Theme: MOSAICAL

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Chancellor Day Hall (Moot Court)
3644 Peel Street Montreal
Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1W9
Canada

Brian Robinson

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Dr. Brian Robinson is an associate professor in the Department of Geography at McGill University and a member of the Bieler School of Environment. His research examines how people in developing regions use ecosystems and natural resources to support their livelihoods, as well as the institutions that govern these relationships. Using methods from environmental and development economics, ecology, and geographic information sciences, Dr. Robinson's work aims to inform sustainable policy. His current projects include ResNet: Sustainable & Resilient Ecosystems for Canada and studies on the co-benefits of natural climate solutions.

Charles Onu

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Charles Onu is a software engineer, AI scientist, and medtech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Ubenwa Health, a venture-backed company pioneering technologies to facilitate timely pediatric care. During his PhD in machine learning at McGill University, he was honored with the prestigious Vanier fellowship, Canada’s highest award for doctoral candidates. With a background in electrical engineering and computer science, Charles is dedicated to leveraging technology to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges. His groundbreaking work in detecting medical conditions from infant cries has earned him recognition as a Harvard Rising Star and an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

Christopher Buddle

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Christopher Buddle is a Professor of Entomology in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at McGill University, where he has worked for over twenty years. Prof. Buddle’s research and teaching is focused on the biodiversity and community ecology of insects and spiders, in a variety of habitats, from forests and farm fields to tree canopies and the high Arctic. He has published close to 100 peer-reviewed papers in his area of study. Professor Buddle is an award-winning teacher and is deeply committed to excellence in teaching and learning, whether through leadership on curriculum changes, or researching ways to engage students in learning. He is passionate about science communication, outreach, and education and uses his skills as a writer, poet, and watercolour artist to share knowledge about nature.

Ehson Kazerooni

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Ehsan Kazerooni is an Iranian architect and graphic designer, born in 1996 in Australia. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Iran and a Master’s in Construction Engineering and Management from Canada. In 2018, Ehsan received the prestigious Tamayouz International Award for his project "A School in the Marshlands of Iraq," and the following year, he was a finalist for the 2A Continental Architectural Award in Madrid. In addition to his design work, Ehsan has taught architectural visualization courses at various universities and cultural institutions. His collection "Archeature" was featured in DesignBoom magazine, earning recognition as one of the top 10 projects of 2022. Most recently, in 2024, he showcased his project "Mask" at Patternitecture#4, exhibiting alongside prominent architects and artists in Iran.

Henry Mintzberg

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Henry Mintzberg is a writer and educator, mostly about managing originations, developing managers, and rebalancing societies (his current focus). After receiving his doctorate from the MIT Sloan School of Management, he has made his professional home in the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University in Montreal, where he sits in the Cleghorn Chair of Management Studies. He has authored 21 books which have earned him 21 honorary degrees, and an offficership in the Order of Canada and l’Ordre national du Québec. He publishes a regular blog, a collection of which was published as Bedtime Stories for Managers.

Sami Ramirez

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Sami Ramirez, MSc, PCC, is an executive coach specializing in holistic leadership development. With over 13 years in the tech industry and an MSc in Marketing, Sami has dedicated her coaching career to transforming corporate environments. Her upcoming book draws on her extensive experience coaching top performers, guiding them to rediscover balance, purpose, and fulfillment. Sami’s passion lies in enhancing emotional intelligence, intentional execution, and strong confidence grounded in self-awareness, empowering leaders to lead with compassion and clarity. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Sami also holds a diploma in Organizational Development from HEC Montreal.

Shaun Lovejoy

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Shaun Lovejoy has been a Professor of Physics at McGill University since 1985. A pioneer in nonlinear geophysics, Lovejoy has advanced scaling laws and fractal geometry to model natural phenomena across vast spatial and temporal scales. He has applied fractal ideas to planetary topography, geogravity, volcanic activity, earthquakes, biogeosystems and macro evolution. Lovejoy introduced the weather-macroweather-climate trichotomy framework, developing macroweather models for improved monthly and seasonal weather forecasting and for narrowing the uncertainties in climate projections to 2100. Widely recognized, he co-founded the Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics division at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) and served as the founding co-editor of Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics. Lovejoy served as president of both the EGU’s Nonlinear Processes division and the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Nonlinear Geophysics section. He is a fellow of the AGU and an EGU Richardson Medalist.

Sylvain Allard

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Sylvain Allard is a professor of design at UQAM with over 30 years of experience in graphic design. A graduate of Concordia University, he has worked with notable organizations such as Hydro-Québec, Téléfilm Canada, and Radio-Canada. Since joining UQAM in 2003, he has specialized in packaging design, with a focus on environmental impact. Sylvain also leads workshops internationally and has published extensively on eco-design. His latest project, the documentary Tout déballer, explores sustainable packaging and was launched in October 2022. He currently directs the Graphic and Visual Experience Design program at UQAM.

Valérie Desroches

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Valérie Desroches est une para-athlète en karaté et en athlétisme. Autiste et atteinte de déficience physique, elle a mené un parcours parsemé d’obstacles et d’exclusion dont elle souhaite partager l’histoire afin de sensibiliser les gens. Valérie est également orthopédagogue et co-autrice du livre ‘’un combat pour l’inclusion’’.