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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Professor Milos Popovic appointed Director of Institute of Biomedical Engineering
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
University Professor Molly Shoichet has been elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
Two BME students awarded prestigious 2022 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Mohammadamir Ghasemian Moghaddam and Meghan Rothenbroker are two of the BME Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship winners of 2022.
Dr. Elaine Biddiss named Bloorview Childrens Hospital Foundation Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation
Elaine Biddiss, a senior scientist at BRI and faculty member at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, creates new pathways to improve kids’ wellness through play using affordable, accessible technologies
KITE trainee earns multiple awards for asthma and obstructive sleep apnea research
Shaghayegh Chavoshian, a PhD student in BME, will receive $20,000 in combined funding to support her research at KITE.
BME welcomes the 2022 MasterCard Scholar cohort
Three students funded by the MasterCard Scholars program joined BME in 2022 to pursue their degrees in Masters of Engineering. 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. We asked the MasterCard Scholars what they look forward to at the University of Toronto, and how they will advance their knowledge in the field of biomedical engineering.
Recipients of third round of Medicine by Design’s Pivotal Experiment Fund announced
Dr. Omar Khan is one of four researchers are the latest to receive support to spin-off aspects of their Medicine by Design-funded research into an early-stage product or venture as part of Medicine by Design’s Pivotal Experiment Fund, which has distributed more than $2.5-million in funding since its launch in early 2021.
BME PhD Candidate receives WFIRM Young Investigator Award
Erik Jacques was one of the recipients of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine Young Investigator Award.
BME welcomes new faculty member Professor Lueder Kahrs
Professor Lueder Alexander Kahrs has officially joined the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) as an Assistant Professor on July 1st, 2022.
Four CRANIA scientists receive funding for projects through UofT’s joint EMHSeed program
Dr. Jose Zariffa and Kei Masani are two of the recipients of EMHSeed, valued at $60,000/year for two years.
Dr. Alison McGuigan inducted as a fellow into the Canadian Academy of Engineering
Dr. Alison McGuigan inducted as a fellow into the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
Dr. Craig Simmons inducted as a fellow into the Canadian Academy of Engineering
Dr. Craig Simmons’ distinguished contribution in engineering has earned him a place as a fellow in the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
U of T researchers awarded 20 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs
Dr. Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez was one of the BME faculty members awarded the Canadian Research Chair this year.
DTPX Therapeutics and Azane Therapeutics are the top teams at the Building a Biotech Venture Pitch Competition
Azane Therapeutics, made up of members from the Omar F. Khan lab, was the second-place team at the Building a Biotech Venture Pitch Competition.