Laurie Stephens

Queen Elizabeth scholar from U of T worked with an NGO in Tanzania

ullahnor — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:16:49 +0000

Queen Elizabeth scholar from U of T worked with an NGO in Tanzania

ullahnor Thu, 01/12/2017 - 15:16

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U of T Scarborough student Tumaini Shoo (third from right) worked with an NGO in Tanzania as a Queen Elizabeth scholar (photo courtesy of Tumaini Shoo)

Laurie Stephens

Author legacy

Laurie Stephens

Topic

Global Lens

U of T Scarborough

Queen Elizabeth Scholar

International Development

Environmental Sciences

Human Geography

Physical Geography

Global

The opportunity to attend school is something that Tumaini Shoo has cherished. So when she went to Tanzania this past summer to work with six young women at risk, she was stunned by their reality.

“The thing that was so overwhelming for me was being with girls who can’t go to school simply because they can’t pay for it,” she says. “I know it’s a lived reality, but it’s different when you’re right there. You hear their stories. You’re with these girls who are so motivated and want to pursue an education but just can’t.

“That was eye-opening. I realized how privileged we are.”

Shoo, who is finishing up a double major in international development studies and human and physical geography at U of T Scarborough, spent three-and-a-half months in Arusha, Tanzania, working with the non-governmental organization Green Hope. The opportunity came out of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program, which allows students to complete a paid internship at an organization in a commonwealth country that focuses on social impact, literacy, scientific research, education, or Indigenous issues.

Green Hope provides life-skills training and support for young Tanzanian women who lack education or economic opportunity in an effort to deter them from taking up risky livelihoods, such as prostitution.

The students, ranging in age from 16 to 19, are taught English, computer skills, sexual education, nutrition, entrepreneurship and business planning.

Tumaini Shoo says she would like to continue with hands-on work in the development field (photo courtesy of Tumaini Shoo)

Shoo’s role with Green Hope was multi-faceted. As an economic empowerment officer and program coordinator, she helped compile lesson plans, scheduled lesson times and travel needs, and documented the curriculum for future use by the young women.

She explored with them a number of business ideas, including becoming a tailor or starting up a business collective in agriculture or jewellery-making using Masai rubies. She also supported home-based and socio-economic programs, such gardening and computer literacy.

“While we’re not providing them with money, we are providing the girls with a safe space where they can build a social network and learn useful skills,” says Shoo. “We also hoped to build their confidence in themselves so they could share the information they are getting from us in their homes and their communities.”

Shoo’s letter of reference for the scholarship was written by Adam Martin, an assistant professor in U of T Scarborough's department of physical and environmental sciences.

He says Shoo was a perfect candidate because of her interest in environmental sciences and her desire to learn about the social and cultural context in which her placement was taking place.

He says the value of these programs is second to none because they provide context to seemingly simple issues.

“In Tumaini’s instance for example, it is critical to understand that environmental concerns don’t always play out as simply as they may appear to in textbooks,” he says. “Specifically, it’s crucial to learn how context-specific experiences with local environments shape how environmental concerns are actually addressed.”

Shoo says she tries to keep in touch with the group of Tanzanian women to see how they're progressing, and she hopes her continued support inspires them to keep pushing for positive change in their lives.

The internship has also helped her figure out what she wants to do after she graduates.

“I loved the work I was doing there, and I do think that I want to pursue the practitioner part of development where you’re working directly with people,” she says. “You may not be doing research, but you’re using the research that is there to help you in those moments of providing some sort of developmental assistance.”

U of T program provides national leadership on science and engineering engagement

sgupta — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 10:09:43 +0000

U of T program provides national leadership on science and engineering engagement sgupta Fri, 04/17/2015 - 06:09

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Participants in last year's U of T Science Leadership Program take part in a creative thinking exercise

Laurie Stephens

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Laurie Stephens

This month, 20 top researchers from across Canada get the opportunity to polish their communication and leadership skills at the ��Ƶ’s 2015 Science Leadership Program (SLP).

It's an intensive two-day experience that equips participants with the tools to promote the importance of their research to the public, the media and government decision-makers.

