The Science and Practice of System Change

For many public health and population health researchers, the ultimate goal is to enable system change—to improve health and well-being, and to empower everyone to live with dignity. We believe that Canada’s health and social policies should be grounded in the best possible evidence, and we want to help make that happen.

In practice, what can that process look like? At a time when science itself is politicized, what are the roles researchers can play in enabling and advancing evidence-based and equity-focused policymaking and policy implementation in Canada?

Join us in Toronto at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute on November 25, 2025 for a full day of talks, discussion and Q&As with policy-focused researchers and insightful guest speakers.

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2025 Keynote: André Picard

Award-Winning National Health Writer

André Picard is one of Canada’s top health and public policy observers and commentators. He is the health columnist at The Globe and Mail, where he has been a staff writer for more than 30 years. He is also the author of numerous books and has received much acclaim for his writing and for his dedication to improving healthcare, including earning him the National Newspaper Award as Canada’s top newspaper columnist.

2025 Panelists

The full agenda and panelist lineup will be announced soon.

Learn about our past symposiums

2023: The Science and Practice of Implementation Success

On March 23, 2023, almost 200 researchers, service providers, policymakers, students and community experts gathered at the second Solutions for Healthy Cities Symposium to explore our 2023 theme: The science and practice of implementation success. Keynote speaker Dr. Ibram X. Kendi joined the event virtually, in conversation with MAP Director Dr. Stephen Hwang and followed by a Q&A with the audience. Learn more

In Participants’ Words:

“All of the speakers were amazing! Great blend of disciplines and topics.”

“The program progression and accompanying guide were really helpful, no matter what stage, focus or level of expertise.”

“There was such a diversity of people in attendance – excellent to meet people in all types of work.”

“I loved the thoughtful planning to connect the different projects. Really excellent and seamless event!”

“A highlight was the opportunity to ask questions of Ibram X. Kendi – fantastic!”

“I appreciated the breaks, food, and care for us so that we could be fully present to learn.”

“The affordability was amazing and really opened doors for access.”

“I loved that all the presentations were focused on equity-seeking projects.”

2020: Co-designing for Real World Impact

At the first Solutions for Healthy Cities Symposium on March 2-3, 2020, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions launched 10 collaborative solutions networks with a common goal: to effect real-world social change by co-designing and demonstrating what works to address critical urban health challenges in our communities. The symposium gathered more than 170 network members including scientists, community partners, policy makers, and people with lived expertise from across the country. Learn more

Questions?

Contact Emily Holton at emily.holton@unityhealth.to.