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The Bulletin Brief is a news digest about the University of Toronto, compiled for staff and faculty.
Adventurousness, speeding, drinking and smoking are some behaviours that were found to be associated with 124 genetic variants.
Good morning.
 
Is risky behaviour in your genes? Not completely, but genes do have an effect, according to a group of international scientists, including a U of T researcher.
 
But first:

The University of Toronto is committed to maintaining its standing among the world’s top academic and research institutions – and ensuring access for all qualified students – despite the Ontario government’s cuts to post-secondary education funding.

“We need to review our budgets to assess the full impact of these changes,” said President Meric Gertler. “But we remain committed to fulfilling our academic mission, and to supporting excellence in research and innovation. We will do all we can to limit the impact of these changes on the U of T community.”
Nature or nurture?
Ontario's full-day kindergarten program appears to be paying off, according to an OISE researcher. Photo by Horst Herget Photography
• An OISE researcher found that full-day kindergarten has lasting benefits to a child’s behaviour and learning. Until the end of Grade 2, children in full-day kindergarten scored higher in reading, writing, number knowledge and self-regulation than those in half-day kindergarten.
 
• In one of the largest genetic studies to date, 124 genetic variants were discovered to be associated with risk tolerance. The researchers, which included a U of T economist and geneticist, say that no one variant makes a meaningful change in a person's penchant for risky behaviour, but their combined impact can be significant.

The 411 for staff and faculty
New details of the proposed jointly sponsored pension plan for the University of Toronto, University of Guelph and Queen's University are now online.
• Wondering about the latest news on the proposed University Pension Plan Ontario? An online update has answers to frequently asked questions, a recording of a recent town hall and more.

• Acquire new skills or sharpen ones you already have with online courses from Lynda.com. Free for staff and faculty.

Don’t miss it!
Mindfest is a day-long event for U of T community members and the general public. This year's symposium will be on Jan. 24. Photo courtesy of Mindfest
• The department of psychiatry is holding its annual Mindfest symposium. The event features speakers and workshops that focus on mental health and wellness.
 
• Meet Carrianne Leung, U of T Scarborough’s new writer-in-residence. She will read from a personal essay and lead a workshop on crafting settings.
 
• Set a new personal best at Hart House’s annual indoor triathlon, open to all experience levels. Registration closes Jan. 25.
 
See more events in January

Puppy love
Murphy the chocolate goldendoodle showed off the spot where his “paw-rents” first met. Murphy’s recently engaged owners, Nicole and Mack, met in 2012 while studying psychology at U of T Mississauga.
 
-@murphynoodles via Instagram
Visit the research honours and awards and research funding opportunities websites for upcoming awards and grant opportunities.

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