Navigating Careers in Vision Research
Canadian Vision Research Trainee Networking Retreat
Date: September 25th, 2025
Time: 8 am – 5 pm
Location: Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. West, Toronto)
Register here
Overview
The Centre for Vision Research (CVR) and Vision: Science to Applications (VISTA) at York University invites vision research trainees and early-career researchers from Canadian Universities or institutions to a full-day networking retreat.
This retreat will feature a series of talk and panel discussions on how to navigate careers in academia and industry, and how to translate vision research to real-world applications and impact. The three panel themes are:
I. Transitioning to Industry: Early-career professionals who conducted vision research during graduate school will share their experience moving into industry roles. They will discuss how they applied academic knowledge and skills to their current work and how they positioned themselves for those opportunities.
Panelists:
- James Wilmott (PhD in Cognitive Science, Brown University; Senior UX Research Scientist at Meta Reality Lab)
- Saeed Ghorbani (PhD in Computer Science and Electrical Engineer, York University; Research Scientist at Amazon Games)
- Jonathan Tong (PhD in Neuroscience and Behavior at McMaster University; Staff Scientist at VPixx)
- To be confirmed…
II. What Does Industry Look For?: Industry representatives will provide insights on what they look for in research graduates, and how students can better prepare themselves for industry careers.
Panelists:
- Ramy Kirollos (Defense Scientist at Defense Research and Development Canada)
- Inna Tsirlin (Senior UX Researcher, Ex-Google & Apple)
- Hrag Pailian (Senior UX Researcher at Indeed)
- To be confirmed…
III. Translating Vision Research to Real-World Applications: Academic researchers will share their experience on conducting use-inspired basic research. Topics will include how they identified real-world problems, turning research into collaborations, patents, or products, and the challenges and opportunities of applied research. A legal expert will also provide guidance on the scientific patenting process.
Panelists:
- Benjamin Wolfe (Assistant Professor, Psychological and Brain Sciences at UTM)
- Michael Brown (Professor in Department of EECS at York U)
- To be confirmed…
Additional Highlights
- Trainee lightning talks: Showcase your research in a concise, engaging format and practice scientific communication skill.
- Interactive demos and networking session: Connect with fellow vision research trainees from in Canada, explore innovative demos, and help build a national vision research trainee network.
Whether you're exploring career options, seeking collaboration, or curious about the translation of vision research into real-world applications, the Vision Research Trainee Networking Retreat offers a valuable space to gain insights and make meaningful connections.
Questions? cvrtrainee.yorku@gmail.com
Registration
Registration is free for both Internal (York faculty, staff, and trainees) and external (not from York University) attendee. A light breakfast, coffee and lunch will be provided. Registration is required, please use this link
Please note that space is limited; we encourage you to register early.
Event Schedule
Accommodation
Special rates for event attendees:
Drake Hotel: 20% off regular rates. Please use Rate Access/Corporate Code when booking: JM20. For additional questions related to accommodation and travel, please email cvrtrainee.yorku@gmail.com
Sponsored By
