Advancing Inclusion and Equity in Research| Project Chrysalis

As a core component of Project Chrysalis, participants engage in real-world change initiatives that address challenges within their organizations that impact health systems. Through these initiatives participants identify real-world problems, learn and apply equity-driving change leadership, and move toward enacting the change in real time.

The initiatives may begin in realities of everyday work; for example, a form or protocol. However, their impacts are designed to move beyond individual and everyday change toward institutional impact that can reverberate widely. Participants engage with colleagues, leaders, subject-matter experts, and other interest-holders throughout the process, building shared understanding and creating solutions that are responsive to the context in which they will be implemented.

Project Chrysalis facilitates participants’ collaboration and leadership by bridging connection with individuals in positions of direct influence, authority, operational responsibility, and proximity to the system being changed. This connectivity allows participants to explore the institutional factors contributing to a challenge, identify opportunities for meaningful change, and implement feasible strategies to improve how work is experienced, delivered, or organized.

Projects may involve developing or testing a new approach, improving an existing process, strengthening collaboration, addressing access, or creating resources that support equity and sustainable change. Read more about past and current Chrysalis project below.

Cardiac rehabilitation at UHN serves a highly diverse patient population; however, participation in research does not reflect this diversity. Patients who are newcomers, immigrants, racialized, or have limited English proficiency may face barriers to being approached for and participating in research.

Research recruitment often relies on clinical staff as the first point of contact, yet staff may have limited formal training in culturally responsive and equity-focused recruitment. Language barriers, English-only materials, assumptions about willingness to participate, and limited awareness of available supports can unintentionally exclude patients from research opportunities.

In collaboration with UHN IDEA leaders, the International Centre for Education, and cardiac rehab team members, we adapted the ICE Cultural Humility Workshop to incorporate real-world research recruitment scenarios, consent discussions, family involvement, trust-building, and strategies to minimize power differentials. Two interactive workshops were delivered to cardiac rehabilitation clinical and research staff.

Evaluate the impact and feasibility of the training, refine the curriculum based on staff and patient-partner feedback, and develop a scalable educational approach that can support more equitable recruitment practices across UHN.

For more information, please contact Gabriela Ghisi, Associate Scientist, Cardiac Rehab, at gabriela.meloghisi@uhn.ca, or fill out the form below.

The next phase will evaluate the early impact of Project Chrysalis, including changes in staff knowledge and confidence, recruitment practices, patient feedback, and workflow feasibility.

As a Master of Social Work Student in a research practicum at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, I was extremely grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the initial Project Chrysalis cohort. From the deeply inspiring discussions to leading a change initiative, Project Chrysalis was foundational to my experience and growth as a macro practitioner. The passion and support of the facilitators and staff involved in this project illustrate a deep commitment to making progressive changes towards equity in the research field. I’m excited to watch what happens at UHN because of Chrysalis and would highly recommend participating to any student, staff or volunteer looking to make a positive impact at an organizational level.

Rachel Hoechke PM (cohort 1)

Project Chrysalis had a meaningful impact on how I think about and approach research. It challenged me to move beyond viewing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility as individual research components and instead see them as principles that should shape every stage of the research process – from identifying priorities and building partnerships to designing studies, implementing interventions, and disseminating findings. The program also reinforced the value of authentic co-design with patients, communities, and interdisciplinary partners. I left with practical strategies that I have already integrated into my research and teaching, and with greater confidence to advocate for more inclusive and equitable research practices within my own projects and collaborations. One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the community it created. Learning alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, openly discussing challenges, and sharing experiences made the learning much more meaningful. I also appreciate that the support extends beyond the course itself, with ongoing opportunities to reconnect, seek guidance, and continue advancing our projects. That sense of community and sustained mentorship has made Project Chrysalis feel like the beginning of a long-term journey rather than a one-time learning experience.

Gabriela Melo Ghisi (Cohort 2)

Project Chrysalis was a transformational experience that deepened my understanding of equity-driven research and strengthened my co-design skills. The thoughtful curriculum, paired with critical reflection and open dialogue, fostered a powerful and psychologically safe learning environment. It inspired me to continue learning, unlearning, and growing my ability to design and apply equity-driven research. Equally valuable was the opportunity to join a diverse community of leaders committed to advancing more inclusive, accessible, and equitable research. The connections I made have already led to meaningful collaborations across UHN and expanded opportunities to contribute to this important work. Project Chrysalis made me feel part of a community working toward shared goals, and I look forward to seeing its impact continue to grow.

Rebecca Charow Cohort 2

Project Chrysalis is the change incubator I’ve been waiting for. From the engaged and expert course instructors to the carefully tailored learning materials, this program provides the perfect scaffold to clarify not only what needs to be done, but how to do the work. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Christopher Deutschman (Cohort 1)

Change Initiatives: Turning Learning into Institutional Change

Increasing equity in cardiac rehab research: enhancing recruitment of culturally diverse participants

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