Directed by ��Ƶ Professor Molly Shoichet of chemical engineering and IBBME, senior advisor to the president on Science and Engineering Engagement, the program welcomes invited scientists from research-intensive institutions – including the universities of Calgary, Waterloo, McGill, Ottawa, Manitoba, York, as well as U of T – to take part in a series of hands-on training sessions, discussion panels and interactive opportunities. Now in its third year, the program is sponsored by Science & Engineering Engagement at U of T and the Connaught Fund.

“The program is designed to give professors, in a diversity of science and engineering fields, the opportunity to hone their leadership and communication skills,” says Shoichet, a recipient of this year’s prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Award. “We are bringing in experts from around the world to lead several interactive workshops, while at the same time we’re giving professors the chance to test their skills on expert communicators.”

The program, from April 22 to 24, is intense. Participants will take part in practical training sessions on outreach, leadership and communications. Nancy Houfek, formerly from the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University, will teach participants how to best use their voice and body. A session by The Barefoot Company will teach them how to articulate ideas most effectively and how to lead a research team of different personalities.

Ivan Semeniuk, a veteran science reporter at the Globe and Mail, will deliver a talk called “Science Communications Primer” that examines what makes scientists and journalists the same, yet different, in their quest for truth. His talk will be followed by a panel discussion with leading communicators on effective story-telling and how to keep the message on point when speaking to the public, media and government.

Launched in 2013, the Science Leadership Program is part of U of T’s Science and Engineering Engagement program, an initiative that aims to raise awareness of U of T’s teaching and research strengths in science and engineering.

The SLP is the only one of its kind in Canada and among a handful throughout North America. Each year, U of T selects 20 applicants to take part in the program who are typically professors in the early- or mid-stage of their careers in science, engineering, social science or medicine.

One of this year’s participants, Professor Naomi Matsuura from the U of T Faculty of Medicine, is widely recognized as an expert in cancer nanotechnology. Also cross-appointed to the department of materials science and engineering, her research explores how medical imaging radiation and new materials can interact and be used to detect and treat cancer.

As a scientist, Matsuura confesses that she has had challenges in trying to explain her complex research to lay people while staying true to its scientific authenticity. But a key motivation for applying to the SLP is her realization that scientists need to help the public understand why research matters, especially in light of recent government cuts to the funding of basic research.

“I applied to this program to learn how to better communicate the expected advances that will arise from publicly funded research such as my own, so that the general public, who will be the ultimate beneficiaries of our research, will come to appreciate and, hopefully lobby for, continued high-level basic research initiatives in Canada,” she says.

Professor David Cramb, head of the department of chemistry at the University of Calgary, is a much sought-after lecturer on the study of nanoscience. His research involves using fluorescence and molecular-scale imaging technology to assess the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles and track toxicological risk factors in avian and aquatic species.

Cramb says he applied to the SLP to gain more experience in talking about science policy with the media, politicians and the general public. He is most excited about “meeting like-minded people who are passionate about telling the great stories of Canadian science.”

Professor Edmond Young, who joined U of T’s department of mechanical and industrial engineering in January 2013, had heard great things about the program from his colleagues who had taken part in previous years, and he wanted to experience it himself.

“I’m hoping to broaden my horizons beyond the scientific work, and become better at seeing the bigger picture,” says Young, whose award-winning research focuses on creating engineered models that mimic the cell and tissue microenvironments of the body. “It’s very important to engage the public and keep them informed about all the exciting research work that’s being done, and how it can impact their daily lives.”

Shoichet is encouraging all of the invitees to come with “an open mind and soak up as much of the program” as they can.

“This program is designed to enhance our skills, develop our thinking and ultimately give us the tools to be more effective in research and its communication,” she says. “There is a fantastic group coming this year – I’m looking forward to getting to know them all.”

