Job Title: Wellness Impact Lab (WIL) Assistant 1

Application Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Note: applicants must be eligible to participate in the Research @ 91ÑÇÉ« (RAY) program, see  (e.g., you must complete the Work/Study Eligibility Application).

Hourly wage: $19 per hour

Hours per week: 6 hours per week

Start date: January 4, 2027

End date: April 30, 2027

Position Overview

The Wellness Impact Lab (WIL), led by Dr. Harvey Skinner (Senior Fellow) and Susan Harris (Community Fellow), promotes personal well-being and collective action to address climate change. We seek a motivated undergraduate student to coordinate WIL initiatives, including Climate Cafés and collaborations with The Nest, and The Climate Collective (TCC), while contributing to research, knowledge mobilization and Lab development.

Eligibility: 91ÑÇÉ« undergraduate students enrolled in Year 2 or Year 3.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Coordination: Plan, implement and evaluate initiatives in collaboration with students, faculty, and community partners.
2. Research & Evaluation: Analyze survey data and qualitative findings, evaluate programs, and prepare reports.
3. Knowledge Synthesis: Contribute to research reviews on climate change, well-being, and community engagement.
4. Knowledge Mobilization: Co-develop engaging social media content, conference presentations, posters and manuscripts.
5. Lab Development: Help create new projects and opportunities to expand WIL’s impact.

Qualifications

1. Leadership, teamwork, collaboration, and project management skills.
2. Research Experience with program planning, evaluation, and qualitative or quantitative studies.
3. Writing, communication, and presentation skills.
4. Strong interest in climate change, personal well-being, and planetary health.

Why Join WIL

1. Gain hands-on research and program evaluation experience.
2. Develop leadership, project management, and communication skills.
3. Build your academic portfolio and career prospects and receive a formal reference letter upon request.
4. Learn personal wellness practices.
5. Contribute to meaningful community impact.

Application materials

• Letter describing your interest and qualifications for this position.
• Updated Resume/CV.
• Transcript (unofficial) of grades.
• Example of your writing (e.g. research presentation/paper) and social media post

Application Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

If you have any questions, please email Harvey Skinner.

The post Student Opportunity W27 - Wellness Impact Lab Assistant 1 appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

Join us for an 8-session online course that focuses on the evidence and tools needed to translate AMR priorities into practical policy action. Upon completion of the course, participants will have the skills needed to better understand, assess, and advance antimicrobial resistance (AMR) policy in their institutional and national contexts. 

Developed by researchers and policy experts with expertise across government, academia, international organizations, and civil society, this course is designed for professionals from One Health sectors who want to better understand how policy decisions are made and how to influence them.

Through realistic policy challenges, case discussions, and problem-based learning, participants build practical skills to navigate policymaking processes, use different forms of evidence, work across sectors, and address the political, ethical, and equity dimensions of AMR. 

The curriculum draws on social and political science, public health, and real-world AMR policy experience. Participants leave with practical approaches and tools they can apply in their work, along with new relationships with peers working on AMR across countries and sectors. 

Certificates of participation will be provided upon completion of the course. The language of instruction will be English.  

Course start date: January 19, 2027

Cost: $565 CAD / €350

Apply by December 8, 2026

The post Opportunity — Online AMR Policymaking Course  appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

The paper examines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a complex and interconnected food-system problem rather than simply a consequence of inappropriate antimicrobial use. Using a One Health perspective, the authors recognize that human, animal and environmental health are closely connected and that antimicrobial use across livestock production, aquaculture, agriculture and healthcare can contribute to the emergence and spread of resistant organisms. The study focuses on understanding the broader social, economic, regulatory and behavioural factors that sustain antimicrobial use and resistance within food systems in Canada, Senegal, and the Netherlands, using participatory approaches and complex systems modelling methods. 

The comparison of Canada, Senegal and the Netherlands demonstrates that AMR is a global problem with different local drivers that require context-appropriate solutions. The study also reinforces the importance of the One Health approach. AMR genes can move between people, animals, food and the environment. Addressing AMR therefore requires systems-informed collaborations across human health, veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental health and public policy rather than interventions within the healthcare sector alone.

Find the full publication here:

Clifford Astbury, Chloe, Hu, Catherine, Sow, M. M., Ciss, M., Dückers, M., Schneeberger, C., Van Heuvel, L., Aenishaenslin, C., Benko, R., Bordier, M., De Leon, Valentina, Kavulikirwa, O. K., Loboda, É., Rajan, Arabi, Ruckert, A., Villanueva, S., Wiktorowicz, Mary, & Penney, Tarra L. (2026). Disrupting antimicrobial resistance in food systems from a One Health perspective: a complex systems analysis in Canada, Senegal and the Netherlands. BMC Global and Public Health, 4(1).

