Happy new year to the entire Massey College community! This is my first formal week as the seventh principal of Massey College. It is indeed—for me and for the College—a time of new beginnings.
Massey College has a long history of serving the Public Good, from its founding in 1962 through to today. The 1960s ushered in a very heady, optimistic 30 year period for this country, and the entire world. Through subsequent decades and political and cultural changes, Massey College has been where many of the great ideas that shaped our country were nurtured and debated by some of the best minds of our country.
Fresh ideas, a welcoming community, lively engagement and debate are more important than ever. Today’s context is marked by a different kind of change, as we see polarization, authoritarianism, and threats to liberal democracy, instability in our own government, and major challenges of the global commons, especially wars raging with little respect for the laws of war around the world, and even online.
There is no shortage of uncertainty, but what Massey College can offer Canada and the world, as it has done from its founding is the cultivation of Civility and Leadership for the Public Good around issues of contemporary concern.
Massey College is a treasure – at U of T and in Canada. But it is not simply a beautiful building and a ‘YouTube’ Channel. It is a purpose-driven, inspirational home for gathering in mutual respect to nurture relationships among all our members in pursuit of the Public Good.
I pledge to serve the mission of Massey College – its Junior Fellows and the larger community – and bring the best of myself to this challenge.
Dr. James Orbinski and his wife Rolie Srivastava at Massey College, 2002 and 2024.
Below is an important series of reminders, a list of many programs taking place in January (please check the online calendar often for updates and to RSVP) and news from our vibrant community.
Junior Fellow Applications
Applications for new Junior Fellows are open until January 31. Please refer Graduate or Professional students at the University of Toronto to apply – we are looking for those who will make an excellent contribution to our interdisciplinary community! Massey College is hosting two open houses this week for prospective Junior Fellows. Register for an open house and learn more about the application process here.
Junior Fellow application information
Anishinaabemowin Lessons
Massey continues to provide the opportunity for Anishinaabemowin lessons facilitated by father/son duo – Jason and Marcel Donio. The winter term dates are January 25, February 1, 8, 22, and March 1 from 10:30am-12:00pm.
In-person attendance is preferred, while it is possible to join online. All levels are welcome.
If you want to join online, click here.
Massey is Lunch
One of the best ways to connect with Junior Fellows over a stimulating lunch in-hall – book through our portal.
Formal Dinners
Formal dinners begin again next week on Monday, January 13 and Wednesday, January 15. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Junior Fellows and other members of the community.
Sign up for Mondays and/or Wednesdays by 2:00pm the day before.
JANUARY PROGRAMMING
Tuesday, January 14 – Massey Dialogues – University Autonomy: Where did it come from and where is it going?
Explore the historical roots and contemporary challenges of university self-governance with Principal Emeritus Justice Nathalie Des Rosiers, Senior Fellow Paul Gooch, and Visiting Scholar Jane Toswell, moderated by Junior Fellow Ikran Jama. RSVP.
Thursday, January 16 – Book Club – White Cat, Black Dog by Kelly Link (rescheduled from December).
Finding seeds of inspiration in the stories of the Brothers Grimm, seventeenth-century French lore, and Scottish ballads, Kelly Link spins classic fairy tales into utterly original stories of seekers—characters on the hunt for love, connection, revenge, or their own sense of purpose. RSVP.
Check for a reading copy in the Upper Library or find it via the U of T library system. Option to join in person or online.
Monday, January 20 – Public Policy Conference – What’s Next: US Relations in the Age of Trump RSVP.
This timely discussion will explore the potential impact of a second Trump term on Canada’s trade, defense, and policy. Keynote speaker Amanda Lang, an award-winning business and economics journalist, will join Massey’s Chair in Public Policy Tom Axworthy to delve into the unprecedented foreign policy, national security, and economic challenges Canada may face as US priorities shift. Don’t miss this opportunity for valuable insights and thought-provoking conversations about the future of Canada-US relations. RSVP
Monday, January 20 – Junior Fellow Lecture Serieson Climate Emergencies. RSVP
Please join the first JFLS of the term with four Junior Fellows who will present on the theme of Climate Emergencies.
- Chaitanya Ahuja on Reducing the climate impact of urban infrastructures: Urban form pathways to minimize the embodied greenhouse gas emissions of water systems
- Carlos Sanchez-Pimienta on Which Human? Whose Nature? Re-thinking Contemporary Climate Emergencies
- Emmanuel Taiwo on Fostering Justice and Equity in Energy Transitions: The Power of “Community”
- Kaushar Mahetaji on TikTok and ByteDance
Tuesday, January 21 – Ethics Series: Misinformation/Disinformation on Social Media: How Large is the Threat to Democracy? (ONLINE ONLY)
Social media platforms are now central to global discussions about their role in eroding trust, fueling polarization, enabling online abuse, and contributing to other societal harms. Our panel (Sabreena Delhon, CEO of the Samara Centre for Democracy and Massey College Senior Fellow; Marcus Kolga, renowned journalist and cybersecurity expert; Sophie Socilotto, analyst with Debunk.org) will assess the impact of social media on the present day moderated by Ethics Series Co-Chair Tom Axworthy. RSVP for a reminder.
