Mariam Matti

How did she do it? Three questions with U of T grad who speaks 11 languages

mattimar — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 20:31:59 +0000

How did she do it? Three questions with U of T grad who speaks 11 languages

mattimar Wed, 10/30/2024 - 16:31

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Originally from Malaysia, Xin Yi Lim is graduating from U of T with a master’s in Hispanic linguistics with a collaborative specialization in diaspora and transnational studies from the department of Spanish and Portuguese (photo by Nicole In)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Global Lens

Convocation 2024

Spanish & Portuguese

Faculty of Arts & Science

Global

Graduate Students

Subheadline

“My brain works in different channels … I’ve developed resources, tools and mechanism to prevent cross-linguistic contamination”

Xin Yi Lim arrived at the ��Ƶ in 2019 with plans to become a cardiac surgeon, but she has since achieved a feat many would consider equally daunting: learning to speak 11 languages.

After shifting her focus during her undergrad, Lim is set to graduate from U of T this week with a master’s in Hispanic linguistics with a collaborative specialization in diaspora and transnational studies from the department of Spanish and Portuguese in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Originally from Malaysia, Lim says she fell in love with Toronto’s diverse community and hopes to continue living in the city. Following fall convocation, she hopes to pursue a career that combines her passions for graphic design and languages.

“I wish to work in a capacity where I can converse and capitalize on all these skills I have amassed over the years,” says Lim, who also earned her bachelor’s degree from U of T and is considered a hyperpolyglot – the term generally used to describe someone who can speak more than five languages.

“I’d love to continue making meaningful connections with people and touching the hearts of others by learning their culture and language.”

In the near term, Lim is eager to find opportunities in entertainment – perhaps with Disney on Ice or Royal Caribbean Cruises – to showcase her figure skating skills. She competed with the Malaysian junior national figure skating team and was a member of U of T’s Varsity training squad.

As she prepares to embark on a new chapter, Lim spoke with U of T News about how she learned so many languages, her university experience and, of course, what language she plans to tackle next.

How did you learn all these languages?

I will give a lot of credit to my home country of Malaysia. Growing up with five languages in my household built my brain to absorb different languages.

My brain works in different channels and compartments. With a photographic memory, learning languages is like translating these photographs in my head into these mental compartments.

Due to my perfectionism in linguistics and eagerness to not make mistakes, I’ve developed resources, tools and mechanism to prevent cross-linguistic contamination. For languages that are in similar linguistic families – like Portuguese, French, Italian and Spanish – I created mechanisms for active recall to help me avoid mixing them up while speaking.

How has studying at U of T shaped your path?

I came to U of T wanting to become a cardiac surgeon and now I have 11 languages under my belt. After my third semester of doing life sciences, I quickly found my love for linguistics and political activism.

I had to take political science and social science – and if I had never taken these courses, I wouldn’t have known I was so passionate about diaspora studies, transnational studies, anthropology or sociology.

That’s one thing about U of T that I really appreciate. Some may complain about its academic rigour, but I think it worked out in my favour. The well-rounded education I received here is hard to find in other institutions in Canada.

Being at U of T has enriched and amplified my experience in language and my love for different cultures. I took Italian in my second year and Turkish in my third year. In my final year, I had some wiggle room for more electives. So, I decided to take Portuguese for Spanish speakers, which was so super, super helpful. Then I took French and Swahili.

I believe the selection of different languages at U of T offers a great plethora of knowledge and I want to keep that going.

If you could instantly become fluent in one language, which one would it be?

Arabic is incredibly difficult to learn. I would really like to master this language – hopefully soon.

I also want to learn Greek, Albanian and Armenian, seeing as there is a huge population of these three ethnic groups in Toronto and I want to be able to connect with those cultures.