The post Hot off the Press — New Paper Explores Antimicrobial Resistance in Food Systems From a One Health Perspective appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

Moving forward, Stop TB Canada’s recommendation is adopting a whole-of-government Canadian Global Health Strategy and supporting a consultative multi-stakeholder forum to ensure whole-of-society approach to global health.

Thank you, MP Oliphant and the team, for the great conversation and engaging with us!

"Stop TB Canada plays a vital role in championing infectious-disease resilience, strengthening global health governance, and ensuring equitable access to care both at home and abroad. I was proud to meet with Yuliya Chorna and delegates from Stop TB Canada to discuss their vital advocacy and recommendations for Canada's global health priorities, and I thank them for their dedication to building a healthier, more secure world for all."

-Robert Oliphant (MP Don Valley West) via LinkedIn

The post Championing a National Global Health Strategy for Canada appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

Join us in advancing global health research and making a lasting impact!

Our Institute and DGHGS program are dedicated to promoting equity, excellence, and effectiveness in global health research, focusing on three core themes: planetary health, global health and humanitarianism, and global health foresighting.

We are proud to support outstanding graduate researchers and innovative projects that are driving positive change around the world. Explore the inspiring work of our past recipients from 2024; 2025; and 2026.

This is your opportunity to become part of our dynamic community at 91ÑÇÉ«, where exceptional graduate students—both domestic and international—contribute to shaping the future of global health.

Scholarship Value: Ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 CAD.

For eligibility details and application instructions, visit our Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship page.

As Dahdaleh Graduate Global Health Scholars, DGHGS recipients will also gain access to:

• collaborative workspaces;
• support for research dissemination;
• invitations to exclusive Institute global health events;
• and many other professional development opportunities

Application Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2027, at noon p.m. ET

For questions or additional information, please contact us at dighr@yorku.ca

The post Announcement – Applications for 2027 Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarships Open! appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

Poirier, Mathieu J., United Nations University, & Centre for Policy Research. (2026b). The Independent Panel on Evidence for Action against Antimicrobial Resistance: Building a Science-Policy Interface Fit for the Twenty-First Century. In Global Governance Innovation Platform (GGI) • Policy Memo Series [Report].

The post Hot off the Press — Building a Science-Policy Interface Fit for the Twenty-First Century appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

The School of Global Health consists of a highly committed interdisciplinary group of scholars and educators with a diverse focus across healthcare, public health, social determinants of health, and planetary health. It offers the first dedicated undergraduate global health degree program in Canada and a highly distinctive interdisciplinary PhD program in global health. Through cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design, diverse experiential learning, and a dynamic and supportive academic community environment, our students receive the training and education to create big ideas that make an impact on the world.

We invite applications from candidates whose scholarship addresses complex challenges in global and public health through innovative, community-engaged, and equity-oriented approaches. We especially welcome applications from candidates whose work contributes to transforming the structures, systems, and knowledge practices that produce health inequities. Relevant research specializations in global and public health may include planetary health and climate justice; implementation science and evaluation; transdisciplinary approaches; artificial intelligence and data justice; decolonizing approaches and Indigenous health sovereignty; syndemics and complex challenges; health economics; clinical epidemiology; and other relevant specializations advancing global and public health equity.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to connect global health research with public health policy and practice and to work reciprocally with communities, Indigenous partners, public health agencies, governments, and other organizations in Canada and internationally. Importantly, the successful candidate will contribute to the development, delivery, student supervision, and evaluation of an accredited professional Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Global Health that prepares graduates for leadership in public and global health practice, policy, programs, and research. They will also support the overall growth, collegial governance processes, and academic community engagement activities covering the School’s undergraduate and doctoral programs.

Application Process:

• Due date for completed applications: November 20, 2026
• Required materials:
  • 1) cover letter, specifying interest and suitability for the position (maximum 2 pages);
  • 2) current CV, including all academic, scholarly, professional, teaching and related qualifications and achievements that are relevant to the position (maximum 12 pages);
  • 3) research statement (maximum 2 pages);
  • 4) up to 3 scholarly or professional practice outputs relevant to this position (specify individual contribution if this is not evident within the outputs);
  • 5) teaching dossier (maximum 12 pages); and
  • 6) the names and contact information of 3 referees willing to provide a confidential letter of reference. Reference letters will only be requested from shortlisted
    candidates.
• Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes at this link:
• Direct questions about the position to Benedict Weobong, Search Committee Chair, bweobong@yorku.ca
• Submit materials to: globsrch@yorku.ca, as a single PDF.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, November 20, 2026.

