Fellows turn creativity into connection with sticker designs that reflect CanNRT’s commitment to inclusive learning, neuroaffirming research, and a strong national community.
This year’s CanNRT Annual Summer School includes a new creative tradition: our first-ever Sticker Design Competition, where Fellows were invited to visually express what the Fellowship means to them. The winning design, selected by peer vote, and a second featured submission will both be unveiled at the Welcome Reception during Summer School Week.
We are proud to announce Cassiea Sim as the winner of this year’s competition. Her design features chalk-style visuals on a blackboard background—an intentional nod to the learning and teaching culture at the heart of CanNRT.
“When I designed the sticker, I wanted it to represent the pedagogical aspect of CanNRT as well as the shift towards broader neurodevelopmental research,” Cassiea shared.
“The neurons represent the neurodevelopmental axis of our research, but hidden in the connections is an infinity symbol—drawn from the autistic community—to emphasize the neuroaffirming and co-design-oriented aspects of CanNRT.”
Cassiea’s design speaks to the inclusive and evolving nature of the platform—where learning, discovery, and neurodiversity go hand-in-hand.
Also featured is a thoughtful submission from Dorine Van Dyck, who took inspiration from the network-building nature of the Fellowship.
“The program genuinely aims to create connections between young and more experienced researchers,” said Dorine.
“These researchers, connected by the CanNRT Fellowship Program, are all passionate about a common theme and share the goal of advancing knowledge on neurodevelopment. The image of the brain and its network of connections felt like the ideal metaphor.”
Her design, filled with visual nods to research areas such as neuroimaging, gender diversity, and epigenetics, highlights the richness and range of inquiry across the CanNRT community.
Both stickers will be available as keepsakes for invited guests attending the Summer School and at upcoming events. They’re more than just designs—they’re visual stories about the values, collaborations, and shared purpose of a national training platform.
At CanNRT, creativity is more than expression—it’s part of how we connect, learn, and grow together.