The man behind the music: U of T’s official organist retires after 45 years

lanthierj — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:58:13 +0000

The man behind the music: U of T’s official organist retires after 45 years

lanthierj Tue, 10/29/2024 - 13:58

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John Tuttle, who was first appointed U of T’s university organist in 1979, began playing the piano at age five and took up the organ at age 15 (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Topic

Subheadline

Playing as many as 44 convocation ceremonies a year, John Tuttle has become well acquainted with the century-old pipe organ in U of T's Convocation Hall

After nearly a half century behind the pipes, the ��Ƶ’s official organist is preparing to play his final graduation ceremony in Convocation Hall – and admits to still feeling nervous, depending on what he plans to play.

That’s because John Tuttle, who is retiring after 45 years, carefully selects the pieces for each ceremony, balancing familiar marches such as Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance with more challenging repertoire.

He says he wants to expose the audience to a wide variety of music.

“I have no idea whether anybody hears it or not,” says Tuttle, who was first appointed university organist in 1979. “Sometimes the talking is so deafening in the place … then afterwards somebody comes up and says, ‘I really enjoyed the Franck or the Bach’, so I guess some of it gets through the chatter.”

Tuttle says patience is required when learning to play the towering pipe organ in U of T's Convocation Hall (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Tuttle begins playing approximately a half hour before each ceremony starts. When the last graduate crosses the stage, he returns to his bench to play Canada’s national anthem. He then often opts for a loud and boisterous symphonic-style organ piece as the crowd exits Convocation Hall.

Tuttle estimates that he’s played 1,500 convocation ceremonies, which U of T holds every spring and fall, and says he is grateful for the opportunities the university has provided.

@uoft The man behind the music: #UofT’s official organist John Tuttle is retiring after 45 years this #UofTGrad24 Read the full story via the link in our bio or at uoft.me/b0M. #organist #convocation @U of T Student Life @uoftmississauga @U of T Scarborough @Hart House ♬ original sound - ��Ƶ

He was an adjunct associate professor of organ at the Faculty of Music, conducted the Hart House Chorus from 1985 to 2005 and directed music at Trinity College from 2005 to 2020.

He’s also mentored many students who have gone on to have successful international careers.

“I had letters from people that were in the choir [at Trinity College] that said it grounded their experience at the university,” he says. “I had a chance to work with people across the university – from students to staff to professors – and that has been a great experience.”

Tuttle’s passion for music began early on. He began playing the piano at age five and took up the organ at age 15 after hearing it being played at church, leaving him fascinated with the instrument. His church’s organist provided Tuttle with free lessons in exchange for playing the piano at choir rehearsals – an act of generosity that shaped Tuttle’s teaching philosophy. Over the years, he has offered lessons to students with financial constraints.

“I love the repertoire. I’m very interested in good music in church,” he says. “When I can further that effort with somebody who gets excited about that idea, I find that quite gratifying.”

Tuttle recalls the first convocation speech he heard in 1979 – by honorary degree recipient Donald Coxeter, who had joined U of T’s department of mathematics in 1936.

Donald Coxeter (photo courtesy of ��Ƶ Archives)

“I remember him saying, ‘I want to thank the university for paying me all these years for something I was probably going to do anyway,’” he says. “I modeled my career after that. Most of the things I do, I wanted to do. That was a significant convocation for me.”

He says memorable ceremonies included those attended by former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, classical pianist Angela Hewitt and jazz pianist Oscar Peterson – all U of T honorary degree recipients.

Over the years, Tuttle has become well-acquainted with the organ in Convocation Hall and the challenges of maintaining it. Built in 1912, the organ has undergone several modifications and requires constant care.

“It’s a love-hate relationship,” he says.

“Every once in a while, it makes a sound that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It’s not an exact science.”

Tuttle notes that playing the organ requires strong, but flexible hands to sustain notes, as well as a unique co-ordination of hands and feet – making it different than the piano, which he played until his mid-teens.

