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 Fellowships program funds top postdoctoral applicants in Canada and internationally who will contribute to the country’s economic, social, and research-based growth. Its objectives are to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, develop their leadership potential, and position them for success as research leaders of tomorrow.

For the 2024–25 competition, 23 Banting Fellows were funded through NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council); the full list of awardees is available on the Banting program website.

Dr. Abu Jarad, currently working in Professor Daniel Franklin’s lab, is developing a tiny implantable sensor to continuously monitor liver health after a transplant. Unlike current methods that rely on occasional, invasive tests, this device will track key signals in real time to detect problems like rejection or infection much earlier. The sensor uses special coatings to prevent scarring and infection, making it safer and longer-lasting. The project will create a working prototype, test it in preclinical studies, and prepare for future clinical use.

“I am honored to receive the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship,” said Dr. Noor Abu Jarad. “This fellowship will allow me to push forward the development of implantable biosensors that can change the way we monitor organ health. It gives me the time, resources, and freedom to turn innovative ideas into real tools that can improve transplant outcomes and ultimately save lives.”

“Dr. Abu Jarad’s research bridges engineering and clinical practice, with the potential to greatly improve transplant outcomes. We are proud to support her in this important work.” Says Professor Milos R. Popovic, Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering.