Faculty

Marie-Josée Fortin receives 2024 Massey Medal from Royal Canadian Geographical Society

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 17:39:54 +0000

Marie-Josée Fortin receives 2024 Massey Medal from Royal Canadian Geographical Society

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 11/28/2024 - 12:39

Faculty

St. George

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Faculty of Arts & Science

landscape

Marie-Josée Fortin (supplied image)

Marie-Josée Fortin, a University Professor in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology in the Faculty of Arts & Science, has been awarded the 2024 Massey Medal by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

The Massey Medal is presented annually in recognition of outstanding career achievement in the exploration, development or description of the geography of Canada.

Fortin, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Spatial Ecology, is recognized for her groundbreaking work in spatial ecology, a field that examines how the spatial distribution of organisms, populations and landscapes affects ecological dynamics. Her research has unified spatial analysis, ecological theory and statistical network frameworks to model species’ spatial interactions; it has also been used to propose novel ways to maintain species’ persistence in the face of climate change.

“I am tremendously honored that this prestigious Canadian award has recognized my expertise in spatial analysis and empirical research of Canadian ecosystems,” Fortin said.

"Marie-Josée Fortin has made essential contributions to knowledge and practice in the field of spatial ecology," said Antoinette Handley, acting dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. "Her pioneering insights launched the field of spatial analysis in ecology, and her discoveries have transformed how spatial ecological data are analyzed. I extend my warmest congratulations to Professor Fortin on her receipt of this year’s Massey Medal."

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��οrecognized by City of Toronto for sustainability practices

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 21:19:15 +0000

��οrecognized by City of Toronto for sustainability practices

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 11/26/2024 - 16:19

landscape

Catherine Thorn (L) and Scott Hendershot (photo by Zoe Kelsey)

The University of Toronto has received a congratulatory scroll from the City of Toronto in recognition of its leadership in sustainability.

��οwas awarded the scroll for its contributions as a founding member of the Green Will Initiative, which brings together large organizations that are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the City of Toronto’s net-zero strategy.

The scroll was presented by Toronto’s Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie at Hart House and accepted by Scott Hendershot, senior manager at U of T’s Sustainability Office, and Catherine Thorn, director, sustainability and energy management, on behalf of the university.

“��οis proud to take on a leadership role in advancing environmental sustainability in the region by undertaking initiatives that deliver dramatic and rapid emissions reductions,” said Ron Saporta, chief operating officer, property services and sustainability. “Today’s recognition affirms that we’re on the right track as we pursue our ambition of becoming climate-positive, and in doing so, support the City of Toronto’s aggressive climate action strategy.”

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the City of Toronto to further advance our shared aim of a more sustainable future.”

Learn more about sustainability at U of T

Learn more about the Green Will Initiative

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Lynette Ong receives SSHRC's 2024 Insight Award

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:18:30 +0000

Lynette Ong receives SSHRC's 2024 Insight Award

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 11/25/2024 - 14:18

Faculty

St. George

Department of Political Science

Faculty of Arts & Science

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

SSHRC

landscape

Lynette Ong (supplied image)

Lynette Ong, a professor in the Faculty of Arts & Science’s department of political science and the Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, has received the 2024 Insight Award from the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

One of SSHRC’s annual Impact Awards, the Insight Award recognizes scholars whose work has made a significant contribution to knowledge and understanding about people, societies and the world.

A renowned scholar of authoritarianism, contentious politics and development in China, Ong has conducted on-the-ground research in the country since the late 1990s. She says she’s pleasantly surprised at winning the Insight Award.

“I’d like to thank the people who have helped me along the way,” says Ong, a faculty fellow at the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology & Society and acting director of the Munk School’s Contemporary Asian Studies program. “As an inherently private person, I need to adjust to this public recognition. I just hope I can pay it forward and mentor other young researchers.”

“Lynette’s courageous research has taken her to areas that many would hesitate to explore,” says Antoinette Handley, acting dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science and professor of political science. “Her scholarship has provided valuable perspectives and ongoing insights into the workings of political repression in China. It is my pleasure to congratulate her on this significant recognition from SSHRC.”

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Art Slutsky and Steven Narod inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:31:34 +0000

Art Slutsky and Steven Narod inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 11/19/2024 - 10:31

Faculty

St. George

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

landscape

Art Slutsky (L) and Steven Narod (supplied images)

University of Toronto medical researchers Art Slutsky and Steven Narod have been inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

The honour is reserved for Canadians whose outstanding leadership and contributions have led to extraordinary improvements in human health, and whose accomplishments have made them role models for young Canadians inspired to pursue careers in medicine and the health sciences.