Tuttle watches, middle row, first from left, as Oscar Peterson plays the piano during his honorary degree ceremony in 1985 (photo courtesy of the ��Ƶ Archives)

“It’s a different technique,” he says, contrasting the piano’s subtle touch with the organ’s more mechanical nature.

“With the organ, you’re touching a key, and the valve opens, and the air goes in, and it goes in the same way every time – whether you strike it fast or slowly. The only real control you have is over the length of the note and you can make some notes legato and some notes shorter.”

His advice to students who want to learn the instrument: “Be patient … because you have to work to great detail.”

Angela Hewitt’s 2009 honorary degree ceremony, with Tuttle in the background to the right of the organ (photo by Lisa Sakulensky)

Retirement is bittersweet for Tuttle. While he still loves music, he says he no longer feels like he can perform at the level he once did.

“When you get to this age, you know that many more things are going to go wrong than they did 10 or 20 years ago,” he says.

As for his future plans, he hopes to continue teaching privately.

“I don’t think I’ve ever gotten rich teaching the organ, but it’s been rich in other ways.”

From AI to Atari: What it's like to work with Nobel Prize-winner ��Ƶ

mattimar — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:13:56 +0000

From AI to Atari: What it's like to work with Nobel Prize-winner ��Ƶ

mattimar Fri, 10/25/2024 - 10:13

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From left: Chris Maddison, Nick Frosst and Kevin Swersky at a recent event celebrating U of T University Professor Emeritus ��Ƶ's 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Our Community

Alumni

Artificial Intelligence

Computer Science

Faculty of Arts & Science

��Ƶ

Nobel Prize

Statistical Sciences

Subheadline

Three former students who worked with the "godfather of AI" recall his passionate and playful approach to research

In the wake of ��Ƶ’s 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, former students and colleagues from the ��Ƶ are sharing their favourite anecdotes about the “godfather of AI” – including one involving the classic Atari video game Asteroids.

Nick Frosst (photo by Nina Haikara)

Nick Frosst, a U of T alumnus and co-founder of generative AI startup Cohere, said Hinton, University Professor Emeritus of computer science, once spoke of an intense, button-mashing session that left him with nerve damage.

“This kind of explains, perhaps, the way in which he types, which is still two fingers at a time,” said Frosst, who began working with Hinton as a U of T undergraduate student and was his first employee at Google Brain.

He shared the story at a recent event hosted by the department of computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, saying it offered a telling glimpse into Hinton’s character.

“It’s that fever-pitched intensity, passion and playfulness that he brings to everything … He found something that was fun and engaging and he played it until it damaged a finger and then he continued to push for it.”

Frosst said he also appreciates Hinton’s thoughtful consideration about the potential negative consequences of the revolutionary technology he helped create and praised him for looking past formal qualifications to spot potential and creativity.

“I don't have a master's degree or a PhD, but he was willing to work with me and I saw that in the types of people he brought into Google Brain to work with him,” Frosst said.

“He took lots of chances on people and gave them the time of day once they were there. And for that, I'll always be thankful and deeply privileged, and honoured, to have him in my life.”

Other former students at U of T tell similar stories.

Chris Maddison (supplied image)

Chris Maddison, now an assistant professor in U of T’s departments of computer science and statistical sciences in the Faculty of Arts & Science, was also an undergraduate student when he started working with Hinton in 2011.

He also painted a picture of Hinton’s vibrant office – where everyone knew when he had a new idea.

“The excitement, the joy radiated out of his office down the hall. The air was buzzing with possibility,” said Maddison. “He was famous for bursting into a room and pronouncing that, he now finally, after all these years, understood how the brain worked.”

Kevin Swersky (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Kevin Swersky, a research scientist at Google DeepMind, worked with Hinton as a graduate student at U of T and similarly described visiting Hinton as a memorable academic experience.

“Normally when you go to a supervisor's office, you give them a progress update. You go through what your latest results are, you talk about a couple of your ideas and you get some feedback,” he said.

