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.
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BME graduate student receives Adel S. Sedra Distinguished Graduate Award
Mohammadamir (Amir) G. Moghaddam has been named as the recipient of the 2025-26 Adel S. Sedra Distinguished Graduate Award, recognizing his outstanding academic achievements and leadership. This prestigious award, established in honour of former U of T Vice-President and Provost Professor Adel S. Sedra, is given annually to a doctoral student who exemplifies excellence in research and extracurricular leadership.
Elizabeth Chiu and Andrea Hung receives BME Unsung Hero Award
Starting in 2024, the BME Unsung Hero Award celebrates the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME). This award recognizes the invaluable contributions of administrative staff, research technicians, assistants, and other key team members who ensure the success of our labs, programs, and community.
Professor Daniel Franklin Receives 2024 Innovation Fund Award
With a mission to support novel approaches to managing and preventing heart failure, the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research uses its Innovation Fund to propel emerging research with great potential. The 2024-25 Innovation Fund Seed Grants are currently open and you can learn more here.
Professor Milos R. Popovic Named Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada
Professor Milos R. Popovic has been named a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC). He is one of 23 distinguished engineers selected this year for their outstanding contributions to the engineering profession and their service to society.
Three U of T biomedical engineers awarded Canada Research Chairs for innovations in synthetic biology, neurodiversity health, and nanobioengineering
Three faculty members at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have been awarded Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Tissue engineering research earns Professor Alison McGuigan an Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship
Professor Alison McGuigan (ChemE, BME) has earned an Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Professor Milica Radisic earns NSERC’s John C. Polanyi Award
Professor Milica Radisic (BME, ChemE) has received this year’s John C. Polanyi Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Professor Leo Chou awarded $130,000 to advance cancer vaccine research
Professor Leo Chou has been awarded $130,000 in funding from The Cancer Research Society (CRS) to propel forward an ambitious project aiming to boost the effectiveness of cancer vaccines. This award places him among 100 distinguished Canadian recipients this year, each selected to push boundaries in cancer research with innovative solutions.
Six BME graduate students receives 2024 NSERC Graduate Scholarships
Six graduate students from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto have been awarded a combined funding of over $462,000 over three years through the Natural Science and Engineering Research Councils of Canada (NSERC).
This U of T Engineering professor is developing novel biomaterials to improve the treatment of chronic diseases
Maikawa is one of two U of T Engineering professors to receive funding from the latest round of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund (CFI-JELF).
BME welcomes the 2024 MasterCard Scholar cohort
Jennifer Akaade and Theophilus Ofori are two MasterCard Scholars who joined the Master of Engineering program at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering in September 2024. As a part of the MasterCard Foundation initiative, this Scholarship aims to further education, leadership, and skill development for young people from Africa, while working to address systemic barriers in higher education.
BME Director elected as fellow of Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Dr. Milos Popovic was elected as one of the 49 fellows to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). CAHS brings together Canada’s top-ranked health and biomedical scientists and scholars to make a positive impact on the urgent health concerns of Canadians.
BME welcomes Lucy Zuo as Operations Assistant & Events Coordinator
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) welcomes Lucy Zuo (they/them) as the Operations Assistant & Events Coordinator, starting on September 9th, 2025. In this role, Lucy will serve as the first point of contact for general inquiries, supporting the administration team, including the Director, Manager of Operations, and Project Manager.
BME alumnus Dr. Jeffrey Karp honoured with Distinguished Alumni Award
This top accolade is bestowed upon U of T Engineering graduates whose exceptional leadership and professional achievements have significantly benefited society, often on a global scale.
BME alumnus Dr. Amir Manbachi honoured with Research & Innovation Award
This prestigious accolade recognizes U of T engineering graduates who have developed, implemented, or discovered an innovative research program, process, or product that has made a significant impact on the profession, community, or society.
Three BME faculty members awarded Connaught New Researcher Fund
Professors Aereas Aung, Daniel Franklin, and Caitlin Maikawa were awarded the Connaught New Researcher Awards, which support early-career faculty members in establishing their research programs. They are among 8 researchers from the U of T Engineering who received support in the latest round.
2024 Dorrington Award recognizes graduate students innovating myopathy research, mapping the liver and advancing personalized medicine
Heta Lad, a PhD candidate conducting research under the supervision of Professor Penney Gilbert, is one of the recipients of the award.
Five BME faculty members & collaborators receive a combined $2.6mil+ funding from CIHR
Professors Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng, Leo Chou, Daniel Franklin, Naomi Matsuura, and Cari Whyne and their collaborators have received a combined funding of $2.6mil+ from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) as a part of the 2024 Spring CIHR Project Grant. The CIHR Project Grant program funds innovative health research projects with the potential to significantly advance health knowledge, healthcare, health systems, and health outcomes.
Eight BME graduate students receive a combined funding of $227,500 from CIHR
Eight graduate students from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto have been awarded a combined funding of $227,500 through the Canada Graduate Scholarship program for doctoral and master’s students. This prestigious scholarship program, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), supports and promotes research excellence across a wide range of disciplines, including health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities.
Dr. Lindsey Fiddes joins BME as Teaching Lab and Design Studio Coordinator
Dr. Lindsey Fiddes will join the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) as the Teaching Lab and Design Studio Coordinator on July 8, 2024. Dr. Fiddes, who previously served as the Teaching Lab Coordinator in 2017, brings extensive experience in lab protocols, health and safety, and supply management. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto, where she also worked as a Technology Specialist and Lab Manager, gaining expertise in microscopy, CAD, and prototyping. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Fiddes back to BME.
Three BME graduate students awarded Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship
Three graduate students from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have been awarded the prestigious Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship for the 2024-2025 cohort. Mohammadamir (Amir) Moghaddam, Nicolas Ivanov, and Lily Takeuchi have each received this honour in recognition of their projects aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and public engagement.
Professor Alison McGuigan awarded Senior Scientist Award at 7th TERMIS World Congress
Professor Alison McGuigan has been honored with the prestigious Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society Americas Chapters (TERMIS-AM) Senior Scientist Award. This esteemed award was presented to Professor McGuigan on the final day of the 7th TERMIS World Congress Conference, held from June 25-28 in Seattle, Washington. The Senior Scientist Award is conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
BME alumna promoted to Chief of St. John’s Rehab Program
Dr. Amanda Mayo will be promoted to the new Chief of the St. John’s Rehab Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Mayo is a graduate of the University of Toronto. She completed five years of residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto. Prior to entering medical school, Dr. Mayo obtained MSc in Clinical Engineering, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Jamie Wu wins 2024 Jennifer Comyn Graduate Award for Cancer Research
The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research recognizes outstanding graduate students conducting cancer research in its labs with the Jennifer Comyn Graduate Award for Cancer Research. The inaugural recipient of the award is Jamie Wu, a recent PhD graduate in biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto.