News

New autonomous lab at University of Toronto to improve drug formulation
A new autonomous lab being built in the University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy will help to design and optimize formulations that will improve bioavailability, stability and efficacy of a variety of drugs.
Christine Allen, a professor in the faculty whose research focuses on drug development and disease diagnostics, is co-leading the lab with Frank Gu, a professor in the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

Researchers explore shifting AI landscape at Absolutely Interdisciplinary conference
Researchers across disciplines gathered recently at the Absolutely Interdisciplinary conference to reckon with the ramifications of the evolving AI landscape – from the technology’s transformative impacts on work and education, to its implications for human cognition and values.
The third annual academic conference held by the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society (SRI) at the University of Toronto featured 23 speakers from diverse fields such as computer science, psychology, law, economics, education, philosophy, media studies, and literature.

Joseph Baker appointed professor at KPE and inaugural chair in sport science, data modelling and sport analytics at TISS
The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education has announced the appointment of Joseph Baker to a tenure stream position at the rank of full professor, effective September 1, 2023. Baker was chosen for the position as a result of the tenure stream position search in the area of sport science and data modelling. Along with his appointment as full professor, Baker will be the inaugural holder of the endowed Tanenbaum chair in sport science, data modelling and sport analytics at U of T’s Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport (TISS).

Researchers help youth get involved with Toronto’s net-zero carbon plan
The City of Toronto plans to reduce city-wide carbon emissions to net zero by 2040, and researchers from the U of T are helping to ensure young people play a key role in reaching its goal. A new report outlining best practices will guide researchers as they co-design a youth engagement strategy with the city for its TransformTO Net Zero Strategy – one of the most ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in North America.

Toronto mayoral candidates debate at U of T’s School of Cities
On June 12, the six frontrunners of the Toronto mayoral byelection participated in a debate at U of T’s Innis Town Hall, hosted by the School of Cities. The debate was themed around housing affordability, and candidates took questions from student leaders and community advocates.

Nature ranks U of T among top three institutions in the world for health sciences research output
U of T is the third-most prolific institution in the world – and second among universities – for health sciences research, according to the 2023 Nature Index Annual Tables rankings. Leah Cowen told Nature that U of T’s top-three ranking reflects its commitment to collaboration in the health sphere: "“We’re really committed to engaging on the full spectrum of research, all the way from state-of-the-art pioneering fundamental research through to clinical research, knowledge translation, clinical trials, drug discovery and bio-innovation.”

Sustainable Future – Challenge Accepted! Equitable Communities Ep. 5
This instalment explores the intersection between equity, the environment and the economy. Karen Chapple, director of U of T’s School of Cities, says students and researchers are coming up with new ways to address the challenges of affordable housing and energy efficiency – and the next step is to put those ideas into practice.

Data, Heat and Parks: DSI Funded Researchers explore the Connection
Hotter days in Toronto mean more people flocking to parks for relief, but just how are these green spaces being utilized during extreme heat? University of Toronto researchers, who were awarded the Data Access Grant by the Data Sciences Institute, are analyzing patterns of human activity, park usage and air temperatures to shed light on the impact of extreme […]

June 2023 is "Mobility Month"
Mobility Network proclaims June 2023 as “Mobility Month,” during which the initiative will host a record number of events showcasing the many facets of Mobility Network research demonstrating the work of “Getting Underway” to a sustainable, equitable mobility future.

Can AI help make our buildings more sustainable?
Assistant Professor Seungjae Lee is working on a pilot project aimed at reducing U of T’s climate footprint by using machine learning to optimize heating and cooling systems in existing buildings

U of T 2022 Research & Innovation Annual Report released
The Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sports (TISS), Institute for Pandemics, Robotics Institute and the Toronto Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research Consortium (TC3) are amongst the institutional strategic initiatives whose work is highlighted in the 2022 Research and Innovation Annual Report.