News & Stories
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 Tom Chau inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame
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.
Using nature to guide engineering | Eli Sone Lab
Professor Eli Sone and his team study how nature builds and bonds, from the way bones form to how mussels stick to surfaces, to inspire new technologies for healthcare and the environment. Their research spans bone-regenerating biomaterials, next-generation medical adhesives, and innovative ways to protect ecosystems.
Promoting female voices in STEM | Ana-Maria Oproescu & Meghan Rothenbroker
Mia and Meghan are two BME PhD students on a mission to amplify women’s voices in science. With support from the Acceleration Consortium’s EDI Grant, they created Driving Diversity, a video series spotlighting women at the forefront of AI, robotics, and self-driving labs. In this video, they share what inspired the project, how they made it happen, and why female perspectives are vital to the future of research.
Professor Milos Popovic honoured with Dejan B. Popovic award at IFESS conference
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.
Engineering stem cell therapies for diseases | Michael Garton Lab
Dr. Michael Garton leads a research lab integrating generative AI, protein design, and stem cell biology to develop new gene and cell therapies. His team is engineering stem cell-derived tissues with enhanced survival and therapeutic functions, with the long-term goal of creating curative treatments for thousands of currently untreatable diseases.
Meet the incoming class of 2025
Every January and September, BME welcomes over 100 graduate students into our Master of Engineering, Master of Applied Science, and Doctor of Philosophy programs. Check out their profiles below.
Five Mastercard Foundation Scholars Join University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering This Fall
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 […]
Engineering cells for space: Lucy Ma’s journey from grad school to the stars
Lucy Ma shares her path from undergrad to PhD, and how her curiosity about biology and space led her to research gene therapies for astronauts. She talks about her early experiences with the Canadian Space Agency, her current work engineering stem cells, and the challenges of advocating for innovation in space health.
2025 Orientation + BBQ
We held an orientation today for incoming graduate students in the MEng, MASc, and PhD programs, followed by our annual BBQ to foster connections between new and current students. Looking forward to a productive and engaging academic year.
Droplet microfluidics and microbiome research at the Lan lab
At the Lan Lab, led by Professor Freeman Lan, tiny droplets are unlocking big breakthroughs. Using ultrahigh-throughput droplet microfluidics, the team can run millions of experiments in parallel, transforming how we study cells, microbes, and the human microbiome.
Dr. Noor Abu Jarad awarded a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
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 […]
How boutIQ is improving cell culture media with AI
boutIQ Solutions, a Toronto-based biotech startup, is transforming cell therapy by using AI and machine learning to optimize cell culture media formulations. Their innovative approach tackles one of regenerative medicine’s toughest challenges: keeping lab-grown cells healthy, functional, and clinically ready.
Professor Milica Radisic elected fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
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.
Shaping the future of robotics surgery | Professor Lueder Kahrs research highlight
At the University of Toronto Mississauga, Professor Lueder Kahrs and his team are pioneering the intersection of robotics, computer vision, and augmented reality to transform surgery. From teaching robots to assist in real-time surgical tasks to developing augmented reality tools for facial reconstruction, the Medical Computer Vision and Robotics Lab is building technology that empowers surgeons and improves patient outcomes.
Nanoparticles, internships, and a mission to cure cancer | Student Spotlight
Meet Alyssa Apilan, a MASc student in Professor Gang Zheng’s lab, where she’s pioneering nanoparticle formulations to combat liver cancer. Here, Alyssa shares her academic journey and how international internships in Italy and Singapore helped her grow both professionally and personally.
AI tool improves accuracy and efficiency in microscopy image analysis
AI tool improves accuracy and efficiency in microscopy image analysis Professor Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez (pictured middle) at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have developed a new artificial […]
iBEAM 2025: Biomedical Engineering in Action
Join us for a glimpse into iBEAM 2025, a hands-on biomedical engineering workshop hosted by the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto in partnership with the U of T Enrichment Academy. Over two days, students explored nanotechnology, biomaterials, and tissue engineering through interactive lab activities led by Drs. Penney Gilbert and Lindsey Fiddes. From gold nanoparticles to engineered pancreas tissue, this initiative empowers high school students from underrepresented communities to discover the possibilities of science and innovation.
Revolutionizing Heart Health: Inside the Franklin Lab at U of T
Discover how the Franklin Research Lab at the University of Toronto is transforming cardiac care through cutting-edge bioelectronic and biophotonic devices. Led by Professor Daniel Franklin, the lab is developing wearable technologies, wireless implants, and smart materials that go beyond traditional health metrics, as they bring innovative solutions from the lab to real patients.
Swallowable sensor offers simpler way to monitor gut inflammation
Swallowable sensor offers simpler way to monitor gut inflammation Researchers at the University of Toronto, Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School have developed a swallowable, low-cost device that changes colour […]
Four BME Core Faculty Members Receive CIHR Project Grant Funding
Four BME core faculty members receive CIHR Project Grant funding Four core faculty members from the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have received funding from the Canadian […]
Replacing metal plates with surgical adhesive | The future of fracture repair
Cohesys is a Toronto-based medical device startup revolutionizing how surgeons treat facial fractures. Spun out of research at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Cohesys was founded by alumni Alex Jucan and Michael Floros. Their flagship innovation, BoneTape, is a flexible surgical adhesive designed to replace traditional metal plates and screws in craniomaxillofacial procedures.
U of T Professor Alex Mihailidis appointed Knight of the Ordre des Palmes académiques
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
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
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 […]