Eno Hysi recognized with Polanyi Prize in Physics

lanthierj — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:21:59 +0000

Research & Innovation

lanthierj Tue, 01/18/2022 - 15:21

Faculty

St. George

Polanyi Prize in Physics

Council of Ontario Universities

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

St. Michael’s Hospital

Department of Medicine

portrait

Eno Hysi, a post-doctoral researcher with the division of nephrology in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s Hospital who is affiliated with the Temerty Faculty of Medicine's department of medicine, has won a 2021 Polanyi Prize in Physics for his work on the use of photoacoustic imaging to map scarring in kidneys.

The prestigious John Charles Polanyi prizes are awarded in honour of University Professor John Polanyi, who won the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Funded by the government of Ontario and administered by the Council of Ontario Universities, they recognize innovative researchers who are continuing postdoctoral work or have recently been appointed as faculty at an Ontario university.

Hysi, a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Banting and Kidney Research Scientist Core Education and National Training program (KRESCENT) fellow, uses photoacoustics to investigate light and sound interactions in kidney blood vessels and surrounding soft tissues – enabling better identification of kidneys not suitable for transplant due to excessive scarring.

“Donated kidneys save thousands of lives each year, but more can be done to optimize transplant processes and improve outcomes for patients,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “Eno Hysi’s research on the interplay of optical and acoustical signals in donated kidneys is helping to provide a clearer picture of kidney health for physicians, enabling them to reduce wait times and improve outcomes for patients with kidney failure – and the University of Toronto congratulates him on this important recognition of his work.”

Fumin Guo recognized with Polanyi Prize in Physiology and Medicine

lanthierj — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:19:28 +0000

Fumin Guo recognized with Polanyi Prize in Physiology and Medicine

Research & Innovation

lanthierj Tue, 01/18/2022 - 15:19

Faculty

St. George

Polanyi Prize in Physiology and Medicine

Council of Ontario Universities

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Department of Medical Biophysics

portrait

Fumin Guo, a post-doctoral researcher in the department of medical biophysics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, has been awarded a Polanyi Prize in Physiology and Medicine for research that is refining the treatment of ventricular tachycardia or unusually fast heartbeat, which can result in sudden death.

Guo, a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Banting fellow, is developing tools and algorithms to better visualize and quantify affected tissue in the heart and accurately deliver radiofrequency ablation without damaging surrounding nerves or tissue using real-time MRI guidance. Preclinical studies show the research has promise for improving the treatment and management of ventricular tachycardia.

“Each year, nearly 40,000 Canadians succumb to sudden cardiac death, the most common cause of which is ventricular tachycardia,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “Fumin Guo is addressing the urgent need to improve tools and therapy options for this condition – and the University of Toronto congratulates him on this important recognition of his work to improve the lives of those affected by heart conditions.”

Council of Ontario Universities

Eno Hysi recognized with Polanyi Prize in Physics

Read more about the John Charles Polanyi Prizes

Fumin Guo recognized with Polanyi Prize in Physiology and Medicine

Read more about the John Charles Polanyi Prizes