On November 14th, the Krembil Research Institute at UHN hosted its inaugural Krembil Science Jam: Spotlight on Discovery, bringing cutting-edge science to life for an enthusiastic audience of approximately 120 attendees. This event showcased innovative research from 10 leading UHN scientists and clinicians, offering insights into some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
The evening buzzed with excitement as speakers from the Krembil Brain Institute, the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute delivered dynamic, five-minute presentations akin to TED Talks. Each presentation highlighted innovative approaches to understanding and treating diseases such as dementia, Parkinson, glaucoma, osteoarthritis, and mental illness.
Key highlights include:
● Dr. Carmela Tartaglia’s tools to detect dementia early
● Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan’s “Joint on a Chip” for osteoarthritis research
● Dr. Jeremy Sivak’s quest to tackle glaucoma at its roots
● Dr. Josh Rosenblatt inspired with a bold vision for psychedelic mental health therapies
● Dr. Olga Rojas revealed breakthroughs linking the immune system, gut, and brain
● Advancing brain research, Dr. Milad Lankarany showcased sophisticated computer models for disease study
● Dr. Luka Milosevic mapped neural circuits to illuminate Parkinson disease
● Dr. Joan Wither identified biomarkers for autoimmune diseases
● Dr. Nigil Haroon targeted novel rheumatology treatments
● Dr. Karun Singh highlighted stem cell-driven personalized therapies.
Attendees—ranging from donors and media representatives to key supporters like CAMH and Brain Canada—enjoyed an evening filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a fun trivia game that capped off the celebration of science. A custom music playlist, complete with “walk-up” songs for each presenter, added a personal touch to the festive atmosphere.
For those who missed it, the Krembil Science Jam is available on to watch online, and you can listen to the Krembil Science Jam playlist here.