Participants in the 2015 Science Leadership Program include:

Morgan Barense, associate professor, psychology and Baycrest RRI; CRC, ��Ƶ
Xudong Cao,professor; assistant director, chemical and biological engineering, University of Ottawa
David Cramb, professor; head of chemistry, University of Calgary
Annemieke Farenhorst, professor, soil science; Prairie NSERC Chair for Women in Science & Engineering, University of Manitoba
Guy Faulkner, professor, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, ��Ƶ
Michel Fich, professor, physics and astronomy, University of Waterloo
Tara Gomes, scientist; assistant professor, pharmacy, St. Michael’s Hospital; ��Ƶ
Jane Heffernan, associate professor, mathematics and statistics; York Research Chair, York University
Naomi Matsuura, assistant professor, medical imaging/materials science and engineering, ��Ƶ
Mandy Meriano, senior lecturer, environmental science, ��Ƶ Scarborough
Joshua Milstein, assistant professor, chemical and physical sciences, ��Ƶ Mississauga
Stella Ng, director, research and scientist, Centre for Faculty Development, Medicine, ��Ƶ
Navindra Persaud, lecturer, family and community medicine, ��Ƶ
Mary Pugh, associate professor, mathematics, ��Ƶ
Nathaniel Quitoriano, assistant professor, materials engineering, McGill University
Tom Schweizer, director, neuroscience research program; assistant professor, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering and neurosurgery, St. Michael’s Hospital; ��Ƶ
Adam Steinberg, assistant professor, Institute for Aerospace Studies, ��Ƶ
Franco Taverna, senior lecturer, human biology program, ��Ƶ
Edmond Young, associate professor, mechanical and industrial engineering, ��Ƶ

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Water for Health: researchers join forces to improve access to safe drinking water

sgupta — Thu, 01 May 2014 13:16:47 +0000

Water for Health: researchers join forces to improve access to safe drinking water sgupta Thu, 05/01/2014 - 09:16

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The Malad Creek at Lokhandwala, Mumbai (photo above by Ravi Khemka via Flickr

Laurie Stephens

Author legacy

Laurie Stephens

Topic

Subheadline

More than 37.7 million people in India affected by disease due to contaminated water

The Indian Government’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Canadian Network Centre of Excellence, IC-IMPACTS, have partnered to create a joint “Water for Health” initiative, supporting collaborative research projects focused on developing and evaluating new technologies in the research areas of water and health.

DBT and IC-IMPACTS will each commit $1.5 million to help strengthen innovative partnerships between researchers working in India and Canada, and to help stimulate practical research outcomes applied in communities of both nations.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Canadian and India researchers to partner on projects which will develop new solutions to ensure access to safe and clean water for communities in both countries,” said Stewart Aitchison (pictured at right), associate director of IC-IMPACTS and professor in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the ��Ƶ.

Access to safe water is a significant issue around the world. In 2013, the World Health Organization reported that 768 million people in the world – about one tenth of the world’s population – do not have access to safe water. In Canada, more than five million people do not have access to a reliable source of clean drinking water and over 37.7 million people in India are affected by water-borne diseases due to contaminated drinking water.

“We are excited and thankful for the opportunity to launch this collaboration,” says Nemy Banthia, chief executive officer and scientific director of IC-IMPACTS and a professor in the Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia. “We hope that the program will lead to technological breakthroughs that will bring safe drinking water to millions.”

IC-IMPACTS, or the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability, is the first Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence established through the Canadian Networks of Centres of Excellence. It brings together a large international team of researchers, industry innovators, community leaders, government agencies, and community organizations from India and Canada, to find solutions to the key challenges that affect the quality of life of millions of people in Indian and Canadian communities.

The “Water for Health” initiative is focused on improving water sources to better the overall health of a community. Through this collaboration, IC-IMPACTS and DBT will specifically fund research in the areas of (1) Monitoring and management of water borne or water related diseases using mobile or networked health technologies; (2) Waste water treatment and impacts on water quality; (3) Water purification biotechnologies; (4) Heavy metals identification using biosensors; and, (5) Sustainable waste-water infrastructure and management using biotechnologies.

Dedicated members at DBT and IC-IMPACTS have been working to create the “Water for Health” initiative since November 2013. Through this partnership, DBT and IC-IMPACTS aim to help strengthen overall research and innovation relationships between Canada and India. By funding collaborative research projects, research experts, industry leaders, and community members from both nations will come together to form practical solutions to greatly improve the health of both Canadian and Indian citizens.

