Leading the Future 2026

Patience, Persistence and Passion in Research

Lawson Association of Fellows & Students Presents:

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Brookside Banquet Centre, 99 Brookside St, London ON N5Z 3J6

Early bird pricing is available for the initial 50 tickets. 
Standard rates will apply beginning with ticket number 51. Standard ticket rates: Trainee - $60, Staff - $70, Research Faculty - $80, and Table - $480

Register

Join the Lawson Association of Fellows and Students (LAFS) for Leading the Future, 2026. Leading the Future aims to bridge the gap between students, staff, scientists, and leadership by celebrating the diverse research ecosystem at the Lawson Research Institute. This event will feature buffet-style catering, a keynote speaker, and panelists (from trainees to research scientists) highlighting trainee engagement and involvement through personal and professional experiences at Lawson. We invite trainees, staff and research faculty to join us on the evening of April 16th to build capacity for trainee engagement to Lead the Future of Lawson Research Institute.

Who is Leading the Future For?

An opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaboration over a semi-formal cocktail reception. 

• For Trainees and Students – Discover how Lawson supports your development, success, and career growth
• For Research Scientists and Staff – Gain insights on how to empower and meaningfully engage trainees in research

Join us as we support, celebrate and strengthen our research community. We kindly ask you to save the date for this inaugural event as we come together to lead the future of research.

From Learning to Leading: Supporting the Next Generation

Attendees will: 

• Describe how Lawson supports trainee development and success
• Identify how research faculty can empower and meaningfully involve trainees
• Connect and collaborate during a semi-formal cocktail reception with engaging speakers

Keynote Speakers
Gregor Reid, PhD, MBA, ARM CCM, Dr HS, FCAHS, FRSC. Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Western University, and Scientist in Human Microbiome and Probiotics at the Lawson Research Institute.

Panel Speakers:
Moderator: Dalton Wolfe, PhD. Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Science, and Scientist at Lawson Research Institute.

Panelists: Janelle Unger, PhD, PT. Assistant Professor in School of Physical Therapy at Western University, Associate Scientist at Lawson Research Institute, and licensed physical therapist.
Dr. Kristin Clemens, MD, MSC, FRCPC. Clinician-Scientist and Endocrinologist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Senior Adjunct ICES Scientist, Associate Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology) and Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Western University, Associate Scientist at Lawson Research Institute, and Medical Director of the Osteoporosis and Bone Disease Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care London
Kait Al, PhD, Post Doctoral Fellow, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, and Trainee at Lawson Research Institute