First Annual BEST Summer Retreat
At Simon Fraser University Big Data Hub
August 5-7, 2026
Download retreat schedule here
Download retreat abstract book here
The First Annual Biomedical and Environmental Sensor Training (BEST) Summer Retreat will bring together a diverse community of researchers, trainees, industry partners, and government scientists to discuss emerging advances in biomedical and environmental sensor research. BEST is an NSERC CREATE training program focused on the development, translation, and application of sensor technologies for biomedical and environmental challenges.
This three-day in-person meeting is designed to create a dynamic environment for collaboration, discovery, professional development, and networking. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with scientists and engineers from industry and government laboratories, as well as academic researchers from Simon Fraser University, the University of Waterloo, and partner institutions, including faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate trainees.
The program will feature invited oral presentations from leading speakers in academia, industry, and government, together with student flash talks, poster presentations, and structured opportunities for discussion. Student flash talks will be 12 minutes in length, providing trainees with the opportunity to present their work to a broad interdisciplinary audience.
Program topics will include:
development and commercialization of biomedical and environmental sensor technologies.
introduction to intellectual property, patents, and technology transfer.
strategies for integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into research and training environments.
the expanding impact of nanotechnology in life sciences, energy, environmental monitoring, and related fields.
career development and networking across academic, government, and industry sectors.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided each day, along with coffee break