Divvy Gupta
Secretary-General and Co-Founder
sec-gen@utsri.ca | Linkedin

Letter from the Secretary-General

When I look back at how far UTSRI has come, what stands out most is not just what we have built, but who we have built it with. What started as an ambitious goal to transform how students get involved in research has evolved into one of Canada’s best youth-led academic initiatives, uniting bright minds across disciplines and campuses. What began as a simple idea to give students a platform where curiosity meets collaboration has grown into a thriving movement that connects young innovators, researchers, and leaders across the country.

UTSRI has never been about doing what is easy. It is about taking bold ideas and making them real, whether that means launching national-scale case competitions, pioneering our flagship Scientific Research and Strategy Summit, or building new bridges between research, education, and innovation. Each new project we take on is guided by the same vision: to empower students to think critically, work collaboratively, and approach science as both a discipline and a dialogue. We believe that research is not just about answers; it is about learning to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and find creative solutions that make a real impact.

The heart of UTSRI lies in its people. Every milestone we have achieved has been made possible by students who lead with initiative, mentors who share their expertise, and educators who believe in the power of hands-on learning. Together, we are empowering young researchers to start early, take risks, make mistakes, and grow through them to become not just better scientists, but more thoughtful and resilient thinkers. That mindset, one that values persistence and reflection, is what truly defines excellence in research and leadership.

Being part of UTSRI means being part of a community that values both ambition and humility, collaboration and creativity. It is a place where ideas are tested, refined, and turned into something tangible. Whether through our competitions, conferences, or partnerships, we strive to create opportunities for students to explore new fields, connect with mentors, and develop the confidence to pursue their passions fearlessly.

To everyone joining us, whether you are competing, presenting, volunteering, or simply exploring what we do, welcome to the UTSRI community. Your curiosity and drive are what push this initiative forward. Take every challenge as an opportunity to learn something new, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. Every conversation you have, every project you attempt, and every question you ask contributes to a larger vision, one where students lead the charge in shaping the future of research and innovation.

We are building more than competitions or conferences. We are building a movement that empowers students to lead the future of research in Canada. And this is just the beginning.

ad meliora,

Divvy Gupta