Events, workshops and competitions

This competition is a valuable opportunity for science students of all levels to pitch their ideas to researchers and industry experts and compete for a chance to win a $3,000 cash prize! To learn more about the 2025 event, please visit the Science 3K Pitch Competition.

The Entrepreneurship Speaker Series was established in 2022 to foster the entrepreneurial mindset for students in the Faculty of Science and generate meaningful discussions around emerging themes in industry and research.

Dr. Les Tari is the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Cidara Therapeutics and a two-time UM Faculty of Science chemistry alum [BScHons/89, PhD/95]. Following his time at UM, Tari focused on supporting early-stage drug discovery in both academic and industry settings, developing over 50 publications or patents. Previous to working for Cidara Therapeutics, Tari was a member of the scientific staff of the start-up, Syrrx Inc., co-founded ActiveSight Inc., and held various positions at Trius Therapeutics (acquired by Cubist Pharmaceuticals). At Cidara Therapeutics, Tari oversees the development of targeted immunotherapies designed to treat serious diseases.

In this mixer event, we gathered to learn about what goes on at the UM Smartpark. Students had the opportunity to network with various industries, organisations, and research groups that operate minutes from the Fort Garry campus!

How we show up during stressful situations can mean the difference between a clutch performance and missing the mark. Unfortunately, prevailing wisdom suggests we need to be hard on ourselves, equates rest with laziness, and glorifies a win-at-all-cost mentality. At this workshop, we tried to dissect this all through a great discussion focusing on the benefits of sleep, rest, self-compassion and learning through experience.

From class presentations to winning the 3-Minute-Thesis competitions, public speaking is an essential skill that boosts your resume. In this workshop, we heard from Eleanor Coopsammy, Director of Public Relations at the University of Manitoba, on how to prepare for numerous presentations you'll experience in your educational and professional journey.