On August 12, 2011, researchers at SFU's School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT), Surrey opened their laboratory doors to GRAND students and postdocs for the inaugural GRAND Café. Envisioned as the first of many regional meet-ups, the Café saw students from five partner universities gather to meet-up, network, and learn about each other’s research.

"The first GRAND Café was an excellent opportunity to meet local researchers, outside my immediate field and even from within my own university."

- Gregor Miller, Research Fellow, UBC

GRAND Café agendas are determined by student and postdoc organizers in order to reflect the needs and interests of their local GRAND community.  Our first Café included a presentation on CZSaw Visual Analytics (ENCAD), a demonstration of Immersive VR as Therapy for Chronic Pain (CPRM), and a visit to the Sonic Cradle (CPRM), where researcher Jay Vidyarthi guided participants in creating their own therapeutic soundscape. Musically-minded? Find out how to contribute your sound to the project!

"Graduate students are fortunate to form a key component of the GRAND network - our research is supported financially and we benefit from rich discussions like those held at the first GRAND Café."

- Lorna Boschman, PhD Candidate, SFU

A catered lunch rounded out the afternoon, with participants chatting about projects and opportunities while dining on a fabulous Indian buffet. While attendees forged new connections with other students and faculty with similar and complementary research interests, GRAND Central staff took away invaluable feedback on student and postdoc programming needs.

Thanks to GRAND Cafe organizers, Sean Arden (ECUAD), Lorna Boschman (SFU), and Charlotte Tang (UBC). 

The Café series was created in response to students and postdocs identifying a need to strengthen connections between researchers at neighbouring universities.