Slutsky, a scientist and Keenan Chair in Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital and professor in the Institute of Medical Science in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was recognized for being a changemaker in critical care and respiratory medicine.

Narod, a senior scientist at Women’s College Hospital and a professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the department of medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was inducted for his contributions to cancer genetics.

Read about the 2025 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame inductees

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42 ��οresearchers receive new or renewed Canada Research Chairs

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:37:11 +0000

42 ��οresearchers receive new or renewed Canada Research Chairs

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 11/15/2024 - 11:37

Faculty

Mississauga

St. George

Canada Research Chairs

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Faculty of Arts & Science

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing

OISE

Rotman School of Management

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

��οMississauga

��οScarborough

landscape

Forty-two faculty members from the University of Toronto have been awarded Canada Research Chairs in support of their research.

Awarded by the Government of Canada, Canada Research Chair positions are designed to reinforce academic research and training excellence with a view to improving depth of knowledge and quality of life, strengthening Canada’s international competitiveness and helping to train the next generation of highly skilled people.

“I’m delighted to congratulate all the University of Toronto faculty members who have been appointed Canada Research Chairs or had their positions renewed in the Fall 2024 cohort,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “From molecular psychiatry and causal machine learning to mental health and homelessness in Indigenous women and two-spirit people, these ��οscholars are advancing knowledge in important areas and generating solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

The latest cycle of Canada Research Chair appointees from ��οincludes 20 new and 22 renewed positions:

New Canada Research Chairs

Husam Abdel-Qadir at Women’s College Hospital and the department of medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 2 in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Outcomes
Claudia dos Santos at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto and the department of medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 1 in Accelerated Translation for Critical Care
Mikaela Gabriel at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Tier 2 in Indigenous Women & 2-Spirit Mental Health and Homelessness
Christina Guzzo in the department of biological sciences at ��οScarborough – Tier 2 in Single Virus Particle Analyses
Clement Hamani at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the department of surgery in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 1 in Translational Research
Kristin Hope at University Health Network and the department of medical biophysics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 1 in Leukemic Stem Cell Biology
Stephen Hwang at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto and the department of medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 1 in Homelessness, Housing and Health
Angela Jerath at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the department of anesthesiology and pain medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 2 in Acute Care Health Technology and Practice Innovations
Jude Kong in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Tier 2 in Community-Oriented Artificial Intelligence & Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases
Deepa Kundur in the Edward S. Rogers Sr. department of electrical and computer engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 1 in Cybersecurity of Intelligent Critical Infrastructure
Azadeh Kushki at Bloorview Research Institute and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 2 in Neurodiversity and Personalized Health
Enid Montague in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 2 in Human-Centered Automation
Kathryn Rozen-Gagnon in the department of molecular genetics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 2 in Arbovirus Infection and RNA Biology
Ahilya Sawh in the department of biochemistry in the Faculty of Medicine – Tier 2 in 4D Genomics
Helen Tran in the department of chemistry in the Faculty of Arts & Science – Tier 2 in Polymer Chemistry
Andrea Tricco at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Tier 1 in Knowledge Synthesis for Knowledge Users
Linbo Wang in the department of computer and mathematical sciences at ��οScarborough – Tier 2 in Causal Machine Learning
Amy Yu at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Tier 2 in Data-driven design of stroke systems
Nur Camellia Binte Zakaria in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Tier 2 in Mobile Health Solutions
Yu Zou in the department of materials science and engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 2 in Materials and Manufacturing for Extreme Environments