“Going to Geoff’s office was a completely different story. He would be telling you what his latest idea was. He would show you his latest results. And his whole thing was just that he was really excited about it, and his hope was to inspire you enough to start running with it.”

He added that he was particularly inspired by Hinton’s focus on small, solvable puzzles that would ultimately lead to significant breakthroughs over time.

“Geoff would think completely intuitively – like the universe was a puzzle and he was just kind of figuring out where all the pieces went, and the math would always follow whatever he was talking about,” he said.

He also remarked on Hinton’s kindness.

“He offered to put me up for a few weeks,” he said of a time when he found himself looking for a place to stay in Toronto. “He offered to go and get dishes. I was thinking to myself, ‘Wow, Geoff Hinton wants to go out shopping for dishes for me so that I can be comfortable for a few weeks.’”

��Ƶ shakes hand at a recent U of T event celebrating his Nobel Prize (photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

Frosst, too, has a Hinton home-making story: the AI luminary built him a desk from scratch.

“He's a carpenter,” Frosst said. “It’s a small wooden desk that fits in the corner of my room at home.

“That's where I keep my computer and work from.”

Congratulations Class of 2024! U of T prepares to celebrate graduates at fall convocation

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:02:24 +0000

Congratulations Class of 2024! U of T prepares to celebrate graduates at fall convocation Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 10/23/2024 - 12:02

Topic

Subheadline

More than 4,000 students are expected to attend ceremonies in Convocation Hall between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1 - while more than 5,000 students are expected to graduate in total

The autumn air at the ��Ƶ is filled with excitement as students prepare to don hoods and gowns to cross the stage at Convocation Hall, marking the end of an academic journey and beginning of a new chapter.

Between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1, more than 5,700 students will graduate from U of T, with more than 4,000 of them expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall during 10 scheduled ceremonies.

Students graduating this fall represent 77 countries, including Canada, and range in age from 18 to 77. By the conclusion of the final ceremony, more than 21,500 students from across U of T’s three campuses will have graduated this year – and most of them began their studies just as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold.

“On behalf of the ��Ƶ, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the members of the Class of 2024,” said U of T President Meric Gertler. “You have persevered in the face of an extraordinary challenge – and the strength, creativity and determination you have shown in your pursuit of excellence have inspired all of us.”

Throughout this week, staff and faculty will be putting the final touches on preparations, checking the printed parchments and placing them into envelopes, and readying Convocation Hall for the arrival of graduating students and their guests – up to two family members or friends per student. The convocation readers, meanwhile, will be practising and preparing to read aloud the names of each student who crosses the stage.

Fall convocation kicks off with the Faculty of Arts & Science on Oct. 28, with the installation of the new chancellor – Wes Hall. At the morning ceremony on Nov. 1, students from the School of Graduate Studies, the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, and the Faculty of Arts & Science will be joined by honorary degree recipient Jane Corkin, an internationally renowned gallerist.

The ceremonies wrap up on Nov. 1 with U of T Mississauga students the last to cross the stage, for what will mark the final convocation ceremony for John Tuttle, who is retiring after serving as the official organist for the university for 45 years.

All ceremonies will be livestreamed throughout the week on U of T’s Convocation Hub with archived versions of each ceremony available for later viewing. Viewers in mainland China can watch the broadcasts on MyMedia a day or two after the original ceremony date.

The ceremonies will feature numerous traditions, some dating back more than a century. They include colourful hoods and flowing gowns, a bedel carrying U of T’s gold-plated mace, a 51-bell carillon ringing out from atop Soldiers’ Tower, and the chancellor’s procession.

The procession will be led by an Eagle Feather Bearer carrying a ceremonial Eagle Feather – a tradition that symbolizes the university’s deep respect for Indigenous Peoples and cultural traditions and was first introduced to U of T’s convocation ceremonies in spring 2022.

The beaded stole worn by the Eagle Feather Bearer, which symbolizes the enduring partnership between the university and Indigenous Peoples, made its inaugural appearance in convocation ceremonies this past spring.

