The University of Toronto (U of T), Canada’s largest and most prestigious university, developed the Institutional Strategic Research Plan (ISRP) 2024–2029 to articulate its research commitments and strategic priorities. The plan aligns with federal funding programs like the Canada Research Chairs and U of T’s Towards 2030 framework. The ISRP serves both internal stakeholders (faculty, researchers, leadership, and students) and external stakeholders (funding agencies, industry leaders, and government bodies). Internally, it ensures division's research priorities align with U of T's goals. Externally, it demonstrates U of T’s capacity for strategic foresight, impactful scholarship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The ISRP was developed using internal expertise and consultations across 30+ leadership tables, ensuring broad input. The $1,000 budget covered external digital accessibility and proofreading, with internal staff contributing three full-time equivalents over a year. The plan has successfully met its objectives, strengthening U of T’s funding position and reinforcing its research leadership. It has received positive feedback and now serves as a foundational document, guiding institutional priorities, divisional goal-setting, and strategic decision-making.
From the Judges
We had a high level of appreciation for the way this design moves the reader through the three pillars of the plan, using color clues and text "breadcrumbs." Additionally, the choice to feature one image on each page is sophisticated, especially in the way that it interacts with the text blocks.
