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.

New Canada Research Chairs advance research in regenerative medicine, sustainable housing and more

March 13, 2024

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 

February 5, 2024

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 

January 25, 2024

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 

January 16, 2024

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) 

December 7, 2023

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

December 1, 2023

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

September 5, 2023

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)

August 25, 2023

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)

August 25, 2023

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

July 27, 2023

Professor Milica Radisic (BME, ChemE) has been awarded the 2023 Humboldt Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

Professor Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng appointed Associate Director of Graduate Studies at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering 

July 24, 2023

The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng as the newest Associate Director of Graduate Studies effective immediately. 

2023 Dorrington Award Recognizes Graduate Students Working on Drug Delivery, Nanomedicine and Gene Regulation

July 6, 2023

Stefan Mladjenovic (BME) is one of the students receiving the recipients of the 2023 Dorrington Award. The award supports the students’ continued progress in achieving their research goals and contributing to the Centre’s history of excellence in advancing discovery, medicine and health.

Professor Milos Popovic appointed Director of Institute of Biomedical Engineering

July 4, 2023

The Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Milos Popovic, a distinguished figure in the field of biomedical engineering, as its newest director starting July 1st, 2023.

BME welcomes new faculty member Professor Caitlin Maikawa

July 1, 2023

Dr. Caitlin Maikawa has recently joined the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto as an Assistant Professor.

Two BME faculty promoted to full professorship

July 1, 2023

On July 1st, 2023, Drs. Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng and Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez were promoted to Full Professor at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME). This promotion was based on their research, teaching & education, and administrative service. 

TRANSFORM HF announces its 2023 Collaboration Starter Grant recipients

June 13, 2023

Megh Rathod (PhD candidate, Biomedical Engineering at University of Toronto), is one of the winners of the TRANSFORM HF 2023 Collaboration Starter Grant.

Listen to your heart: New ultrasound technique earns PhD candidate Joseph Sebastian a Connaught PhD for Public Impact Fellowship

June 8, 2023

Joseph Sebastian, a BME PhD student and Vanier Scholar at the University of Toronto, has been honored with the prestigious Connaught PhD for Public Impact Fellowship.

Non-invasive approach for electrical nerve stimulation among five projects supported by 2023 Connaught Innovation Awards

June 1, 2023

Professor Paul Yoo (BME, ECE) is designing novel electrodes for non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation, a technology that could be used in therapies for the treatment of epilepsy, depression, Parkinson’s disease and many pain disorders.

Teams focused on cell therapy and diagnostics win first and second place at the Building a Biotech Venture Pitch Competition

May 9, 2023

The injection of lab-made, healthy cells—referred to as a cell therapy — into a damaged heart could be a way to prevent that heart from failing. But to make this therapy a reality, the cells must be able to integrate and survive in patients’ bodies. That problem is exactly what Myoxa Therapeutics, the first-place winner at the Building a Biotech Pitch Competition, is working on solving.

BME welcomes new faculty member Professor Aereas Aung

May 1, 2023

Dr. Aereas Aung has recently joined the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto as an Assistant Professor.

Two CREATE grants support training programs in organ rejuvenation and repair, and equitable care for heart failure

April 18, 2023

Two multidisciplinary teams led by U of T Engineering researchers will train a new generation of experts to address challenges in health care, from organ rejuvenation to more equitable access to treatment for heart failure.

U of T Engineering student receives 2023 Adel S. Sedra Distinguished Graduate Award

April 13, 2023

Sara Ahmed (BME PhD/MD candidate) recognized for exceptional achievements and dedication to academic pursuits, research and outreach initiatives

Three BME community members recognized with Minister’s Awards of Excellence

February 17, 2023

Dr. Elaine Biddiss, PhD students Negar Balaghi and Anson Lau are three BME members recognized for their contribution to the betterment of Ontario students’ education.

Professor Molly Shoichet elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

December 8, 2022

University Professor Molly Shoichet has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).