Public Symposia
The Faculty offers free public events aimed at addressing current – and sometimes controversial – topics in sport, physical activity, and health. We encourage members of the public, journalists, experts and colleagues to attend and engage in these thought-provoking discussions.
Following is a list of past symposia with available descriptions and video summaries.
Book Launch: How climate change is changing sport (May 2024)
On May 9, 2024, the KPE Faculty hosted the Toronto launch of Madeleine Orr's new book, Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport.
The symposium featured a panel, led by sport ecologist Madeleine Orr, that discussed the impact of climate change on organized sports and potential solutions.
The Inaugural Peter Donnelly Lecture in Sport Policy Studies (February 2024)
On March 21, 2024, the KPE Faculty hosted the inaugural Peter Donnelly Lecture in Sport Policy Studies, titled Open Spaces and Social Good: Removing Obstacles to Sport and Physical Activity.
The symposium celebrated Dr. Donnelly's legacy of teaching and featured a keynote address by Dr. Parissa Safai on inclusive access to physical activity.
KPE Science Café: Championing Change in Sport (November 2023)
On November 22, 2023, the KPE Faculty hosted a discussion on the latest advancements in concussion research, as part of the KPE's Science Café series.
In the Championing Change in Sport symposia, panelists evaluated efforts to reduce the burden of concussions and explored ways to minimize concussion risks.
KPE Science Café: Achieving Safe Sport (February 2023)
On February 2, 2023, the KPE Faculty hosted a panel that discussed how to realize the promise of safe sport in Canada, as part of the KPE's Science Café series.
In the symposia, titled Achieving Safe Sport, a panel of experts shared their recommendations for education, policy, complaint and support processes, and funding in sports.
The Inaugural Dr. Brian Pronger Lecture (November 2022)
On November 15, 2022, the KPE Faculty hosted the inaugural Dr. Brian Pronger Lecture on Sexual Diversity Studies, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Genevieve Rail.
The symposia, titled In My Queer Zone: “Vulnerable” Bodies and Carnal Knowledge in Cancer’s Margins, celebrated Dr. Progrer's legacy of teaching and social justice in sport and physical activity.
Optimizing Nutrition Through Exercise (March 2019)
On March 5, 2019, the KPE Faculty hosted a panel discussion, where researchers shared their insights on practical strategies that anyone can use to improve their health.
The symposium, titled Optimizing Nutrition Through Exercise, addressed the relationship between physical activity and nutrition.
Watch the recording of the Optimizing Nutrition Through Exercise Panel
Mobilizing Change (March 2018)
On March 1, 2018, the KPE Faculty hosted a free symposium called Mobilizing Change; the eleventh installment of its annual public research series.
The symposium focused on the importance of accessibility in sport and recreation, as well as the significance of physical activity across the lifespan.
Watch the recording of the Mobilizing Change panel
Ex/Cancer: The Benefits of Exercise After a Cancer Diagnosis (April 2017)
On April 6, 2017, the KPE Faculty hosted a panel titled Ex/Cancer: The Benefits of Exercise After a Cancer Diagnosis.
The symposium discussed the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors, while offering strategies on how to start and stick with an exercise program.
Sport, Sex and Identity (April 2016)
In April 2016, the KPE Faculty hosted a panel discussion, led by Olympic medalist Mark Tewksbury, titled Sport, Sex and Identity.
The symposium featured a keynote address by Prof. Bruce Kidd and discussed the impact of sports in cultural identity, gender roles, and human rights.
Watch the recording of the Sport, Sex and Identity panel discussion
From good to gold: Science and technology in high-performance sport (May 2015)
In May 2015, the KPE Faculty hosted a showcase on Sports Physiology, titled From good to gold: Science and technology in high performance sport.
The symposium explored the relationship between physiology, sports, psychology, and technology in high-performance athletes.
Mind Matters: From concussion to recovery (May 2014)
In May 2014, the KPE Faculty hosted a panel discussion on the latest findings on concussion research, titled Mind Matters: From concussion to recovery.
The symposium addressed the physiology, treatment, psychological effects, and policies surrounding traumatic brain injury and recovery.
Watch the recording of the Mind Matters: From concussion to recovery panel discussion
Extreme Environments, Extraordinary Feats: How far can we push ourselves? (December 2013)
In December 2013, the KPE Faculty hosted a seminar titled, Extreme Environments, Extraordinary Feats: How Far Can We Push Ourselves? seminar.
The symposium discussed how human physiology can adapt to and receive the impact of extreme environmental, physical, and psychological conditions.
The Heights of Human Performance: The Symbiosis of Brain and Body (May 2013)
In May 2013, the KPE Faculty hosted a brain-body communications conference titled The Heights of Human Performance: The Symbiosis of Brain and Body.
The symposium featured a panel of athletes, professors, and researchers who discussed the principles of brain-body mechanics in Olympic, visual, and technological contexts.
What Happened to Walking? Encouraging Active School Travel in Toronto (December 2012)
In December 2012, the KPE Faculty hosted a panel on active travel for children, titled What Happened to Walking? Encouraging Active School Travel in Toronto.
The symposium shared examples in downtown Toronto where walking has become safer and more enjoyable due to better transportation infrastructure.
The Olympic Athlete: What it Takes to Get to the Games (April 2012)
In April 2012, the KPE Faculty hosted a panel discussion on the road to the Olympics, titled The Olympic Athlete: What it Takes to Get to the Games.
The symposium featured a keynote address by Olympic champion Alexandra Orlando, and discussed competitive sports from the perspective of coaches, researchers, and athletes.
Physical Activity: The Best Medicine? (December 2011)
In December 2011, the KPE Faculty hosted a panel, featuring a keynote address by Globe and Mail report André Picard, titled Physical Activity: The Best Medicine?
The symposium explored the risks and benefits of physical activity, how regular exercise helps improve public health, and how exercise can increase depression and improve mental health.
Watch the recording of the panel and keynote address of Physical Activity: The Best Medicine?
Game Misconduct: Violence, Abuse and Young Athletes (May 2011)
In May 2011, the KPE hosted the inaugural event for its Health Speakers series, titled Game Misconduct: Violence, Abuse and Young Athletes.
The symposium featured a panel, moderated by Steve Paikin from TVO's The Agenda, which discussed the rising tide of violence in sport and its effect on Canadian youth.
Watch the recording for the panel discussion of Game Misconduct: Violence, Abuse and Young Athletes