Renewed Canada Research Chairs

Jeffrey Ansloos in the department of applied psychology and human development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) – Tier 2 in Indigenous Studies of Health, Suicide, and Environmental Justice
Martin Beaulieu in the department of pharmacology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 1 in Molecular Psychiatry
Jennifer Campos at University Health Network and the department of psychology in the Faculty of Arts & Science – Tier 2 in Multisensory Integration and Aging
Arthur Chan in the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 2 in Atmospheric Chemistry and Health
Warren Chan at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 1 in Nanobioengineering
Leah Cowen in the department of molecular genetics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 1 in Microbial Genomics and Infectious Disease
Maria Drout in the department of astronomy and astrophysics in the Faculty of Arts & Science – Tier 2 in Time-Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics
Natalie Enright Jerger in the Edward S. Rogers Sr. department of electrical and computer engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 2 in Computer Architecture
Michael Garton at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 2 in Synthetic Biology
Maria Hupfield in the department of visual studies at ��οMississauga – Tier 2 in Transdisciplinary Indigenous Arts
Noah Ivers at Women’s College Hospital and the department of family and community medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 2 in Implementation of Evidence Based Practice
Jonathan Kelly at the ��οInstitute of Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 2 in Collaborative Robotics
Vincent Kuuire in the department of geography at ��οMississauga – Tier 2 in Immigrant Well-being and Global Health
Hyun (Kate) Lee in the department of biochemistry in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 2 in Biomolecular Phase Transitions
Heather McFarlane in the department of cell and systems biology in the Faculty of Arts & Science – Tier 2 in Plant Cell Biology
Sharmistha Mishra at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto and the department of medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine - Tier 2 in Mathematical Modeling and Program Science
Dilip Soman at the Rotman School of Management – Tier 1 in Behavioural Science and Economics
Yu Sun in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 1 in Micro and Nano Engineering Systems
Michael Thaut in the Faculty of Music – Tier 1 in Music, Neuroscience, and Health
Neil Vasdev at the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) and the department of psychiatry in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Tier 1 in Radiochemistry and Medical Imaging
Kimberley Widger in the Faculty of Nursing – Tier 2 in Pediatric Palliative Care
Ding Yuan in the Edward S. Rogers Sr. department of electrical and computer engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Tier 2 in Systems Software

Read the Government of Canada announcement

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Milica Radisic receives NSERC's John C. Polanyi Award

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:52:42 +0000

Milica Radisic receives NSERC's John C. Polanyi Award

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 11/14/2024 - 12:52

Faculty

St. George

Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

John C. Polanyi Award

NSERC

landscape

Milica Radisic (photo by Sylvie Li / Shoot Studio)

Milica Radisic, a professor in the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, has received the 2024 John C. Polanyi Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

The award is given to an individual or team whose research has led to a recent outstanding advance in any NSERC-supported field of the natural sciences or engineering. It is named in honour of John Charles Polanyi, University Professor Emeritus in the department of chemistry and recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize.

Radisic was recognized for her groundbreaking advancements in organ-on-a-chip technology. Her research aims to revolutionize drug testing and tissue engineering by creating lifelike human tissues outside the body.

“This award will advance our goal of understanding the structure-function relationships that shape our native tissues, and continue developing ways to replicate them in the lab,” says Radisic, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Organ-on-a-Chip Engineering. “Polymer chemistry and microfabrication enable us to precisely tailor the mechanical properties and microstructure of our devices to get the cells to grow in a certain orientation or behave in certain ways. That’s what enables our devices to catalyze drug discovery and the study of complex diseases.”

“Through rich collaborations with experts in medicine, polymer science, cell biology and many other fields, Professor Radisic’s work is advancing new ways to diagnose and treat disease, improving the quality of life for people all over the world,” says Christopher Yip, dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

“On behalf of the entire faculty, I warmly congratulate her on this well-deserved honour.”

Read the ��οEngineering story

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Alison McGuigan recognized with NSERC’s Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:19:00 +0000

Alison McGuigan recognized with NSERC’s Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 11/14/2024 - 12:19

Faculty

St. George

Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Institute of Biomedical Engineering

landscape

Alison McGuigan (photo by Sylvie Li / Shoot Studio)

Alison McGuigan, the Erin Edward Hart Professor of Chemical Engineering in the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry and Institute of Biomedical Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, has earned an Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

The Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships recognize early-stage academic researchers in the natural sciences and engineering to enhance their research capacity so they can become leaders in their field. NSERC awards up to six fellowships each year to researchers from across Canada.

The award will enable McGuigan and her research group to scale up their work on disease modelling and tissue engineering, which includes creating in-vitro “tissue-in-a-dish” models that can mimic how diseases progress and respond to potential treatments.

“I am a big proponent of team science and I am privileged to be part of an interdisciplinary team trying to solve these hard problems in regenerative medicine – a field that is constantly changing,” says McGuigan, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Tissue Engineering and Disease Modelling. “I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities the fellowship will provide, especially being able to have this time to focus and plan how to take my research to the next level, where it can contribute to saving lives.”

“Professor McGuigan’s innovative disease modelling and tissue engineering research is a remarkable example of our faculty’s commitment to finding new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent illness,” says Christopher Yip, dean of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. “On behalf of the entire faculty, congratulations on this national recognition and well-deserved honour.” 