More information regarding the “Water for Health” initiative can be found at http://call-dbt.ic-impacts.com/. Researchers are invited to submit proposals for research funding online at this website from May 1, 2014 to August 1, 2014. Funding decisions will be made no later than December 1, 2014.

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2014 Killam Prize winners: Andreas Mandelis and Sajeev John

sgupta — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:01:37 +0000

2014 Killam Prize winners: Andreas Mandelis and Sajeev John sgupta Wed, 04/09/2014 - 06:01

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2014 Killam Prize winners Andreas Mandelis and Sajeev John

Laurie Stephens

Author legacy

Laurie Stephens

Topic

Faculty of Arts & Science

Research

Subheadline

Manipulating light in different ways to fight disease, improve communications, energy efficiency

Two ��Ƶ researchers – physicist Sajeev John and engineer Andreas Mandelis – have each won a 2014 Killam Prize, one of Canada’s most prestigious scholarly awards.

The Killam Prize recognizes outstanding career achievement by scholars actively engaged in research. Administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, only five prizes are awarded annually and each comes with a $100,000 prize.

Professor John, from the Faculty of Arts and Science, is being recognized for his ground-breaking work on the localization of light and the invention and development of what are known as new Photonic Band Gap (PBG) materials.

“Trapping light fascinated me as student at Harvard,” said John. “No one else believed it was possible at the time, but I felt it was very fundamental and could have major consequences. When the 'photonic band gap' concept dawned in my mind, I realized the dream could come true."

His leading research, in which the flow of light is manipulated in much the same way that electricity is steered through micro-electronic circuits, may enable the development of photonic computers using laser light to carry information instead of electric current. The result? Faster, less expensive and more versatile tools in the computer and telecommunications industries.

Other applications include novel fibres for laser surgery and light-trapping in thin films for efficient solar energy harvesting.

Professor Mandelis combines applied physics and engineering for entirely new applications of lasers in materials science and biomedical engineering. His current research involves creating new tools that use light for the non-invasive diagnosis and management of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

"Being able to do the science is very important to me, while at the same time applying engineering principles and seeing it materialize in new technology for areas that need it, like breast cancer tumour detection,” said Mandelis.

From U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Mandelis is a world leader in the field of diffusion-wave and photo-acoustic sciences. He is also developing more efficient methods of quality control in the manufacturing and use of optoelectronics, metals and coatings.

“Both of these scientists are conducting research that has a clear and very positive impact on society today,” said Professor Paul Young, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation.“By awarding the Killam Prize to Sajeev and Andreas, the Canada Council is recognizing decades of research, innovation and commitment on both their parts.

“This is a great day for them and for U of T.”

John’s theoretical framework for light localization PBG materials was laid out in his Harvard PhD thesis in 1984 and further refined through the conception of PBG materials in 1987 while he was an assistant professor of theoretical physics at Princeton. Theory became reality over the next two decades in major laboratories around the world. After joining U of T in 1989, John began working with U of T chemistry professor Geoffrey Ozin, U of T physicist Henry van Driel and a team of scientists from Spain to build the first self-assembled silicon-based PBG material in 2000. Since then, John and fellow researchers have refined theory and technique to create PBG materials that are easier and cheaper to manufacture.

The field of "photonic crystals" has surpassed all expectations, said John.

“It allows us to tailor the fundamental electromagnetic force. It enables micro-manipulation of laser light for optical computing, trapping of sunlight for thin film solar cells, and localization of light for medical diagnostics and therapy. The future looks bright for the control of light.”

Professor Mandelis’ groundbreaking research puts him at the intersection between the exciting fields of engineering and applied physics – a combination that attracted him because of its wide potential for application. By blending these two research fields, Mandelis and his team are able to see small differences in the human body or manufacturing materials that have gone previously undetected.

“For example, when a tumour starts to grow, it is accompanied by the growth of new blood vessels,” he explained. “Lasers can spot these blood vessels earlier than ultrasound machines because blood absorbs light differently.

“This allows for earlier detection of tumours.”

The director for advanced diffusion-wave technologies in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Mandelis is also cross-appointed to the Institute for Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering and The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.

