium builds on a strong, well-established foundation, positioning George Brown to expand research impact and to empower members of our research community.
Find your spark with Research and Innovation at George Brown
The Office of Research & Innovation invites employees to help align future programming and support with the needs and aspirations of our growing research community by taking this quick survey. Please note: a login is required.
Take the Research Community Survey
