SHN Research Institute Student Experience (RISE) program is an exciting initiative from Scarborough Health Network (SHN) designed to mentor and support the next generation of healthcare researchers. Designed for students across academic levels (undergraduate, medical, graduate, postgraduate, and other healthcare professions students), this is your gateway to a structured research training that blends hands-on experience and mentorship.
Whether you’re launching your research journey or deepening your expertise, RISE connects you with Scarborough’s diverse healthcare ecosystem and the SHN Research Institute’s mission to advance health through education, innovation, and community-focused inquiry.
Inviting students for the Summer of Vibes
This summer, SHN RISE is hosting the Summer of Vibes. This healthcare and AI innovation sprint brings together students at varying graduate levels and backgrounds (i.e. medicine, engineering, design, business, etc.) to engage in real-world healthcare environments and solve pressing system-level challenges.
Why choose RISE?
RISE is more than just a program; it’s a commitment to excellence. By joining RISE, you will:
- Receive mentorship: Work closely with experienced SHN supervisors on real-world health, clinical, or medical research projects.
- Gain practical experience: Conduct literature searches and develop protocols aligned with research ethics, learn and perform data analysis, and write scientific manuscripts!
- Build your network and showcase your work: Participate in community guest speaker events, annual research days, and networking opportunities.
Earn competitive stipends: Benefit from financial support through competitive stipends and awards.
Who can join?
RISE is open to students from undergraduate, medicine, graduate, postgraduate and professional programs (including nursing, medicine, and other health professions) who are focused on healthcare-related research. Eligibility criteria include:
- Enrollment in a relevant academic program
- Confirmation of research focus and supervisor
- Commitment to program requirements
- Good academic standing and legally able to work in Ontario
Our vision
RISE is a critical enabler for research at SHN. It directly supports SHN’s broader strategic imperatives by nurturing talent in essential non-clinical areas that underpin research, innovation, and the overall functioning of a modern, integrated health network.
SHN RISE directly supports the goals of the SHN Research Institute by embedding students within research streams that:
- Advance clinical research and health equity by supporting data collection and community-specific studies.
- Enhance population health initiatives through research on Scarborough’s diverse communities and their unique health needs.
- Drive innovation in healthcare education via research on new training models and digital tools used across SHN.
Through this, SHN RISE builds a diverse pipeline of future healthcare researchers and practitioners committed to improving care in Scarborough and beyond.
Current opportunities
Summer of Vibes
Check out this pilot student-driven innovation sprint hosted by SHN RISE, running from May to August, 2025. It brings together undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate and professional program students from diverse backgrounds – medicine, engineering, design, business, and more – to tackle real healthcare challenges and rapidly prototype impactful solutions.
General RISE Student
Whether you already have a supervisor or would like to connect with one, send us an email to get you started with research!
Join us today!
Be part of a program that is set to transform the landscape of student research at SHN. Whether you’re looking to enhance your research skills, gain valuable mentorship, or build your professional network, RISE is the perfect platform for you.
For more information and to apply, contact researchstudents@shn.ca.