20th Annual Anne & David Ward Family Summer Student Research Day

Each summer, the Ward Family Summer Student Research Program attracts students from universities from all over Canada to collaborate alongside some of the brightest minds in childhood disability and developmental differences research in the world.

These budding young scientists are embedded in Bloorview Research Institute's research labs such as the Autism Research Centre, EPIC lab, PROPEL lab and the PRISM lab to help researchers unlock a world of possibilities for children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences.

This year, we have 24 of the best and brightest undergraduate students who were selected for this prestigious program from over 1,600 applications coast to coast.

The final highlight of the program is the opportunity for these talented students to highlight their research at the 20th Annual Anne and David Ward Family Summer Student Research Day and compete for the best poster, best quick hit and best research presentation.
This year’s Ward Research Day will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

This event will be held in-person in the Holland Bloorview Conference Centre and Coriat Atrium and live streamed over Zoom Webinar.

Registration

Registration is mandatory for all attendees, including Holland Bloorview staff, students, and families of students.

If you plan to attend in-person, please note that parking on-site is limited. If the lot is full, please use neighbouring parking options. We also recommend you consider carpooling or public transportation as you are able.
Virtual attendance (Zoom livestream):

Registration is also required for virtual attendance. Please register by 12 p.m. on Monday, July 20 to receive the Zoom link. The link will only be shared with registered participants.

Program details will be available on the 2026 event page and will be updated as the event approaches.

The Ward Family Summer Student Research Program is made possible through The Ward Family Foundation, Holland Bloorview Foundation donors and the Bloorview Research Institute.