Navigating Careers in Vision Research

Canadian Vision Research Trainee Networking Retreat

Date: September 25^th, 2025
Time: 8 am – 5 pm
Location: Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. West, Toronto)

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:

Transition into 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.
What is Industry looking for: Industry representatives will provide insights on what they look for in research graduates, and how students can better prepare themselves for industry careers.
Translate 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.

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.

Especially given the recent layoffs in industry and the research funding cut in the U.S., we hope these discussions will provide timely perspectives into current trends affecting early career researchers and ideas for how trainees can increase their chances of success in today’s professional landscape.

Questions? cvrtrainee.yorku@gmail.com