The 19th WISE Annual National Research Conference (ANRC)
On March 7th, 2026
INSPIRE, EMPOWER, CONNECT, CELEBRATE,
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION.
Join us for WISE's 19th Annual National Research Conference (ANRC), where we're Shaping the Future of STEM. This year's conference uplifts women and equity-deserving voices across STEMHS through inspiring keynotes, impactful research presentations, and interactive workshops. Connect, grow, and help drive meaningful change in STEM.
Highlights include:
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Research Poster Presentations
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Prizes & Networking Opportunities
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Empowering Keynote Speakers
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'Voices of Validity' Workshop
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'Beyond Academia' Workshop
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'The Inclusive Leader's Toolkit' Workshop
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'Translating Discovery' Workshop
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'Beyond Success' Panel
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'STEM, but Make it Human' Panel
SAVE THE DATE
The McMaster WISE 19th Annual National Research Conference is happening on March 7, 2026!
This year’s theme: Shaping the Future of STEM
From exciting workshops to insightful panels and research presentations, this is your opportunity to learn, grow, and expand your network. We can’t wait to show you what’s coming.
The future is in our hands.
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS
Be part of the WISE 19th ANRC and showcase your research to an audience of students, researchers, faculty, and industry leaders.
Whether you’re an undergrad, graduate, or post-grad researcher, this is your chance to present your work, connect with researchers, and be part of a powerful community of women in STEM.
Deadline: February 9th, 2026
Our Workshops
ANRC 2026 featured a series of interactive workshops designed to provide students with practical insights, professional skills, and opportunities for learning and discussion.
Student Success Centre
Speakers: Terry Wu and Cassie Fischer
The workshop introduced resources available through McMaster’s Student Success Centre to support students in their career development. Terry and Cassie provided an overview of services such as career counselling, work permit guidance for international students, and global opportunities like exchange programs. They also highlighted tools like OSCARplus for finding experiential learning and career opportunities, helping students navigate their career paths in Canada and beyond.
Building Credibility Beyond Your Degree
Speakers: Ritika Saraswat
The workshop focused on how students can build credibility and create career opportunities beyond their academic degrees. Ritika Saraswat discussed the importance of taking ownership of one’s career and highlighted key elements of her PCV framework: purpose, credibility, and visibility. She emphasized that industry values skills, impact, and personal branding, encouraging students to develop networks, communicate their value, and actively position themselves for opportunities outside traditional academic paths.
Careers Outside Academia
Speakers: Dr. Karina Kawka
The workshop explored career paths beyond traditional academic research. Dr. Karina Kawka shared insights from her transition from academia to industry and highlighted key differences between academic and industry environments, including work culture, expectations, and career opportunities.
Translating Discovery
Speakers: Dr. Dawn Bowdish
The workshop focused on how scientists can effectively communicate evidence-based research to policymakers, funders, and the public, especially on complex or controversial topics. Dr. Dawn Bowdish shared her experiences communicating research on vaccines and infectious diseases, highlighting strategies for explaining scientific findings clearly and engaging in difficult conversations. She also provided practical tips on science communication and managing discussions about scientific topics on social media.
The Inclusive Leader’s Toolkit
Speakers: Dr. Kim Jones
This workshop focused on helping graduate students navigate leadership, collaboration, and inclusion within academic and professional environments. Dr. Kim Jones discussed challenges such as microaggressions, power dynamics, and vulnerable situations that students may encounter in labs and professional settings. She shared strategies for responding to difficult situations, fostering inclusive collaboration, and managing conflict to create more supportive and equitable research and work environments.
Our Panels
ANRC 2026 panels brought together experts to discuss the human side of STEM, exploring themes of empathy, resilience, leadership, and the role of challenges in shaping innovation and research.
Dr. Saroo Sharda – Associate Dean of Equity & Inclusion, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences; physician and anesthesiologist
Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman – President of the Ontario Medical Association; allergist and clinical immunologist; Assistant Clinical Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and McMaster University
Dr. Kalaichelvi Saravanamuttu – Professor, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University; Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity, Faculty of Science
STEM, but make it human: Emotions, Empathy and the Psychology Behind Research
This panel explored the human side of STEM by discussing how emotions, empathy, identity, and psychological factors influence research environments and scientific collaboration. The speakers shared perspectives from medicine, leadership, and academia on fostering inclusive and supportive research cultures, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting well-being in STEM. The discussion highlighted the importance of empathy, inclusive leadership, and equitable practices in strengthening research communities and improving collaboration and innovation.
Beyond Success: The Science of Failing Better
This panel explored how failure and setbacks play a crucial role in driving progress and innovation in STEM. The speakers shared experiences from their research and professional journeys, highlighting the importance of experimentation, resilience, and iterative learning. The discussion emphasized shifting perspectives from perfection to growth, encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for learning and breakthroughs in scientific research and innovation.
Dr. Shaiya Robinson – Assistant Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Science, McMaster University
Dr. Sarrah Lal – Associate Professor of Medicine, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University
Dr. Esther Chin – Obstetrician–Gynecologist, Assistant Professor, and Global Health Lead, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University; Clerkship Director, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