The post Opportunity — Assistant Professor in Public Health, School of Global Health, Faculty of Health appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

By Jennifer Doodnauth

As demand grows for technologies that support independent living, a 91ÑÇÉ« researcher will bring Canadian expertise and insights from community engaged research to the international standards that guide their development.

Through the appointment, Desai will contribute community-engaged research insights and subject matter expertise to Canada’s participation in the development of international standards for accessible assistive technologies.

The committee supports the development of standards for technologies, products and services that promote independent living, accessibility and quality of life for people of all ages and abilities, including older adults, people with disabilities and people living with dementia.

As a member, Desai will review standards documents, provide subject-matter expertise and help develop consensus based Canadian positions on international standards initiatives.

"This appointment is an opportunity for me to bring 91ÑÇÉ«'s expertise and commitment to inclusive innovation into international standards development," says Desai.

"I look forward to collaborating with experts from Canada and around the world to help shape technologies and systems that are accessible, responsible and responsive to people's needs."

The appointment reflects Desai's longstanding research in accessible interaction design, inclusive and assistive technologies, aging and dementia, as well as participatory approaches that engage older adults and people with disabilities in the design process. Her participation on the committee will also create opportunities to bring emerging international standards into both her research and teaching.

She plans to incorporate insights from the committee's work into course content and experiential learning opportunities, giving students exposure to the standards and requirements that shape technologies from design through implementation. Desai says students will also be encouraged to explore how accessibility-focused innovations can be translated into socially responsible and commercially viable solutions that address community needs.   

"This role will allow me to introduce students to standards-informed design and show them how international standards influence the development, evaluation and adoption of accessible and assistive technologies," says Desai.

Beyond student learning, Desai sees the appointment as an opportunity to extend the global reach of her community-engaged research by helping to ensure accessibility and lived experience remain central considerations in standards development.

"Older adults, people with disabilities and people living with dementia often encounter usability and adoption barriers when technologies do not reflect their needs, abilities and everyday contexts," she says.

"When their perspectives and lived experiences inform standards, and standards subsequently guide the design and development process, technologies and services are more likely to be accessible, useful, interoperable and adopted in practice."

Desai hopes to help ensure that diverse perspectives are reflected in global standards development while demonstrating 91ÑÇÉ«'s leadership in inclusive innovation.

"Ultimately, I hope this work contributes to technologies and services that support independence, participation and quality of life in Canada and around the world."

The post 91ÑÇÉ« researcher helps guide global accessible technology standards appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, observed to raise global awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Learn more about some of the projects at the Dahdaleh Institute surrounding mental health here:

• YMIND
• CalmConnect
• Retooling Black Anxiety
• Wellness Impact Lab
• Digital Wellbeing Hub
• HEATSCAPE-Africa

The post World Mental Health Day 2026 appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

I had the opportunity to attend the Summer School on Systems Thinking and Innovation for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and a Healthy Ageing Population in the WHO European Region, held from 21–24 July 2026 in Nice, France. The four-day programme provided a comprehensive introduction to systems thinking, beginning with the political and stakeholder dimensions of NCD action. I gained insights into engaging with complexity, driving innovation and systems change, understanding political realities, and identifying and mapping key stakeholders. Practical activities, including developing a 60-second political narrative and participating in a coalition-building simulation, helped demonstrate how stakeholder alignment, legitimacy, financing, and timing can influence policy implementation.

The second day focused on systems concepts and methods. Particularly valuable were the sessions on developing a systems-thinking mindset, understanding NCDs and healthy ageing from a systems perspective, and participatory mapping using causal loop diagrams. I also gained practical exposure to CLD using Polygon and network analysis through StakeholderNet, including its application and considerations for selecting an appropriate systems method.

The third day provided further methodological training through an introduction to Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) and practical work using NetLogo. The programme also addressed how complex interventions can be evaluated differently, including approaches to evaluating systems-informed studies and systems change. A group exercise using the Futures Wheel further developed my understanding of future-oriented systems analysis.

The final day focused on translating learning into practice through group presentations, participant reflections, and discussion on taking systems thinking into real-world policy initiatives. Overall, the summer school strengthened my knowledge of systems approaches and provided practical tools that I can apply to research, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and the evaluation of complex public health initiatives.

Overall, attending the Summer School was a highly valuable professional and academic development experience. It enhanced my understanding of complex systems, introduced me to practical analytical approaches, and provided opportunities for international networking and knowledge exchange. I intend to apply the concepts and insights gained from the programme to my future research and professional activities.

The post Summer School on Systems Thinking and Innovation for Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases and Promoting Healthy Ageing in the WHO European Region appeared first on Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.