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Peter Solomon and Jim Phillips honoured by American Society for Legal History

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:42:11 +0000

Peter Solomon and Jim Phillips honoured by American Society for Legal History

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 11/13/2024 - 12:42

Faculty

St. George

Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies

Department of Political Science

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Law

landscape

Peter Solomon (left) and Jim Phillips (Phillips by Dewey Chang)

Peter Solomon, a professor emeritus in the Faculty of Arts & Science's department of political science, Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies (CrimSL) and the Centre for European and Eurasian Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and Jim Phillips, a professor in the Faculty of Law who is cross-appointed to CrimSL, have been elected honorary fellows of the American Society for Legal History.

The highest recognition conferred by the society, honorary fellowships are given to distinguished historians whose scholarship has shaped the discipline of legal history.

Solomon was honoured for his work as the foremost authority on Russian law. His books and articles – considered classic references for scholars working on Soviet legal history – are credited with challenging conventional assumptions about Russian law and transforming interpretations, approaches and sources.

Phillips was recognized for his contributions to Canadian legal history as a teacher, scholar and editor-in-chief of the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History. A leading figure in the field of Canadian legal history, Phillips has made the history of law a dynamic tool for interrogating Canada’s past, present and national identity.

Read the CrimSL announcement on Peter Solomon

Read the Faculty of Law story about Jim Phillips

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Sylvia Bashevkin receives Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:27:29 +0000

Sylvia Bashevkin receives Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:27

Faculty

St. George

Department of Political Science

Faculty of Arts & Science

University College

landscape

Sylvia Bashevkin (supplied image)

Sylvia Bashevkin, professor emeritus in the department of political science in the Faculty of Arts & Science and former principal of University College, is one of six recipients of the 2024 Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case.

The annual awards are given on Oct. 18, marking the day in 1929 when Canada’s highest court of appeal declared that the legal definition of the word "person" included both women and men. The awards are given to individuals who inspire the next generation to continue the tradition of courage, integrity and hard work exemplified by the “Famous Five” – the five women activists whose legal challenge led to the landmark ruling.

Bashevkin was recognized for her research on the political marginalization of women and her findings on how female candidates were often placed in unwinnable legislative seats.

“These six women are an exemplary representation of the legacy of the Famous Five, evident through their dedication, passion, and commitment to making our country a better place to learn and to thrive,” said Marci Ien, Canada’s minister for women and gender equality and youth. “Their stories are reminders that when women succeed and offer inspiration to others, everyone across Canada benefits.”

Read the Government of Canada announcement

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Florian Dendorfer recognized by University of St. Gallen

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 14:36:00 +0000

Florian Dendorfer recognized by University of St. Gallen

Academic Achievement

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 10/24/2024 - 10:36

Faculty

St. George

Department of Economics

Faculty of Arts & Science

landscape

Florian Dendorfer (photo by Adriano Macedo)

Florian Dendorfer, an assistant professor, teaching stream in the department of economics in the Faculty of Arts & Science, has won the Best PhD Thesis in Economics Prize from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.

Dendorfer's thesis featured theoretical and empirical work in industrial organization, exploring topics that included how quickly Airbnb guests learn about the qualities of new listings through reviews.

“Pursuing a PhD is a struggle: you start out small and grapple with doubts about whether your work is worthwhile," said Dendorfer, who currently teaches ECO204 (Microeconomic Theory and Applications) and ECO380 (Markets, Competition and Strategy) at U of T. "Many attempts amount to nothing, and a lot of ideas end up in the trash. It’s incredibly rewarding to see all that work come to fruition and to have my thesis recognized by my alma mater with this prize."

“It’s always exciting when junior faculty members distinguish themselves and their research early on in their careers,” said Professor Ettore Damiano, chair of the department of economics. “All of us appreciate confirmation that we attract the world’s best and brightest to the University of Toronto and are very proud to have Florian here at the department.”

Read the department of economics announcement

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Faculty

Marie-Josée Fortin receives 2024 Massey Medal from Royal Canadian Geographical Society

��������οrecognized by City of Toronto for sustainability practices

Lynette Ong receives SSHRC's 2024 Insight Award

Art Slutsky and Steven Narod inducted into Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

42 ��������οresearchers receive new or renewed Canada Research Chairs

New Canada Research Chairs

Renewed Canada Research Chairs

Milica Radisic receives NSERC's John C. Polanyi Award

Alison McGuigan recognized with NSERC’s Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship

Peter Solomon and Jim Phillips honoured by American Society for Legal History

Sylvia Bashevkin receives Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case

Florian Dendorfer recognized by University of St. Gallen

��οrecognized by City of Toronto for sustainability practices

42 ��οresearchers receive new or renewed Canada Research Chairs