The University of Toronto's Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport (TISS) kicked off the first day of its annual research conference with a visit by the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, the federal government’s Secretary of State for Sport, who shared his athletic career as a four-time Olympian and eight-time World Champion, along with the federal government’s ongoing work to support sport excellence and development.
In late September, the Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport (TISS) hosted their annual research conference. Over 200 researchers, policymakers, scientists, clinicians, coaches, students, and partners gathered at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport for this much-anticipated two-day event.
TISS was founded in 2022 through a $20 million gift from the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation and a $21.5 million contribution from U of T and Sinai Health. It unites sport science, sport medicine, and clinician researchers from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and Sinai Health, collaborating with researchers in other institutions in Canada and abroad, that focus on supporting high-performance athletes.
Through its interdisciplinary approach, TISS advances the generation of integrative, evidence-based knowledge that enhances the health, performance, and wellbeing of athletes – professional, amateur, recreational, able-bodied, and those with disabilities – across the GTA, Canada, and globally.
“This landmark conference presents and mobilizes the latest research across a broad spectrum of disciplines – from sessions on climate change and sports to athlete mental health and much more,” said Professor Ira Jacobs, TISS’s Director.
“We were very fortunate that such well-respected researchers and practitioners accepted our invitation and travelled from near and far to share their expertise with us in our third year of operations,” he added.
To kick off the first day, U of T was pleased to welcome the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, the federal government’s Secretary of State for Sport. He shared his athletic career as a four-time Olympian and eight-time World Champion, along with the federal government’s ongoing work to support sport excellence and development.
“As a former high-performance athlete myself, the goal of this conference – ‘to mobilize research to help athletes at all levels perform better, recover faster, and play safer’ – means so much to me personally. Research and sport science played a big role in my journey – and my success – as an elite paddler,” said Minister van Koeverden.
Minister van Koeverden highlighted the federal government’s investments in training environments for Team Canada, financial support programs for high-performance athletes, and research initiatives to inform evidence-based policy development. Additionally, the federal government participates in TISS’s External Advisory Committee.
“Sport science gives us the evidence base to help us develop policies that are inclusive, effective, and forward thinking. Your work is not just about performance and podiums. It’s about making all aspects of athletes’ lives better,” he told attendees.
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting sport science and research and we will continue to invest in knowledge, innovation, and you – the people behind it. And let’s keep working together – scientists, policymakers, coaches, and athletes – to build a support system that’s grounded in research, driven by excellence, and accessible to all.”
Reflecting on the conference, Dean Gretchen Kerr said, “As both an accomplished athlete and influential policymaker, Minister van Koeverden brought a unique and valuable perspective to our conference. We are grateful for his participation and look forward to future collaborations to advance our shared priorities: supporting Canadian athletes and Canada’s high-performance sports ambitions.”
U of T's Government Relations Office extends its thanks to the Hon. Adam van Koeverden for joining TISS’s conference.