Download a PDF version of the New Faculty Onboarding Guide.
Congratulations on your faculty appointment and welcome to the University of Toronto (U of T)! The Division of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) created this onboarding guide to help you get oriented to research-specific resources and processes as you transition to your new role at U of T.
The VPRI has the expertise and connections to help researchers at every stage, by providing advice and resources. Working with our Faculties and affiliated hospitals, we are the administrative support hub for U of T's research and innovation activities.
IMPORTANT: This guide is meant to complement the general onboarding process managed by your unit head and home department/faculty. Please ensure you consult with your unit head and home department/faculty for a complete set of steps. As department/faculty structure can vary, please take note of the following information.
- Multi-department faculties: Most departments within multi-department faculties at U of T have not only a Chair, but also an Associate Chair – Research, or similar. Your Chair can refer you to the relevant leader within your unit for advice and mentorship relating to research that is specifically tailored to the academic norms within your field(s)
- Single-department faculties: Typically, a single-department faculty has an Associate Dean – Research, or similar, who is available for expert advice and mentorship
Instructions
- Please review the guide and customize it to your research situation as needed. The guide is organized into these sequential phases.
- Prior to Start Date
- Upon Start Date (First day and first few weeks)
- Commencing Research (In your first few months)
- Complete the actions in a timely manner to build upon your learning and minimize potential problems with sequential steps.
- Explore the Other Resources section and VPRI Acronym Glossary for additional helpful information.
| Action | Contact for Assistance |
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Explore the VPRI website
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Explore the Centre for Research & Innovation (CRIS) website |
General inquiries: Centre for Research & Innovation Support (CRIS) cris@utoronto.ca |
| Transfer existing research funds Contact VPRI staff (see Contact for Assistance) to check that the transfer of research funds from your current institution to U of T is underway. |
Canadian Funds
US & International Funds
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| Understand who can be a Principal Investigator (PI) at U of T Learn how U of T, for research purposes, defines who is eligible to be a PI on a research grant or contract. |
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Complete the Research Needs Assessment Tool if your research involves any of the following.
The relevant Research Oversight & Compliance Office (ROCO) unit(s) will follow up with you regarding next steps based on the information submitted in the tool.
Laboratory space & set-up
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Laboratory Space Needs
Biological Agents Radioisotopes, X-Rays & Lasers Chemical Use Live Animals Human Participants & Specimens Cannabis & Regulated Substances • ehs.cannabis.research@utoronto.ca
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First day to first few weeks
| Action | Contact for Assistance |
|---|---|
| Activate your UTORid Your UTORid (with password) is your key to numerous services at U of T, including a range of essential VPRI systems. |
Information Commons Help Desk416-978-HELP (4357) help.desk@utoronto.ca |
| Orient yourself to U of T’s research systems and web tools Refer to this list of Key Information Systems Used in Research Administration as you complete further steps. |
Information Commons Help Desk416-978-HELP (4357) help.desk@utoronto.ca |
| Access your My Research (MR) system account Check to make sure you can login to your MR system account. |
RAISE Helpdesk416-946-5000 raise@utoronto.ca |
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Orient yourself to research funding/career development resources. |
Connaught Fund Research Funding Manager, Internal Programs 416-978-3211 m.hussey@utoronto.ca Industry Partnerships 416-978-5557 innovations.partnerships@utoronto.ca Institutional Strategic Initiatives strat.initiatives@utoronto.ca All other resources See the ‘Contact Us’ section at the bottom of each page for a subject-specific contact, or search the VPRI staff directory. |
| Learn how to Apply for Funding |
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Consult your Chair, Vice-Dean Research, and/or Research Facilitator
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Review U of T’s Guide to Financial Management,
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Financial Services Department416-978-2140 Financial Services Staff Directory |
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Complete relevant MR system training |
RAISE Helpdesk416-946-5000 raise@utoronto.ca |
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Create a DiscoverResearch profile
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DiscoverResearchDiscoverResearch Community Site discover.research@utoronto.ca |
| Attend Basic Health & Safety Awareness Training | Environmental Health & Safety ehs.courses@utoronto.ca |
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If your research involves human participants
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General Inquiries: Human Research & Ethics Unit (HREU)416-946-3273 ethics.review@utoronto.ca |
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If your research involves animals
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General Inquiries: Animal Ethics & Compliance Unit acc.coordinator@utoronto.ca |
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If your research involves biological agents, chemicals, lasers, radioisotopes, and/or X-rays
Contact the applicable EHS team for guidance before starting your permit application(s).
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If your research involves cannabis
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Research Compliance Manager416-436-0452 ehs.cannabis.research@utoronto.ca |
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If your research involves controlled or dangerous goods,
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Export Controls Innovations & Partnerships Office (IPO) (416) 978-5557 innovations.partnerships@utoronto.ca Transportation of Dangerous Goods Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) (416) 978-6011 ehs.biosafety@utoronto.ca Controlled Goods Research Compliance Manager (416) 436-0452 ehs.importexport@utoronto.ca |
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Review key U of T research related policies.
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Office of the Governing Council416-978-6576 governing.council@utoronto.ca |
| Review the University’s expectations regarding Research Integrity | Manager, Research Oversight and Compliance416-946-0836 rhain.louis@utoronto.ca |
| Review the University’s expectations for Research Data Management | General inquiries: Centre for Research & Innovation Support (CRIS)cris@utoronto.ca |
| Attend U of T's new faculty & staff orientation | The Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture: Contact |
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Sign up for Research Alerts
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| Sign up for communications from CRIS | General inquiries: Centre for Research & Innovation Support (CRIS) cris@utoronto.ca |
In your first few months
| Action | Contact for Assistance |
|---|---|
| Learn how to Manage Funding |
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| Ensure all relevant permits & approvals are in place (e.g., biosafety permits, ethics protocols, etc.) |
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| Ensure that your research staff complete all required and relevant training (e.g., MR Systems, Environmental Health & Safety, etc.) |
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Learn how to move your research output to the market through Inventions, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship and the following helpful handbooks. Find entrepreneurship-specific resources at University of Toronto Entrepreneurship |
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Review key U of T innovation related policies |
Office of the Governing Council416-978-6576 governing.council@utoronto.ca |
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Orient yourself to a few of the centrally supported services available at U of T |
SciNet info@scinet.utoronto.ca (416) 978-2922 Toronto RDC rdc.info@utoronto.ca |
- Take advantage of available online resources
- Incorporate time in your research planning for necessary administration (e.g. application processing, ethical review)
- Understand your responsibilities as a PI. You are responsible for adhering to University policies, research integrity, sponsor requirements, policies concerning humans and animals in research, ethical conduct of research, etc.
- Provide assistance and advice on a wide range of research & innovation matters
Find the appropriate VPRI staff member to assist you by checking our staff directory.