Throughout the week, the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship will serve as the main hub for students before the ceremonies, with graduands collecting their gown and hood from the lobby of the building. At Alumni Plaza outside Convocation Hall, there will be designated gathering spaces for graduates and their guests, as well as pin giveaways and contest draws. Diploma and portrait framing services and a photobooth will be available at the U of T Bookstore. More information is available in a list of FAQs on the Convocation Hub.

Chancellor Hall expressed his enthusiasm at presiding over convocation for the first time in his new role.

“I’m excited to confer the degrees and to see the joy on the graduates’ faces as they cross the stage,” he said. “It’s a tremendous honour and privilege.

“On behalf of the university community, I want to congratulate each and every member of the Class of 2024 for achieving this important milestone. I’m immensely proud and I can’t wait to see what they will accomplish in their lives and careers.”

U of T ranked 21st globally in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:23:26 +0000

U of T ranked 21st globally in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:23

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(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Times Higher Education

Subheadline

Among public universities, U of T ranked third in North America and 10th in the world

The ��Ƶ has once again secured its position as a leading global institution in higher education, maintaining its rank of 21^st in the world in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

In addition to being the top-ranked university in Canada, U of T ranked third among public universities in North America and 10^th among public universities globally – again, the same as the previous year.

It also ranked 16^th overall in Times Higher Education’s “research environment” pillar.

“This closely watched international ranking underscores the ��Ƶ’s excellence in research and teaching in an increasingly competitive sector,” said U of T President Meric Gertler.

“It also reflects the ongoing impact of the university’s scholars and researchers, whose contributions draw exceptional students and faculty from around the world to our three campuses.”

In the 2025 edition of its annual ranking, Times Higher Education evaluated 2,092 research-intensive universities from 115 countries and territories. That’s 185 new entries when compared to last year.

The ranking assesses schools across five broad pillars: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook. It draws from data sources that include 157 million citations, 18 million research publications and survey responses from more than 93,000 scholars worldwide.

The top five universities in the ranking this year were: University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Princeton University and University of Cambridge.

Other Canadian schools in the top 100 were: University of British Columbia (41^st) and McGill University (45^th).

Overall, U of T continues to be the highest-ranked Canadian university and one of the top-ranked public universities in the five most closely watched international rankings: Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities and National Taiwan University World University Rankings.

Congratulations pour in for ��Ƶ after Nobel win

mattimar — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:43:16 +0000

Congratulations pour in for ��Ƶ after Nobel win

mattimar Tue, 10/08/2024 - 15:43

Cutline

(Photo by Johnny Guatto/��Ƶ)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Our Community

Alumni

Artificial Intelligence

Computer Science

Faculty of Arts & Science

University Health Network

Vector Institute

Subheadline

“You always knew when Geoff had a new idea. The excitement, the joy radiated out of his office down the hall. The air was buzzing with possibility"

Reactions to ��Ƶ’s Nobel Prize win began almost immediately after it was announced Tuesday morning.

Known as the “godfather of AI,” the University Professor Emeritus of computer science at the ��Ƶ shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with John J. Hopfield of Princeton University for groundbreaking work that laid the foundation for machine learning using artificial neural networks.

U of T’s ��Ƶ and Princeton’s John J. Hopfield are pictured during the announcement for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics (photo by Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images)

At U of T, students, faculty and staff gathered at an event hosted by the department of computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, which Hinton joined as a professor in 1987.

Those in attendance described a revered and beloved figure, citing Hinton’s determination, playful approach to research and excitement for new ideas.

"I really don’t think there’s anyone more deserving of this recognition," said Chris Maddison, assistant professor in U of T’s departments of computer science and statistical sciences, and one of Hinton’s former students.

"Geoff was a fantastic adviser. He worked really, really hard to remove the barriers for his students and he was laser focused on ideas and building his own understanding."

