Science fest and cinematic sites: Check out these May events at U of T

Spring has finally sprung here in the GTA. As the weather gets warmer, the days get longer and the city gets a little greener, take advantage of this month’s events taking place at University of Toronto campuses and beyond – some that will get you outdoors exploring the city, others that will have you performing fun scientific experiments with U of T’s leading researchers, and a handful that will keep your mind sharp long after the winter term ends.

May 3

Join experts from ERA Architects as they talk about the future of heritage building conservation. The event takes place at One Spadina – the home of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design – in the Mediatheque room. 

For the fascinating story behind this room’s design, read our story.  

May 4

Put on some comfortable shoes and head to one of the many locations across the city where this year’s Jane’s Walks are taking place from May 4-6. There are dozens of walks to choose from,  including one exploring the medical history of Cabbagetown and Regent Park and a walk where you’re encouraged to bring your furry friends.

The Leader 2 Leader conference, which takes place at U of T Scarborough, features a day-long roster of thought-provoking workshops and panel discussions with industry leaders, and accomplished professionals. This year’s conference will tackle the issue of resilience – how to adapt as technology, the economy and the nature of the workforce changes.

May 7

It’s nursing week at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and one of this year’s events is tackling one of Canada’s most pressing issues – the opioid crisis. Hear from a panel of nurses as they delve into the facts and talk about how the profession can help care for and prevent harm caused by opioids.

Are you a graduate student studying philosophy? U of T is hosting its annual graduate philosophy conference with the theme PsyPhi: Philosophy meets Psychology.

May 12

Get ready for a day of gooey, weird and downright cool interactive science experiments at this year’s Science Rendezvous. Walk down St. George Street on U of T’s downtown Toronto campus, which will be pedestrian-only and lined with activities and demonstrations. U of T Scarborough will be at the Toronto Zoo where you can learn about everything from how apes use tools to – if you’re brave enough – close encounters with bugs like bees and spiders. If you’re in Mississauga, go to the Mississauga Central Library for some hands-on science activities with U of T Mississauga researchers and volunteers.

May 13

If you’re interested in the intersection of digital technology and sustainability, the annual ICT4S conference is taking place in Toronto for the first time from May 13-19 at Hart House. The conference brings together researchers, companies and public sector workers from all over the world to talk about challenges and innovations in the tech industry as issues like climate change, inequality and globalization become more urgent.

May 15

As our cities get smarter and more technologically integrated, how do we ensure that they stay just and inclusive? That’s what Toronto: Towards a Smart and Inclusive City-Region looks to find out. Hear from Dan Doctoroff, CEO of Sidewalk Labs, U of T President Meric Gertler, and many other urban thinkers from policy makers to planners and business leaders.

May 16

With the increasing use of cannabis for medical purposes and its impending legalization in Canada, pharmacists and other front-line health professionals will need to apply an evidence-informed framework when working with patients interested in using cannabis. This talk will help health practitioners enhance their knowledge and skills regarding this topic.

May 18

Get your hack on at the 2018 Green Hack, part of the ICT4S conference. Teams will be taking on challenges on the theme of creating a sustainable future.

May 26 and 27

This year, Doors Open Toronto is paying tribute to the silver screen with the theme Film: The Great Romance. At this year’s architecture festival, you can re-enact scenes from Good Will Hunting in the McLennan Physical Labs, catch a screening at One Spadina, pretend you’re in Harry Potter at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library or act like you're the Weeknd at U of T Scarborough's Andrews Building.