Highlights from TOPHC 2025: From Insight to Impact
This past spring, a multi-disciplinary community of public health professionals across Ontario came together for the 12th annual edition of The Ontario Public Health Convention (TOPHC). Held on March 26 and April 2, the event brought together over 650 participants both virtually and in person.
TOPHC 2025 featured a revitalized program designed to address the changing needs of the public health workforce. Sessions were shaped based on the realities and challenges professionals face today, with space for thematic panels, hands-on workshops tailored for different experience levels, and for the first time, a Student Case Event that brought fresh energy and ideas to the convention floor.
Participants engaged with a wide spectrum of critical issues, from improving system governance and tackling homelessness, to climate preparedness and data ethics in a digital world. The conversations were grounded in the day-to-day work of Ontario’s public health professionals.
Among the standout moments of the event was the virtual plenary session, “Rebuilding Confidence in Expertise: Addressing Mis- and Disinformation for Public Health.” Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Professor Robert Steiner, and journalist Megan Ogilvie brought a depth of insight to the discussion, skillfully guided by moderator Dr. Paul Roumeliotis. Together, they tackled the pressing question of how to restore public trust in scientific and public health institutions, a challenge that continues to shape the sector’s work post-pandemic.
The in-person Student Case Event was another clear highlight. Students worked in teams to plan a strategic public health response to climate preparedness and vector borne disease, engaging with both peers and professionals in a setting that emphasized creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Their contributions were a reminder that the next generation of public health leaders is already here, ready to help shape the future of the field. This year’s winners include:
First place: Team Eco Collective from Western University
Second place: Team MacImpact from McMaster University
Third place: Team Climate Guardians from Queen’s University
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of TOPHC 2025—from our attendees to our partners, facilitators, speakers, and the entire team at Public Health Ontario. Your energy and commitment made the event meaningful. We hope to see you again at future TOPHC events!
