CIRTN-R2FIC National Meeting 2025
From 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM EDT
Beyond Academia - Connecting Innovation and Impact
Synergy Between Academia and Industry in Islet Research
The 4th annual CIRTN-R2FIC National Meeting is a cornerstone opportunity to promote collaboration, networking, and professional development in the field of islet research through workshops, lectures, and teambuilding activities. The 2025 meeting is taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and is open to all members of CIRTN-R2FIC, and is proudly presented in partnership with MyRoad.
Meeting Programming
(Note that exact times are subject to change)
The 2025 National Meeting programming features:
- Trainee presentations in two formats (oral presentations, and Three Minute Thesis)
- A keynote presentation from Dr. Teresa Mastracci
- A seminar in conversation with Dr. Daniel Drucker about Academic-Industry Partnerships
- A panel presentation in conversation with researchers at various career stages whose career paths have transitioned outside of academia
- Awards presentations, as nominated and selected by members of the Network
- A special lecture from the winner of the PI Mentorship Award
- A half-day, module-based training workshop and networking session presented by MyRoad to help trainees: identify and promote their skills, better understand the recruitment process, and master job search tools.
Submission Forms
Submit your presentation abstract and award nominations using these forms
Abstract Submission
Trainees may request presentation time using this form
Awards Nominations
Submit your nominations for the CIRTN-R2FIC Awards
MyRoad Travel Awards
Travel awards of up to $1500 are offered to cover the conference and meeting registration fee, transportation, and accommodation for successful participants.
Diabetes Canada Conference
Follows the CIRTN-R2FIC Meeting on Nov 26-29, 2025
Preview Document
Speakers
Teresa Mastracci
Associate Professor, Biology
CIRTN-R2FIC is pleased to welcome Dr. Teresa Mastracci for the Keynote presentation, Beyond the Genetic Code: Translational Control in Islet Development and Disease.
Daniel J. Drucker
University Professor
CIRTN-R2FIC is privileged to welcome Dr. Daniel Drucker as a seminar presenter. Among his many accomplishments and accolades, Dr. Drucker is a 2022 inductee in the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
Maximize your Research on Obesity and Diabetes (MyRoad)
Interdisciplinary training and mentoring community
CIRTN-R2FIC is a Main Network in the MyRoad Consortium. MyRoad is partnering with CIRTN-R2FIC to offer a Diabetes Canada pre-conference workshop and networking event for trainees.
More guests announced soon!
Stay tuned as we continue to announce additional panelists and special guests closer to the meeting date.
FAQs
Is accommodation provided for the meeting?
All attendees are required to book their own accommodation for the meeting. Those attending both the CIRTN-R2FIC Meeting and Diabetes Canada Conference may wish to utilize hotels recommend by Diabetes Canada in downtown Toronto (limited conference rates available). There is no promotional code available for just the CIRTN-R2FIC meeting.
There are also more economical options available outside of downtown Toronto, such as airport-adjacent hotels that utilize the UP Express.
Do trainees need to pay for registration?
All attendees must submit a registration for the meeting (one attendee per registration).
Registration rates:
- CIRTN-R2FIC Member (non-PI): $150 CAD
- CIRTN-R2FIC Member Lab (PI): $375 CAD
- Non-Member: $250 CAD
- CREATE Training Program participants: $0 CAD
Trainees should submit their own registration, but have the option to select the non-payment ticket option during checkout only if someone else is paying on their behalf (for example their supervisor or a lab manager). In this case, when the person who is paying submits their own registration their cart during checkout should have multiple tickets (e.g. 1 x Member Lab, 3 x CIRTN Members). If trainees have questions about the ticket selection process, please contact Chris Peacocke.
Will there be vendor booths at the meeting?
Meeting sponsors at the Gold level ($5000 or above) will have the opportunity to send a representative and present at the meeting in some capacity, but there are not booths available. Please contact Chris Peacocke or other members of the Planning Committee to inquire.
Why does my receipt say University of Alberta?
Registration payments are securely processed through Stripe. This Groupize event page is managed by University of Alberta Conference Services. CIRTN-R2FIC Program Administration is based out of the University of Alberta.
Is the meeting hybrid?
The meeting is being conducted in-person only, sessions will not be recorded or broadcast virtually.
When should I arrive for the meeting?
The 2025 meeting is two full days of programming (approx. 8 am to 5 pm), with social events in the evenings, approx. 6 pm to 10 pm. In order to attend all meeting programming on both days, including the networking events, we recommend that out-of-town attendees plan to arrive the day before (Sunday, November 23).
Please note that your meeting registration fee includes the cost of the evening social events, even if you do not attend them (no half-day tickets or partial refunds available). Non-members who wish to attend evening social events must contact Chris Peacocke to confirm eligibility.
Who are the meeting organizers and can I get involved?
The 2025 Planning Committee is: Rob Screaton (Co-Chair), Cristina Nostro (Co-Chair), Chris Peacocke (Program Coordinator), Melanie Nadeau (MyRoad), Kacey Prentice, Tara MacDonald, Jonathan Rocheleau, and Gareth Lim.
If you are interested in volunteering at the meeting, please contact Chris Peacocke for details.
Register