Previous U of T Killam recipients include computer scientist ��Ƶ, physicist Richard Peltier and linguist Keren Rice.

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��Ƶ joins Harvard, MIT online learning platform

sgupta — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:22:26 +0000

��Ƶ joins Harvard, MIT online learning platform sgupta Thu, 02/21/2013 - 07:22

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Professor Dilip Soman's course on behavioral economics will be offered through edX this fall

Laurie Stephens

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Dalla School of Public Health

The ��Ƶ is joining edX, a US-based platform for massive open online courses that is accessible to students of all ages and means around the world.

“The ��Ƶ is extremely pleased to join edX,” said Cheryl Misak, U of T vice-president and provost. “This is the latest move in our ongoing efforts to provide an opportunity for people worldwide to have access to outstanding educational materials and to enhance the learning experiences of our own students.”

Founded by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, edX is designed to improve education, both online and on campus, while conducting research on how students learn. To date, edX has more than 675,000 subscribers; its goal is to educate one billion people worldwide in the next 10 years.

As a new partner, the ��Ƶ will deliver four courses on the www.edx.org platform in the subject areas of energy, public health, behavioural economics and organizational design. All will be taught by leading U of T scholars.

The four courses U of T will offer on the edX platform in the fall of 2013 are:

• Terrestrial Energy Systems – Professor Bryan Karney, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

• Death 101: Reliable Measurement of the Causes of Death Globally – Professor Prabhat Jha, Dalla Lana School of Public Health

• Behavioral Economics – Professor Dilip Soman, India Innovation Institute, Rotman School of Management

• The Logic of Business: Building Blocks for Organizational Design – Professor Mihnea Moldoveanu, Desautels Centre for Integrative Thinking, Rotman School of Management.

Previously, the edX consortium included the University of California Berkeley, Wellesley College, Georgetown University and the University of Texas System. Joining U of T as new additions Feb. 21, 2013 are: Australian National University, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Rice University, Delft University of Technology and McGill University.

The U of T's participation in edX follows its decision last July to join Coursera, another prominent platform for massive open online courses that was developed by Stanford University. U of T has experienced tremendous success with Coursera, with more than 256,000 students signing up for its seven courses. Read more about Coursera here.

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Three U of T students named 2013 Rhodes Scholars

sgupta — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:27:02 +0000

Three U of T students named 2013 Rhodes Scholars sgupta Tue, 12/04/2012 - 11:27

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Ayodele Odutayo of the Faculty of Medicine, Connor Emdin of the Faculty of Arts & Science and Joanne Cave of the Faculty of Arts & Science

Laurie Stephens

Author legacy

Laurie Stephens

Topic

Faculty of Arts & Science

Global

Top Stories

Three students from the ��Ƶ will pursue post-graduate studies at Oxford University next year after being named Rhodes Scholars for 2013.

The Rhodes Scholarships are among the world’s most prestigious postgraduate awards supporting outstanding all-round students at Oxford. Only 83 students from universities around the world – and 11 from Canada - are chosen each year. The ��Ƶ is the only university in Canada with more than one Rhodes Scholar this year.

The three U of T recipients are: Joanne Cave, studying women and gender studies and sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Science, Woodsworth College; Connor Emdin, studying biochemistry and global health at the Faculty of Arts and Science, Trinity College; and Ayodele Odutayo, studying medicine in the Faculty of Medicine.

“We are very proud of the accomplishments of these three outstanding students," said David Naylor, President of the ��Ƶ. "They show great promise in their fields of study, and are emerging as leaders and innovators in Canadian society and in the global community.”

Cave, a resident of Sherwood Park, Alberta, has been involved in public service since childhood. At 12, she founded and led Ophelia’s Voice, a girls’ leadership organization in Alberta. Recently, she co-founded a network of young non-profit professionals called Connect the Sector. Earlier this year, she won a Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Person's Case for her work for women and girls’ equality. She has done internship work at Ottawa’s Caledon Institute of Social Policy and a women's microfinance NGO in northern India. (Read more about Cave and her reaction to the honour here.)

