The Institutional Strategic Initiatives portfolio increases the University of Toronto’s capacity to support large-scale, high-impact interdisciplinary research

The ISI Impact Report is out!

The report features success stories from U of T’s 22 Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISIs) and the special projects our office supports.

Over the past five years, the university’s ISIs have made tremendous strides in addressing our most pressing social, economic, political, and environmental issues. Our report showcases those stories and highlights how important the ISIs are to the university community—they are strengthening collaboration, helping to build partnerships, attracting significant external funding, supporting faculty and student research, and creating new training opportunities.

Read the report

Recent ISI news

U of T-Nissan partnership to accelerate research at the intersection of EVs and electric grids

September 5, 2025 | Climate Positive Energy

The partnership, facilitated by Climate Positive Energy, will support a research initiative focused on enabling secure, scalable vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems in North America, which allow electric vehicles to both charge from and supply power back to the grid.

The next medical frontier: Mitochondria are set to revolutionize disease treatment

August 21, 2025 | MITO2i (Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative)

The “MitoRevolution” research initiative was recently awarded $23.8 million over six years. The funding will support development of a therapeutic approach that delivers healthy mitochondria directly into damaged cells, promoting regeneration and recovery. “The goal for the end of the project, in six years, is to have a product available through Canadian Blood Services that can be used for any patient that needs it,” says Ana Andreazza, professor in pharmacology and psychology, Scientific Director of MITO2i, and nominated principal investigator on the project.

Toronto’s tech engine: How U of T is building the future of innovation

August 20, 2025

Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president of research and innovation, and strategic initiatives, explains how U of T is developing the infrastructure needed to sustain and accelerate Toronto’s tech boom

Alex Mihailidis inducted into French Republic's Ordre des Palmes académiques

July 24, 2025 | AGE-WELL

Alex Mihailidis has been named a Chevalier (knight) of the Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French Republic. Mihailidis is U of T's associate vice-president, international partnerships; vice-chair, research at AGE-WELL; professor in the department of occupational science and occupational therapy (TFOM) and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (FASE).