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.
Quick Navigation
New co-delivery method for efficient siRNA and small molecule drug transport
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a method for co-delivering therapeutic RNA and potent drugs directly into cells, potentially leading to a more effective treatment of diseases in the future. This research, recently published in Advanced Materials, explores how ionizable drugs can be used to co-formulate small interfering RNA (siRNA) for more effective intracellular delivery.
Three BME faculty members awarded Connaught New Researcher Fund
Professors Aereas Aung, Daniel Franklin, and Caitlin Maikawa were awarded the Connaught New Researcher Awards, which support early-career faculty members in establishing their research programs. They are among 8 researchers from the U of T Engineering who received support in the latest round.
‘The future is already here’: University of Toronto’s Milica Radisic on organ-on-a-chip technology
Listen to the podcast hosted by The Hub, where they chat with University of Toronto professor and Canadian Research Chair of organ-on-a-chip engineering Milica Radisic discussing her world-leading research on organ-on-a-chip technology.
2024 Dorrington Award recognizes graduate students innovating myopathy research, mapping the liver and advancing personalized medicine
Heta Lad, a PhD candidate conducting research under the supervision of Professor Penney Gilbert, is one of the recipients of the award.
Physiatry, 3D Printed Prosthetics, and the Intersection of Engineering & Medicine: A Chat with Alumnus Dr. Amanda Mayo
After completing her MHSc at BME in 2004, Dr. Amanda Mayo transitioned into medicine, specializing in Physiatry, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Recently promoted to Chief of the St. John’s Rehab Program at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Mayo has dedicated over a decade to advancing patient care, collaborating on accessible prosthetics, and leading and mentoring in her field.
Empowering and educating entrepreneurship in cardiovascular translation
The Entrepreneurship for Cardiovascular Health Opportunities (ECHO) Program was founded by Dr. Soror Sharifpoor in 2018. Aimed at improving cardiovascular research commercialization, this 12-month program includes workshops, webinars, networking, and mentorship activities, culminating in a public pitch competition where ventures can win $250,000 in startup funding.
Joint efforts propel transformative scientific discoveries
Professor Caitlin Maikawa, a Schmidt Science Fellow, was recently featured by Times Higher Education about her interdisciplinary research at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering.
Five BME faculty members & collaborators receive a combined $2.6mil+ funding from CIHR
Professors Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng, Leo Chou, Daniel Franklin, Naomi Matsuura, and Cari Whyne and their collaborators have received a combined funding of $2.6mil+ from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) as a part of the 2024 Spring CIHR Project Grant. The CIHR Project Grant program funds innovative health research projects with the potential to significantly advance health knowledge, healthcare, health systems, and health outcomes.
New technique improves measurement of cell barriers
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a novel, cost-effective method called Porous Membrane Electrical Cell–Substrate Impedance Spectroscopy (PM-ECIS) to assess the function of biological barriers in Petri dishes. In a subsequent study, the researchers characterized its sensitivity and further validated the method against a gold-standard barrier assessment technique. This new method could enhance research in fields like drug development and disease modeling.
Reflections on NSBE’s 50th annual convention
Reflections on NSBE’s 50th annual convention by Aisha Raji My experience at the 50th National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, was truly transformative. As a Black […]
Eight BME graduate students receive a combined funding of $227,500 from CIHR
Eight graduate students from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto have been awarded a combined funding of $227,500 through the Canada Graduate Scholarship program for doctoral and master’s students. This prestigious scholarship program, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), supports and promotes research excellence across a wide range of disciplines, including health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities.
Faces of BME – Ashley Miles
Ashley Miles has been an integral part of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering since joining as the project manager in September 2019. In her role, she supports the Institute’s various initiatives and the Director through operational and project administrative support, and effective communication.
Empowering future biomedical engineers
This summer, the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Toronto (U of T) hosted a series of hands-on workshops (iBEAM) in collaboration with the U of T Enrichment Academy’s outreach initiative. This University-wide initiative aims to enrich the educational experiences of historically underrepresented high school students and guide them toward successful post-secondary education.
Immune cells pave the way for advanced Heart-on-a-Chip Technology
Researchers at the University of Toronto have made strides in heart disease research by incorporating primitive macrophages—a crucial immune cell—into heart-on-a-chip technology. This innovative approach promises to enhance the functionality and stability of engineered heart tissues, potentially transforming drug testing and disease modeling.
Dr. Lindsey Fiddes joins BME as Teaching Lab and Design Studio Coordinator
Dr. Lindsey Fiddes will join the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) as the Teaching Lab and Design Studio Coordinator on July 8, 2024. Dr. Fiddes, who previously served as the Teaching Lab Coordinator in 2017, brings extensive experience in lab protocols, health and safety, and supply management. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto, where she also worked as a Technology Specialist and Lab Manager, gaining expertise in microscopy, CAD, and prototyping. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Fiddes back to BME.
Three BME graduate students awarded Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship
Three graduate students from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (BME) have been awarded the prestigious Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship for the 2024-2025 cohort. Mohammadamir (Amir) Moghaddam, Nicolas Ivanov, and Lily Takeuchi have each received this honour in recognition of their projects aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and public engagement.
Professor Alison McGuigan awarded Senior Scientist Award at 7th TERMIS World Congress
Professor Alison McGuigan has been honored with the prestigious Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society Americas Chapters (TERMIS-AM) Senior Scientist Award. This esteemed award was presented to Professor McGuigan on the final day of the 7th TERMIS World Congress Conference, held from June 25-28 in Seattle, Washington. The Senior Scientist Award is conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
BME alumna promoted to Chief of St. John’s Rehab Program
Dr. Amanda Mayo will be promoted to the new Chief of the St. John’s Rehab Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Mayo is a graduate of the University of Toronto. She completed five years of residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto. Prior to entering medical school, Dr. Mayo obtained MSc in Clinical Engineering, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Toronto.
Jamie Wu wins 2024 Jennifer Comyn Graduate Award for Cancer Research
The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research recognizes outstanding graduate students conducting cancer research in its labs with the Jennifer Comyn Graduate Award for Cancer Research. The inaugural recipient of the award is Jamie Wu, a recent PhD graduate in biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto.
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.
Functional Electrical Stimulation sleeve to improve rehabilitation for motor control impairments
A recent study published in BioMedical Engineering OnLine introduces a novel smart sleeve designed for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) applications. This new technology integrates advanced carbon-based dry electrodes within a textile structure, offering significant improvements in comfort and usability for patients with motor control impairments.
Grads to Watch – Maneesha Rajora (BME MASc 1T3, BME PhD 2T4)
Having enriched the U of T Engineering community as undergraduate and graduate students, they will join our vibrant, global network of Skule™ alumni, where they will continue to address pressing challenges around the world and inspire the next generation. This year’s 14 Grads to Watch — selected by their home departments and institutes — embody the spirit of U of T Engineering. Their stories illustrate the creativity, innovation and global impact that define our community. Watch their next steps!
Miniaturized assay promises faster discovery of stem cell therapies
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new miniaturized assay platform, mini-MEndR, designed to evaluate muscle stem cell-mediated repair in a more efficient and scalable manner. This novel platform, funded by CFREF “Medicine by Design”, represents a significant advancement in the field of regenerative medicine, offering the potential to accelerate the discovery of therapeutic targets for muscle repair and regeneration.