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 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).
Three BME students share their graduate experience
Last week, students from the class of 2T4 walked across the stage at Convocation Hall and became the latest engineering alumni. Nevena Musikic, Amber Xue, and Alyssia Sanchez shared their graduate experiences in this video.
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.
U of T Engineering Research Spotlight: Biomaterials Engineering
U of T Engineering Professor Naomi Matsuura and Thoracic Surgery Professor Kazuhiro Yasufuku speak about their research collaboration that aims to better diagnose and treat lung cancer in the third instalment of the Research Spotlight series.
BME alum secures $20M in startup funding
BME alum James Lazarovits’ (BME 2019) startup Archon Biosciences debuts with $20M to advance Nobel-inspired protein technology in cancer treatment.
Researchers identify potential target to reduce cancer cell invasion through fibroblast regulation
Researchers from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto have identified a novel approach to potentially slow cancer progression by targeting a key enzyme that influences cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).
First 48 Hours: Documentary spotlights the journey of international students
Cecil Chikezie, a PhD student at BME, has been featured in a 22-min University of Toronto documentary from the perspective of international students. It documents what life has been like within the first 48 hours of arriving on campus.
Unlocking faster biodegradation of lipid nanoparticles
A recent study led by researchers at the University of Toronto sheds new light on a crucial challenge in the field of nucleic acid drug delivery: how to make lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) break down more quickly in the body. This discovery could pave the way for medicines that can be administered more frequently and with fewer side effects.
New imaging agent could improve early detection of inflammatory disease
Researchers from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto have developed a novel MRI contrast agent that may enhance the early detection of inflammatory diseases by targeting nitric oxide (NO), a key molecule involved in the body’s immune response.
New insights into sudden unexpected death in epilepsy through advanced brain wave analysis
Researchers from University of Toronto have developed a new approach to studying brain wave patterns that may offer vital clues into the mechanisms behind Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). By using a method called wavelet phase coherence, the team has uncovered significant differences in brain activity during epileptic seizures that could lead to better prevention strategies.
Meet the incoming class of 2024
In September, BME welcomed 100+ students into our graduate programs. We asked some of these students what they are looking forward to in graduate school, and why they chose our programs. Here’s what they have to say.
What’s your story? – Professor Tom Chau
As a child, Tom Chau’s engineering journey began by dismantling toys to discover how they worked. Now, Chau and his team are developing technologies to give children with disabilities the ability to communicate better with others.
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).
Exploring the intersection of AI and finance
Saba Rahimi earned her PhD in biomedical engineering in 2022 from Dr. Kullervo Hynynen’s Focused Ultrasound lab. Rahimi’s passion for AI and machine learning led her to seek out opportunities to integrate these technologies into her work. Now, as a senior AI research associate at JP Morgan Chase & Co., Rahimi leverages her diverse background to advance AI initiatives within the financial sector.
Researchers develop scalable DNA-based neural networks for molecular computing
Researchers at the University of Toronto have made an advancement in DNA-based neural networks, paving the way for more portable and scalable molecular computers. By implementing new strategies to overcome existing limitations, the team has developed neural networks that can process information quickly and accurately without relying on traditional electronic components.
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.
Meet the 2024 Leadership of Biomedical Engineering Students’ Association
Introducing the Movers and Shakers of the Biomedical Engineering Students’ Association (BESA)! Meet the leadership team that will spearhead graduate student related extracurricular activities this year.
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.
New research has potential to speed up forensic analysis in sexual assault cases
Professor Aaron Wheeler and his team has developed a new technique for analyzing evidence in sexual assault cases. The new approach could streamline the forensics pipeline and reduce delays in the processing of DNA evidence.
Faces of BME – Lucy Ma
Lucy Ma, a biomedical engineering graduate student, is developing iPSC-derived skeletal muscle tissues to create a sustainable cure for chronic genetic diseases like hemophilia, under the supervision of Dr. Michael Garton and Dr. Penney Gilbert. As captain of the Gold boat for the SKULE Iron Dragons, she draws on the teamwork and discipline of dragon boat racing to fuel her research and stay connected to her Asian heritage.