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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2023 Dorrington Award Recognizes Graduate Students Working on Drug Delivery, Nanomedicine and Gene Regulation
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
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.
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.
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.
Grads to Watch – Alex Gordon
Dr. Alex Gordon co-founded Revolve Surgical, aiming to make complex minimally invasive procedures accessible by developing affordable robotic systems. He is one of the students featured in the Grads to Watch 2023.
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.
Answering business questions with AI algorithms
Meet Ronald Chow, a recent graduate from the MEng program at BME. Now, as a full-time medical student, Ronald is delving into the intersection of artificial intelligence, medicine, and engineering.
New study uncovers mechanism of cell movement in heart development
Researchers at the University of Toronto and the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research have identified a previously unknown mechanism that governs the movement of cardiac progenitors during heart development in fruit fly embryos. By using advanced imaging techniques, mathematical modelling and genetic and biophysical manipulations, Dr. Rodrigo Fernandez-Gonzalez and colleagues shed light on the formation of the early heart tube and provide insights into the cellular causes of congenital heart defects.
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.
Researchers discover new protein needed for rapid wound repair
Researchers at the University of Toronto have made progress in understanding the intricate cellular processes involved in tissue development and repair. The findings, published in the journal Current Biology, shed light on the mechanisms underlying collective cell migration, a fundamental behavior that plays a crucial role in both normal embryo development and pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis.
Celebrating the 39th Student Research Conference (ToBE)
The 2023 Toronto Biomedical Engineering Conference, held at Hart House, took attendees on an exhilarating journey into the realm of artificial intelligence in biomedical engineering. This year’s conference attracted an impressive gathering of over 300 students, reflecting the growing fascination with the intersection of AI and healthcare.
How bending implantable medical devices can enable infectious organisms to gain a toehold
A study from U of T Engineering researchers shows that mechanical deformation of medically implantable materials — such as bending or twisting — can have a big impact on the formation of potentially harmful biofilms.
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.
Tell Me More: Coffee With Chris – Nika Shakiba
Nika Shakiba (BME PhD 1T7) joins Chris Yip to discuss her work as an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and her research on stem cells.
Supporting neurodiversity through personalized health
Learn about the amazing work being done by Dr. Azadeh Kushki and her team at the Autism Research Centre at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. They are using data science to advance personalized health for children with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD.
Oddity is investing more than $100 million to acquire biotech startup Revela
David Zhang (BME 2016) co-founded Revela in 2021. Recently, his company was purchased by Oddity in a $100 million deal
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.
Tell Me More: Coffee With Chris – Jenna Usprech
In the latest episode of Tell Me More, Dean Chris Yip sits down with BME alumna and assistant professor Jenna Usprech to discuss teaching strategies, student wellness and critical thinking in engineering classrooms.
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
Engineer Aims to Eradicate Diabetes
An MIT alumni profile on Dr. Michael Sefton and his research on regenerating organs to treat diabetes.
New research tackles the design of mRNA delivery to the muscle
Scientists at the University of Toronto have shown that the molecular structure of ionizable lipids in lipid-based nanoparticles plays a critical role in the translation efficiency of mRNA in the muscle.
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.