Announcements

 

Mandatory Requirement to Use U of T's Central Chemical Inventory System

The University’s central chemical inventory system has been available to the research community since late 2017, and over 130,000 separate chemical containers have been logged since then. While this is impressive, some parts of the University are not yet using our centralized inventory system.

The chemical inventory system is an essential health and safety requirement. There have been recent changes to the way that U of T conducts its environmental compliance activities under municipal, provincial, and federal legislation (for references, please read the memorandum sent February 13, 2024) that have increased the need for up-to-date chemical inventory information.

The U of T-wide reporting and tracking of chemicals is handled jointly by Facilities and Services and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), but the information used for this reporting needs to come from laboratories themselves. As a result, use of the University's HECHMET central chemical inventory system will be a mandatory requirement for all labs with hazardous chemicals. We recognize that laboratories need time to meet this new requirement, so all U of T researchers using hazardous chemicals must begin the process no later than May 1, 2024 and complete initial logging in the HECHMET system by March 1, 2025.

Please note that EHS pays all support and licensing fees for the system and has dedicated staff to support labs. EHS also provides pre-printed barcode labels, free training, manages access, and can assist with audits and reconciliation.

For further information on joining the system, please contact the University central chemical inventory administrator at hechmet@utoronto.ca.

Read the HECHMET Implementation Plan Guide

 


New Resource Takes Researchers Through UTM Research Process

A new suite of webpages is now available on the OVPR website. These pages provide an overview of the resources available to UTM researchers through the different stages of a research project. From developing a research idea to writing and submitting a proposal, securing funding, setting up and managing your award, and communicating your research output, get to know the various resources offered at UTM and U of T as you navigate the research ecosystem. 
 
Have questions? Reach out to our team at grants.ovprutm@utoronto.ca.

Explore the Research Process at UTM

 


Registration Now Open for 2024 INSPIRE Scholars Program 

We’re pleased to announce that registration is now open for this year’s Interdisciplinary Science Program in Research and Entrepreneurship (INSPIRE). The INSPIRE Scholars Program is a two-week immersive summer program targeting students interested in pursuing graduate degrees at the boundary of the Physical and Life Sciences by introducing them to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research and the innovation economy.  

Program Dates: June 17-27, 2024
Location: UTM Campus
Application Deadline: Monday, April 1, 2024

The theme for 2024 is Quantitative Biosciences and Research Translation. Students will participate in hands-on modules, directly within research labs at UTM, which focus on projects across scales from single proteins to microbial systems.  

They’ll receive a crash course in research translation and innovation, meet with young entrepreneurial scientists, and participate in workshops within SpinUp, U of T’s first wet lab startup incubator. Entrepreneurship programming will include networking opportunities, seminars, and a pitch competition. 

To learn more about the program — including what’s new this year and how to apply — visit INSPIRE online.   

Download Program Poster

 


 

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