Emdin, from Toronto, is completing a Bachelor of Science degree at U of T. He is the co-founder of Salt for Survival, a student-run fundraising organization for salt iodization programs. His research interests are focused on increasing access to HIV treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa and using pulse oximetry (non-invasive measurement of oxygen levels in blood) to improve clinical care in low income health centers.At Oxford, he will study the relationship between public policy and health outcomes in developing countries. (Read more about Emdin and his reaction to the honour here.)

Odutayo, from Brampton, Ontario, is a fourth-year medical student who has worked as a research trainee at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. The first 12 years of his life were divided equally between Nigeria and the British Virgin Islands, sparking an interest in how to improve the quality of healthcare both in Canada and internationally. He has served as the co-director of the ��Ƶ International Health Program (UTIHP) and interned at the World Health Organization. (Read more about Odutayo and his reaction to the honour here.)

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Top Canadian, Indian institutions form $30M partnership

sgupta — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:28:23 +0000

Top Canadian, Indian institutions form $30M partnership sgupta Mon, 11/05/2012 - 11:28

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The Public Health Disease Prevention and Treatment research program, led by Professor Lakshmi Kotra, will monitor drug resistance in malaria and fungal infections and develop new treatments to control the spread of resistance (Bigstock image)

Laurie Stephens

Author legacy

Laurie Stephens

Topic

Subheadline

Improving water and infrastructure safety, eradicating diseases

Scientists from the University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, ��Ƶ and 11 leading institutions in India are joining forces to tackle urgent issues in both countries with a $30-million partnership.

Supported by the Canadian government and state and industry partners in India, the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability, or IC-IMPACTS, will focus on water safety, disease prevention and treatment, and the development of safe and sustainable civil infrastructure. It will also support new technology spin-offs and the training of more than 700 students and researchers.

Through the development, deployment and commercialization of new technologies, and the training and exchange of students and researchers, IC-IMPACTS is expected to generate economic benefits for both nations while building research capacity and solving issues of importance to both countries.

The partnership was formally launched today in New Delhi by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who was joined by UBC President Stephen Toope, U of T President David Naylor and U of A Vice-President (Research) Lorne Babiuk.

Hosted at UBC with the full partnership of U of T and U of A, IC-IMPACTS’s research programs will be led by three world-renowned Canadian scientists. Partner communities in India and Canada are being identified as collaborators and early adopters of new technologies. The three inter-connected research programs are:

The Sustainable and Safe Infrastructure research program, led by IC-IMPACTS Scientific Director and UBC Civil Engineering Professor Nemy Banthia, will develop new tools to assess the condition of aging concrete structures and develop low-cost, cement-based building materials reinforced with fibre from agricultural waste.

The Integrated Water Management research program, led by U of A Mechanical Engineering Prof. Sushanta Mitra, will develop, test and implement new technologies to monitor water quality and treat potable and waste water.

The Public Health Disease Prevention and Treatment research program, led by U of T Pharmacy Professor Lakshmi Kotra, will monitor drug resistance in malaria and fungal infections, and develop new treatments to control the spread of resistance in infectious diseases.

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U of T Canada's leading university in major global ranking

sgupta — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:02:06 +0000

U of T Canada's leading university in major global ranking sgupta Wed, 10/03/2012 - 12:02

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Students stroll the downtown campus of the ��Ƶ (photo by Caz Zyvatkauskas)

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The ��Ƶ’s academic and research performance ranks among the best in the world – and is the best in Canada – in a prestigious international ranking released this week.

The Times Higher Education (THE) report rated the University 21st overall in its rankings, which measure the institutional excellence of the world’s top 200 universities in research, teaching and knowledge transfer. Three Canadian universities placed in the top 50 in the THE’s ranking, and eight in the top 200 world-wide.

“This year there has been very strong upward movement from universities across Asia Pacific, as governments in the region focus heavily on building world class universities, backed with very strong investment,” said Phil Baty, editor of the Times Higher Education Rankings. “In this context, many western universities, particularly in North America, have suffered. Many have fallen significantly down the world university rankings this year.

