Awards & Achievements

Explore the latest news, stories, and groundbreaking research happening at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Stay updated on innovative projects, impactful discoveries, and the achievements of our talented students, faculty, and alumni shaping the future of biomedical science and engineering.

University of Toronto Professor Paul Santerre elected fellow of the National Academy of Inventors 

December 11, 2025

Professor Paul Santerre has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), the highest professional distinction awarded to academic inventors. This honour recognizes individuals whose patented innovations have made a significant and lasting impact on quality of life, economic development, and the advancement of society.

Ashley Miles Honoured with 2025 BME Unsung Hero Award 

December 1, 2025

The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is proud to announce that Ashley Miles, Project Coordinator, has been named the recipient of the 2025 BME Unsung Hero Award.

IBET Momentum Fellow Paige McFarlane aims to use microfluidics to design faster, more accurate medical tests

November 11, 2025

Paige McFarlane, a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, has been awarded the 2025 Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) Momentum Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship supports her direct entry into a PhD program, bypassing a master’s degree, and provides her with financial aid, mentorship, and research opportunities.

Professor Milica Radisic featured in CBC news

October 15, 2025

Professor Milica Radisic has recently been featured in CBC News for her pioneering work in bioengineering and personalized medicine. With a focus on organ on a chip, these lab-grown models using a patient’s own cells to simulate organ function and tumor response. These devices offer a promising alternative to traditional drug testing methods, potentially improving the accuracy of cancer treatment predictions and reducing reliance on animal testing.

Two BME Professors Awarded Canadian Foundation for Innovation Funding 

October 14, 2025

Professors Aereas Aung and Freeman Lan from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering have been awarded funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund in recognition of their innovative research in vaccine development and microbiome analysis.

Professor Tom Chau inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame 

October 9, 2025

Professor Tom Chau, a leading innovator in pediatric rehabilitation and assistive technology, has been inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in the Builder category at the 32nd Annual Induction Luncheon held in Toronto today.

Professor Milos Popovic honoured with Dejan B. Popovic award at IFESS conference

September 22, 2025

On September 17th, Professor Milos Popovic has been awarded the prestigious Dejan B. Popovic Award at the annual conference of the International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society (IFESS), held in Vienna. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of electrical stimulation technologies, with a particular emphasis on translating research into clinical practice and industry impact.

Five Mastercard Foundation Scholars Join University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering This Fall

September 12, 2025

Five Mastercard Foundation Scholars Join University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering This Fall The University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is proud to welcome five exceptional Mastercard […]

Dr. Noor Abu Jarad awarded a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

August 26, 2025

Dr. Noor Abu Jarad awarded a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Dr. Noor Abu Jarad has been awarded a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, one of Canada’s most prestigious postdoctoral awards. The Banting Postdoctoral […]

Professor Milica Radisic elected fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences

August 19, 2025

Professor Milica Radisic (BME, ChemE) has been elected a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS), one of Canada’s three national academies. The CAHS leverages the expertise of Canada’s leading health sciences researchers to evaluate our most urgent and complex health challenges and recommend solutions. To be named a CAHS Fellow is considered one of the highest distinctions for academics in the health sciences in Canada.

U of T Professor Alex Mihailidis appointed Knight of the Ordre des Palmes académiques

July 17, 2025

U of T Professor Alex Mihailidis appointed Knight of the Ordre des Palmes académiques Professor Alex Mihailidis has been named a Knight (Chevalier) of the Ordre des Palmes académiques by […]

24 BME students offered Ontario Graduate Scholarships

July 14, 2025

24 BME graduate students receive Ontario Graduate Scholarships The OGS is a merit-based scholarship that supports graduate students pursuing excellence in academic research across disciplines at publicly funded universities in […]

Four BME trainees recognized with NSERC awards for doctoral and postdoctoral research

July 11, 2025

Four BME trainees recognized with NSERC awards for doctoral and postdoctoral research Four students and postdoctoral fellows from the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have been awarded […]

Nine BME affiliated Professors awarded NSERC Discovery Grants

July 10, 2025

The Discovery Grant program supports researchers exploring new frontiers to address critical challenges, including environmental protection, food security, and sustainable construction in cold climates. It seeks to sustain a diverse and high-quality research ecosystem in the natural sciences and engineering at Canadian universities, foster excellence, and create an engaging environment for research training.

Professor Elaine Biddiss awarded Discovery Horizons Grant for interdisciplinary health technology research 

July 9, 2025

Professor Elaine Biddiss awarded Discovery Horizons Grant for interdisciplinary health technology research Dr. Elaine Biddiss, associate professor at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering and senior scientist at […]

Five BME faculty members receive promotions

July 1, 2025

Five BME faculty members receive promotions Five faculty members affiliated with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto were promoted, effective July 1, 2025 (From top […]

Dr. Tom Chau appointed Officer of the Order of Canada

June 30, 2025

Dr. Tom Chau, a distinguished senior scientist at the Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and professor at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada — one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

U of T Engineering researchers and startup boutIQ solutions partner to advance heart repair therapies

June 23, 2025

U of T Engineering researchers and startup boutIQ solutions partner to advance heart repair therapies Professors Craig Simmons and Julie Audet, in collaboration with boutIQ solutions Inc., a University of […]

Five BME faculty members awarded Stem Cell Network funding to advance regenerative medicine research

June 19, 2025

Five BME Faculty members Awarded Stem Cell Network Funding to Advance Regenerative Medicine Research Five researchers affiliated with the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have received funding […]

Six BME Master’s Students Awarded 2025 CIHR CGS-M Scholarships

June 18, 2025

Six BME Master’s Students Awarded 2025 CIHR CGS-M Scholarships Six MASc students from BME have been awarded the 2025 Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) from the Canadian Institutes […]

Congratulations to the graduation class of 2025!

June 17, 2025

Today, we had the pleasure of celebrating the convocation of more than 40 students from the Master of Applied Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy programs at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Congratulations to all our graduates on reaching this important milestone—keep moving forward with confidence and purpose!

Caitlin Maikawa wins 2024 John Charles Polanyi Prize

June 17, 2025

Assistant Professor Caitlin Maikawa of the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) has been awarded the 2024 John Charles Polanyi Prize in Chemistry, recognizing her innovative research into biomaterials that could transform the way chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are monitored and managed.

Professor Paul Santerre receives McMaster University honourary degree

June 2, 2025

From foundational work in evidence-based medicine to the cutting edge of AI in business, McMaster is recognizing nine extraordinary individuals for their accomplishments and contributions at this year’s spring convocation ceremonies.

BME Student receives Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program

June 2, 2025

The Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program offers U of T doctoral students an opportunity to explore the world of public scholarship.