Wednesday, January 22 – Exploring Architecture of Anxiety: A Conversation with Senior Fellow Heba Mostafa
Professor Heba Mostafa will delve into her book Architecture of Anxiety: Body Politics and the Formation of Islamic Architecture’s exploration of caliphal anxieties and political survival, offering new perspectives on Islamic state formation and sacred spaces. She will be in conversation with Junior Fellow Sanniah Jabeen. RSVP
Friday, January 24 – Clarkson Laureates High Table
The inaugural Laureateships were awarded in 2004, during the final year that Senior Fellow Madam Clarkson was Governor General of Canada. The award honours her many years of service to Canada by recognizing those members of its community who also contribute to the common good. This year we celebrate Drs. Andrew Boozary, Juliet Guichon and Sourojeet Chakraborty.
Wednesday, January 29 – Massey Dialogues: Healthcare Barriers for People with Disabilities with David Lepofsky
Join renowned disability rights advocate David Lepofsky for a thought-provoking exploration of systemic barriers in health care. He will shed light on these systemic challenges and explore actionable solutions to create a more inclusive system. A discussion with Junior Fellows Alison D’Cruz and Rachel Tyli, moderated by Senior Fellow Jillian Kohler will follow. RSVP.
SAVE THE DATE
Senior Fellow Luncheons
- February 25
- March 25
- April 8
High Tables
- February 7 – Black History
- March 7 – International Women’s Day
- March 28 – Convocation High Table
- February 3, 2025 | Son of Elsewhere by Elamin Abdelmahmoud RSVP
- March 3, 2025 | Hello Beautiful: A Novel by Ann Napolitano RSVP
- April 7, 2025 | winner of the 2024 Cundill History Prize
Music Salons
- February 5 – The Colour of Joy: Celebrating Black Art Song in Canada
- March 5 – Women from Space: Exploring the Art of Visionary Women in Music
COMMUNITY NEWS
AWARDS
CJFE / Massey College Fellow Mostafa Al-A’sar was recently awarded the “Honorary Award for Efforts in Social Filmmaking” from the Activists Without Borders Film Festival in the UK. Congratulations!
Congratulations to the Massey Community members who recently appointed to the Order of Canada.
Companion
Alan Bernstein, C.C., O.Ont. (Senior Fellow) has significantly advanced global science and research. As president emeritus of the Canadian Institute for the Advancement of Research, he elevated the organization to world-class status. A champion of early-career researchers, he has profoundly impacted Canada’s health research and scientific communities, including as a member of Canada’s COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force. This is a promotion within the Order.
Officers
Ronald James Deibert, O.C., O.Ont. (Senior Fellow) is a defender of international online communications. As founder and director of the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, he leads a team researching cybersecurity issues tied to human rights. His work includes censorship circumvention and exposing surveillance practices by rogue governments. An acclaimed author and academic, he mentors future digital technology and security experts.
Eva Grunfeld, O.C. (Senior Fellow) improves care for Canadians with cancer. A clinician-scientist and University of Toronto professor, she is recognized globally for research in cancer care integration and survivorship. Co-creator of the BETTER program, she has shown that collaboration between primary care providers and oncologists enhances patient care. A respected leader and mentor, she has a profound global impact.
Members
Franklyn Griffiths, C.M. (Senior Fellow) is a pioneer in Arctic international relations. As professor emeritus and George Ignatieff Chair Emeritus at the University of Toronto, his writings on Soviet politics shaped Western understanding. He was instrumental in forming the Arctic Council, championing Indigenous participation in circumpolar cooperation.
Martin F. Katz, C.M. (Quadrangle Society Member) is a prominent figure in Canadian media. Founder and president of Prospero Pictures, he produced acclaimed films such as A Dangerous Method, Maps to the Stars, and Hotel Rwanda. As chair of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, he revitalized the organization and created the Canadian Screen Awards. A founding board member of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, his contributions extend beyond film.
V. Kumar Murty, C.M.(Senior Fellow) has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions in advancing knowledge in various mathematical fields including analytic number theory, and for his work as a mentor to Indo-Canadian youth.
Congratulations to the Massey Community members who recently appointed to the Order of Ontario.
- Vivek Goel, Senior Fellow
- Poonam Puri, Senior Fellow
- Walied Soliman, Senior Fellow
- Juliana Sprott, Quadrangle Society Member
- Joseph Vitale, Quadrangle Society Member
NEWS
- Senior Fellow Mark S. Bonham has been appointed to the Global Board of Directors of Human Rights Watch.
- Alum Peter Jianrui Liu is the CEO of Oxford Cancer Analytics. They’ve just announced that they have raised $11m USD, positioning the company to develop and globally commercialize a new generation of minimally invasive liquid biopsy blood tests for early cancer detection. Read the press release.
- Senior Fellow and Chair of the Board Akwasi Owusu-Bempah’s book ‘Ancillary Police Powers in Canada’ made the top 5 on The Hill Times’ 100 Best Books of 2024.
- Senior Fellow Cindy Sinclair was interviewed by TVO about the doctor shortage problem, on the role of foreign-born physicians in solving Ontario’s family doctor shortage.
- Senior Fellow Aephraim Steinberg explains how his team’s research observed ‘negative time’ phenomena in quantum experiments. Read here.
We love learning about your good news and sharing it with the community. Please email our communications team with links to your news (awards/recognitions, career highlights – new roles, research publications, articles, podcasts, interviews, op-eds, art exhibits, publishing books/book events, etc.)
EVENTS
Senior Fellow Johannes Debus invites you to a one-day symposium on January 18 which will explore how La Reine-garçon is grounded in Cartesian philosophy and contemporary theories of gender and performance.
Massey College Choir
A special note about our incredible Massey College Choir. The date and time for rehearsals has changed to Sunday evening from 7:00-8:00pm. All levels are welcome. No registration required. The first rehearsal of the term is this January 12.
We look forward to seeing you this term.
