The Faculty hosted an engaging Science Café, moderated by Senior Research Associate Kathryn Johnston, on November 19, 2025.
The discussion explored the multifaceted nature of talent in sport — encouraging participants to think critically about how it’s defined, measured and supported across sport systems, while fostering collaboration between academic and professional communities.
Panelists
- Joe Baker is a professor of sport science and the Tanenbaum Chair in Sport Science, Data Modelling and Sports Analytics at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. His research interests include human skill acquisition, sport performance, talent identification and development, and expertise and exercise performance.
- Luc Tremblay is a professor of sensorimotor control and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. His research interests include multisensory integration (vision, proprioception and audition), neuromotor control of voluntary action, use of sensory information as a function of practice, and neuromotor training and rehabilitation.
- Devin Pleuler is the Sr. Director of Research & Development at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment where he leads the Sport Performance Lab, a cross-sport innovation group that works on shared research interests across team operations.
- James Brough is Director of Performance Pathways at the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario where he leads a section of the organization designed to drive success in Ontario’s high-performance sport system through strategic investment in athletes and sport programs. Since relocating to Canada from Australia in 2005, James has held progressive positions within the Canadian sport system.
- Lou Farah is a Hockey Research & Development Analyst at the Toronto Maple Leafs. His work involves using data analytics to help guide decisions on all hockey operations matters, including amateur & professional scouting, as well as player development.