Open Doors to Research: McGill Welcomes Students with TOSI
Curious about how scientific discoveries move from bench to breakthrough? The Tanenbaum Open Science Institute (TOSI) Trainee Council has launched a fresh round of lab tours, inviting students to step into the heart of research at McGill through its Open Doors program. Running from October 27 to November 6, the tours offer a rare glimpse into the daily life of scientists, the tools they use, and the questions they chase.
The initiative is part of TOSI’s broader mission to demystify open science and build a bridge between learners and researchers. By showcasing real experiments, data workflows, and collaborative environments, the program aims to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire the next generation of university researchers.
What to Expect on an Open Doors Lab Tour
Participants can expect a structured, informative, and engaging experience. Each session is guided by a TOSI trainee who knows what it’s like to be a student and to navigate the early stages of a scientific career. Tours typically include:
- A behind-the-scenes look at current projects across diverse fields represented at McGill.
- Live demonstrations of experimental techniques, data collection, and analysis methods.
- Discussions about research ethics, reproducibility, and the importance of open data.
- Opportunities to ask questions, meet researchers, and learn about graduate pathways.
While the specifics vary by session, attendees can expect an authentic, non-sales environment that emphasizes learning, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Why Open Doors Matters for Students
Open Doors aligns with McGill’s reputation for cutting-edge research and TOSI’s emphasis on open science. For students, the program is a chance to:
- See how hypotheses are formed, tested, and revised in real-time.
- Observe lab safety, protocol development, and the day-to-day workflow of researchers.
- Gain exposure to interdisciplinary approaches that merge biology, chemistry, computer science, and engineering.
- Learn about career paths in academia, industry, or policy that leverage scientific training.
Participation can also help students build early networks with peers and mentors, an asset as they prepare for applications, internships, or continued study.
Registration and Participation Details
Details for registration are published by the TOSI Trainee Council and McGill organizers. Prospective attendees should check the official Open Doors schedule for date-specific tours, eligibility requirements, and sign-up instructions. Because spaces are limited, early registration is recommended. Accessibility and accommodations are typically considered to ensure an inclusive learning experience for all interested students.
Participants are encouraged to come with questions, jot down insights, and bring a notebook. A short reflection or feedback piece after the tour is often welcomed to help organizers enhance future sessions and continue improving access to open science experiences.
Impact: Building a Culture of Open Science
Beyond the tour, the TOSI Trainee Council aims to foster a culture that values openness, collaboration, and transparency in research. Open science practices—such as sharing data, methods, and materials—are increasingly central to how science advances. By exposing students to these practices at McGill, Open Doors helps cultivate critical thinking, data literacy, and a nuanced understanding of how scientific knowledge progresses in a modern research ecosystem.
For McGill, the program strengthens community ties with learners who may become the university’s next generation of researchers, clinicians, engineers, or policymakers. For students, it offers a memorable, formative stepping stone toward meaningful scientific engagement with real-world implications.
How to Stay Engaged
Even if you can’t attend this round of Open Doors, there are several ways to stay connected with McGill’s research community and TOSI’s initiatives. Follow TOSI’s updates for future lab tours, virtual sessions, and open science talks. Engage with researchers on campus through public lectures, seminars, and student research groups. And consider pursuing introductory courses or hands-on programs that align with your interests in biology, data science, chemistry, or engineering.
Open Doors is more than a tour—it’s an invitation to participate in the everyday science that shapes our world. By stepping into McGill’s labs, students can witness the curiosity, rigor, and collaboration that drive discovery.
