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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11 BME faculty members receive a combined $500,000+ funding from NSERC
The Discovery Grant program is dedicated to supporting researchers as they venture into new territories to find solutions to pressing issues such as environmental protection, food security, and sustainable construction in cold climates. It aims to promote and maintain a diverse and high-quality research capability in the natural sciences and engineering at Canadian universities, foster research excellence, and provide a stimulating environment for research training.
Molly Shoichet named inaugural Pamela and Paul Austin Chair in Precision and Regenerative Medicine
University Professor Molly Shoichet (ChemE, BME) has been named the inaugural Pamela and Paul Austin Chair in Precision and Regenerative Medicine. The chair, situated within the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, was created in November 2023 via a gift from the The P. Austin Family Foundation.
Seven BME members receive Joint Seed Program funding for interdivisional research
Initiated in 2015, the Joint Seed Program is an interdivisional research funding program designed to promote multi-disciplinary research and catalyze new innovative partnerships between researchers from the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering and those from outside of Engineering. The recipients for this year will undertake unique and innovative research initiatives ranging from developing bioinoculant strategies to equitable healthcare and advanced imaging techniques.
CIHR awards grant to training program integrating sex, gender, and intersectionality in health research
A team of researchers has been awarded an operating grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The team, led by Dr. Tatyana Mollayeva, Dr. Milos Popovic, and Dr. France Légaré, is set to improve the landscape of health research by integrating sex, gender, and intersectionality into scientific inquiry.
Dr. José Zariffa appointed KITE Chair in spinal cord injury research at UHN
Dr. José Zariffa will be the holder of the KITE Chair in Spinal Cord Injury Research at UHN, a joint Hospital-University Named Chair between the University Health Network and the University of Toronto (UofT), for a five-year term, effective April 1, 2024. The KITE Chair in Spinal Cord Injury Research was initially established in December 2007 thanks to the kind and thoughtful generosity of a variety of donors to Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
BME student receives 2024 Teaching Assistant Teaching Excellence Award
Shaghayegh (Shay) Chavoshian has won a 2024 TA Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Toronto’s Teaching Assistant Training Program (TATP). Shay, a PhD student at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME), is one of the five recipients this year. This prestigious award acknowledges the remarkable contributions of teaching assistants who inspire and challenge undergraduate students, significantly enhancing their learning experience.
Two Institute of Biomedical Engineering graduate students awarded prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in 2024
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto is proud to announce that two of its doctoral candidates, David Li and Erica Floreani, have been awarded the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for the 2024 cycle.
U of T Engineering Dean, professor and alumni elected to the Canadian Academy of Engineering
U of T Engineering Dean Christopher Yip and Professor Natalie Enright Jerger (ECE) have been elected fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE). Alumni Benoit Boulet (ElecE PhD 9T6), Susan Doniz (IndE 9T3) and Alfred Yu (BME MASc 0T4, PhD 0T7) are also among the CAE’s 54 new fellows.
U of T Engineering professor and alumni receive 2024 Ontario Professional Engineers Awards
Serena Mandla (EngSci 1T7, BME MASc 1T9) received the Young Engineer Award for an engineer no older than 35 years old who has demonstrated excellence in their career, community and professional service.
Club for Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Awarded the University of Toronto Student Life “Program of the Year” for Promoting Innovation and Collaboration
The Club for Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering (CUBE) at the University of Toronto continues to garner recognition for its exceptional achievements and contributions to the university community. Recently, CUBE was honoured to receive the 2024 “Program of the Year” Award from U of T Student Life for its commitment to excellence and innovation in promoting biomedical engineering at the campus. In 2023 – 2024 academic year, CUBE hosted a total of 10 events and 11 workshops.
Accelerate Seed Grant recipient aims to improve delivery of drugs that treat brain diseases using self-driving lab technology
Professor Leo Chou have received Acceleration Consortium Seed Grant funding for his research on building DNA origami as a delivery vehicle for therapeutic agents
Dr. Omar F. Khan honoured with the McCharles Prize for early career research distinction
Professor Omar F. Khan has been awarded the prestigious McCharles Prize for Early Career Research Distinction for his contributions to the fields of biomedical and immune engineering.
Professor Warren Chan joins Nanyang Technological University of Singapore as Dean of Engineering
Professor Warren Chan, a world-renowned expert in nanobiotechnology, has been recruited as the next Dean of the College of Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Professor Chan will oversee one of the largest Engineering schools in the world with over 14,000 students and has been ranked among the top 15 Engineering schools in the world according to QS World University Rankings. He will provide leadership for the strategic, academic, intellectual, and administrative endeavours at NTU.
BME Professor secures CIHR funding to improve autism medication selection
Dr. Azadeh Kushki (BME) has been awarded funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for her work in improving medication selection for autistic children. Along with Dr. Danielle Baribeau, Dr. Melanie Penner, and Marlee Vandewouw at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, this funding provides operational support to perform research.
New Canada Research Chairs advance research in regenerative medicine, sustainable housing and more
New ways of growing human tissues outside the body, developed by Professor Alison McGuigan and her team, will help expand the ability of researchers to understand and control cell behaviour.
BME student awarded the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award
Joseph Sebastian, a BME PhD student at Professor Craig Simmons’ lab, has recently been awarded the University of Toronto Student Leadership Award (UTSLA). Recipients of the UTSLA join the esteemed community of past Cressy Award recipients in being recognized for their impactful leadership and volunteerism at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Aaron Wheeler receives Ricardo Aroca Award for contributions in Analytical Chemistry
Dr. Aaron Wheeler has recently been honoured with the Ricardo Aroca Award. This esteemed award is bestowed upon a scientist residing in Canada who has made outstanding contributions to the realm of analytical chemistry while actively engaged in research within the country.
Dr. Milica Radisic inducted as U.S. National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow
Dr. Milica Radisic has been elected as a 2023 Fellow of US National Academy of Inventors (NAI), this achievement underscores her exceptional contributions to advancing research and positively impacting real-world applications.
Dr. Milica Radisic Elected as Fellow of Biomaterials Science and Engineering (FBSE)
Dr. Milica Radisic has been elected as a Fellow of Biomaterials Science and Engineering (FBSE), the highest honor bestowed by the global biomaterials community on exceptional scientists.
BME welcomes new faculty member Professor Freeman Lan
Dr. Freeman Lan has recently joined the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto as an Assistant Professor.
Dr. Tom Chau elected as Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Senior scientist recognized for his international work and impact on children and youth living with disabilities and developmental differences worldwide
Dr. Craig Simmons Appointed Associate Director of Scientific Research at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME)
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Craig Simmons as its Associate Director of Scientific Research. Dr. Simmons, a distinguished and accomplished researcher, is set to lead BME’s strategic initiatives in elevating research excellence and fostering a culture of innovation within the realm of biomedical engineering.
Dr. Penney M. Gilbert Appointed Associate Director, Community & Inclusion at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME)
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Penney Gilbert as the new Associate Director, Community & Inclusion. In this newly created role, Dr. Gilbert will play a crucial part in shaping the future of BME by fostering an environment of mentorship, inclusivity, and collaboration among students and faculty.
Professor Milica Radisic awarded international Humboldt Research prize
Professor Milica Radisic (BME, ChemE) has been awarded the 2023 Humboldt Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.