“So in the context of intense competition from the East, Toronto has done very well to hold relatively firmly onto a spot very much up there among the world’s absolute elite. It is particularly impressive that Toronto has cemented its place as number one in Canada – widening the gap on its national competitors.”

The THE report is the latest instalment in an international rankings season that has consistently placed U of T among the world’s top universities. In August, the prestigious Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Academic Ranking of World Universities put U of T first in Canada and 27th in the world.

And, in a report that ranked U of T 19th in the world, QS World University Rankings placed U of T first in Canada in academic reputation in all five subject areas it measures: arts and humanities; natural sciences; life sciences and biomedicine; engineering and IT; and, social sciences.

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��Ƶ launches new centre to support commercialization of research

sgupta — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:58:21 +0000

��Ƶ launches new centre to support commercialization of research sgupta Wed, 09/19/2012 - 06:58

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Wess Lovell, a senior process developer at Vive Crop Protection, one of the companies in the newly opened Banting and Best Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (photo by Jon Horvatin)

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The ��Ƶ today launched the Banting and Best Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a new pre-incubation hub for discovery, innovation and commercialization.

Located in the historic Banting and Best buildings on College Street in downtown Toronto, the Centre provides business mentorship opportunities and cross-disciplinary collaborations for U of T faculty and students developing early-stage enterprises and spin-off companies.

Strategically located across the street from the MaRS Discovery District, a powerful resource and already home to many U of T start-ups, tenants in the Centre will benefit from the connections they can make with colleagues in MaRS, the University and other entrepreneurs at Banting and Best.

The launch and tour of the new Centre was attended by the Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, and U of T President David Naylor.

“In Ontario we are committed to strengthening our economy through innovation,” said Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid. “We’re proud to have postsecondary institutions like the ��Ƶ helping students turn their discoveries into high-growth companies and jobs.”

“The ��Ƶ, together with our partner hospitals, is the engine of Canada’s buzzing start-up and entrepreneurial capital,” added U of T President David Naylor. “In the past four years, over 70 new companies have emerged from U of T alone – and this number is poised to grow as the University’s new incubation space in the repurposed Banting and Best buildings comes online.

“It is fitting, since Banting and Best were integral to one of Canada’s greatest innovations.”

The Banting and Best buildings were originally constructed to provide a venue for U of T researchers to work with partner hospitals on research inspired by one of the landmark discoveries in the history of human health – the discovery of insulin.

With 50,000 square feet of space, the buildings are now a place where U of T’s faculty, students and partner hospitals focused on research commercialization can turn their discoveries into products and services that improve people’s lives. The private sector companies in the Banting and Best Centre already employ 63 staff.

Professor Cynthia Goh, Director of IOS, said the Banting and Best Centre addresses a long-standing need at the University.

“As these storied buildings attest, the ��Ƶ has always had a rich history of innovation,” she said. “Now we have a space dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, a space that brings all the right people to the table to take discovery to the next level.”

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��Ƶ leads Canada in latest rankings report

sgupta — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:36:04 +0000

��Ƶ leads Canada in latest rankings report sgupta Wed, 08/15/2012 - 06:36

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U of T continues to lead Canada in the Shanghai Jiao Tong rankings (photo by U of T News)

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Top Stories

Rankings

The ��Ƶ’s strong academic and research performance continues to rank among the best in the world – and the best in Canada – in the prestigious Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s annual Academic Ranking of World Universities report.

U of T ranked 27th, the best of any Canadian university, in the report which analyses the top universities worldwide on research output, the quality of faculty and the quality of education.

The University also fared well in Shanghai’s ranking by field and by individual subject. In particular, U of T finished 10th in the world in the subject of Computer Science and 13th internationally in the field of Engineering, Technology and Computer Sciences.

Shanghai Jiao Tong ranks universities by measuring several indicators of academic or research performance. These include: alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals; highly cited researchers; articles published in Nature and Science; articles indexed in major citation indices, and the per capita academic performance of an institution.

Harvard University was the top university in the rankings this year.

Since Shanghai Jiao Tong’s rankings began in 2003, U of T has consistently ranked in the top 30 of the world’s best universities and has consistently been the top Canadian performer.

Full results of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University rankings can be found at: http://www.arwu.org/

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