Between January and February 2026, I had the opportunity to undertake a research visit to the University of Toronto (UofT), Canada. Upon my arrival, the university was temporarily closed due to a severe snowstorm. Once the campus reopened, I visited the Rotman School of Management. I am grateful to the school staff for their warm and cordial welcome. The receptionist provided detailed information regarding relevant contact points that might be helpful during my visit.
Later, I met Becky Gu, a Graduate Program Assistant in the admissions office. She kindly helped me identify information about upcoming seminars at the school. Following our meeting, she also sent me an email containing comprehensive details about important and relevant seminars, including events beyond the school. I was granted access to various school facilities and was able to explore different academic areas. During this time, I interacted with postgraduate taught students and engaged in a knowledge-sharing session with them. I also met several postgraduate research students and had the opportunity to discuss their research projects alongside my own.
After my visit to Rotman, I travelled to the Mississauga campus, where I met my host supervisor, Prof Soo Min Toh. As her primary office is based there, I spent most of my time on the Mississauga campus. Prof Soo Min introduced me to the campus facilities and kindly hosted a lunch during which we discussed my research informally. Later, in her office, she provided constructive feedback on my project and suggested several promising directions for future research. She also offered valuable insights into the academic job market, shared relevant opportunities, and assured me of her support throughout the process.
To facilitate my research, she arranged a hot desk for me and ensured access to the necessary computer facilities. I am grateful to Prof Soo Min for making time to meet with me in person despite her busy schedule. Throughout my visit, she remained highly responsive via email and provided prompt guidance whenever needed. She also introduced me to several faculty members working in sustainable finance and accounting, including Dr Jan Mahrt-Smith, Dr Tanya Kirsch, and Dr Nora Pankratz. I had the opportunity to discuss my research with them and receive valuable feedback. They also provided guidance on the academic job market and helped me connect with their network for future research collaborations. I sincerely thank them for their time, effort, and mentorship.
In addition to these important academic engagements, my visit was particularly productive as I organised a workshop in mid-February as part of an internationally funded research project. This project involved collaboration with Prof Soo Min and my Edinburgh supervisor, Dr Mustapha Douch. I am grateful to them, along with Prof Frauke Zeller, Prof Ishbel McWha-Hermann, Prof Susan Shenkin, and Dr Yumeng Yue, for the opportunity to learn directly from their expertise. Especially, Prof Soo Min provided hands-on guidance in organising the workshop during my visit. The event also enabled me to connect with Prof France Gagnon (Vice President, Research and Innovation, UofT Mississauga), Dr Sean O’Brady (DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University), and Dr Ann Armstrong (Director, ICUBE Institute for Management and Innovation, UofT Mississauga).
Beyond research, I had the pleasure of sharing dinner with Prof Soo Min and her husband. They generously shared their personal life experiences and recommended several places to visit in Toronto. Following their suggestions, I explored a few iconic and picturesque locations, including Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, and Nathan Phillips Square.
Overall, this research visit significantly enhanced my academic development and strengthened institutional ties between the University of Edinburgh Business School and the Rotman School of Management. My time at the University of Toronto refined my research agenda, expanded my professional network, and broadened my academic perspective. I hope this experience encourages others to pursue similar research visits.