IMS MedDash brings science, discovery and adventure to high school students
Amazing Race-style competition introduces participants to biomedical research
"Where curiosity meets adventure."
That spirit was on full display on July 25, when nearly 50 high school students gathered at the University of Toronto's St. George campus for IMS MedDash, a competition introducing them to biomedical science and research.
Organized in collaboration with the Temerty Faculty of Medicine's Office of Access and Outreach, IMS MedDash challenged participants to race across campus while completing a series of interactive, science-themed activities. Inspired by the popular television show The Amazing Race, the event combined teamwork, problem-solving, and discovery into a day-long adventure.
IMS students Phuong Nguyen and Clara Sun led this year’s initiative with support from fellow graduate and undergraduate volunteers.
"Many young people may not have the opportunity to be exposed to mentors in biomedical research or gain access to laboratories," say Nguyen and Sun. "Through exciting hands-on challenges and conversations, we wanted participants to leave feeling inspired, curious, and confident that they belong in scientific spaces."
Former IMS students Shaghayegh Foroozan Boroojeni, Addison Pacheco and Archita Srinath launched IMS MedDash in 2025 to help bridge the gap between marginalized youth and higher education by creating accessible ways to engage with science in a fun, welcoming environment. The inaugural event was supported by funding from the Jay Keystone Memorial Award for Innovation in Scientific Communication.
Participants worked in teams as they navigated campus landmarks and completed challenges that tested their knowledge, creativity, and collaboration. Organizers designed the activities to help students explore a range of health science concepts while fostering interest in research and a sense of belonging.
The day also featured a keynote address from Ted Brown, professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynaecology and longtime director of IMS' Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). Brown spoke about the value of scientific inquiry, mentorship, and pursuing opportunities in research and higher education.
SURP students played a key role in the success of the event by volunteering throughout the day. Their involvement provided participants with the opportunity to meet current undergraduate researchers and learn about university life.
“The best part of the event was getting to connect with the students,” says John Lio, a third-year undergraduate volunteer.
“Many of them had questions about university and what the transition from high school looks like. I remember having those same concerns myself, so it was meaningful to help them feel more comfortable and confident as they think about their next steps.”
Team Osteocytes emerged as the winners after successfully navigating the course with top speed and accuracy.
“I thought the event was really interesting,” says first-place team member Inaya Ponda, a Grade 12 student at Northern Secondary School. “I'm not someone who’s normally very interested in medicine or biology, but the activities helped me learn something new. My favourite challenge was the blood-typing station because I got to understand how different blood types work.”
For the organizers, the measure of success extended beyond the final standings. By combining scientific exploration with teamwork and adventure, IMS MedDash gave young people the opportunity to engage with biomedical science and experience campus life firsthand.