Hinton also received congratulations from universities and other research organizations around the world, including the Royal Society, the Alan Turing Institute and Cambridge University, Hinton’s alma mater.

Meanwhile, friends, colleagues and leaders in politics and business took to social media to express their congratulations for Hinton’s remarkable achievement.

Here’s a snapshot of what some of them said:

From left: Melanie Woodin, Chris Maddison, Nick Frosst, Kevin Swersky and Eyal de Lara (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“Congratulations to ��Ƶ on this fantastic recognition which is a testament to the importance of supporting basic research and the long journey that can lead to profound discoveries like deep learning that forever change our world. Hinton's phenomenal work has seeded new and innovative research by his former students and many around the world who are using AI to solve global challenges in areas like medicine and climate change.“

– Leah Cowen, vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives at U of T

“I would say his approach to science has stuck with me. Everything I know about how to do science, I mostly learned from him. It's his curiosity and playfulness ... that has been most impactful. I would also say his thoughtfulness, thinking about the consequence of the technology and how it affects society is something that we have taken seriously at Cohere as well.”

– Nick Frosst, U of T alumnus and co-founder of Cohere

“You always knew when Geoff had a new idea. The excitement, the joy radiated out of his office down the hall. The air was buzzing with possibility. He was famous for bursting into a room and pronouncing that, he now finally, after all these years, understood how the brain worked. Above all, he understood that research was a human endeavor. Research is really hard. It becomes personal. It's intertwined with tragedies and compromises. I saw him go through some of his own when I was a student in the group, and I went through my own. I remember when I was going through some health challenges, I went to him and I said, 'Geoff, sometimes it's really hard to go on.’ And he looked at me and he said, ’But we're not going to let that slow us down, will we?’"

– Chris Maddison, assistant professor in U of T’s departments of computer science and statistical sciences, Faculty of Arts & Science

U of T is the only computer science department with a Nobel Prize winner, says Professor Michael Brudno (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate an award for somebody who has made huge contributions – obviously in AI broadly, [and] to this department. No other computer science department can say that they have a Nobel Laureate. But I think beyond that, it really goes back to show how the birthplace of modern AI is Toronto, how this is the place where it all started and how it's upon us as the AI faculty in this department to continue this legacy.”

– Michael Brudno, professor in U of T’s department of computer science, acting vice-dean, graduate education in Faculty of Arts & Science, a chief data scientist at University Health Network and a faculty member at the Vector Institute

��Ƶ shares a laugh with fellow AI researcher Raquel Urtasun, left, at the Vector Institute’s opening in 2017 (photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

"Geoff is the most influential person in AI, and our field would certainly not be the same without his immense contributions. He is also a tremendous educator, and has mentored many students and postdocs who have gone on to become very influential in the field of AI. Geoff cares deeply about the Toronto and Canadian ecosystem and was the driving force in the formation of the Vector Institute, which we co-founded together. Through our time as colleagues at the ��Ƶ, I've deeply admired his commitment to the advancement of AI for good. This recognition is well-deserved and acknowledges his decades of work leading AI innovation and building the foundation for the AI revolution that is happening today.”

– Raquel Urtasun, professor in U of T’s department of computer science, faculty member and co-founder at the Vector Institute, founder and CEO of Waabi

“I was the first to call Geoff Hinton “Godfather of Deep Learning,” which later became “Godfather of AI.” Thrilled to see him win the Nobel prize together with John Hopfield for AI. Congrats @geoffreyhinton.”

– Andrew Ng, co-founder of Coursera, founder GoogleBrain, former chief scientist at Baidu

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with ��Ƶ at a 2019 event (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

“Dr. Hinton is a stalwart in his field. Celebrated as one of the ‘Godfathers of AI’, he brings decades of leading expertise in AI research as a Professor Emeritus at the ��Ƶ’s Department of Computer Science, and the current Chief Scientific Advisor at the Vector Institute in Toronto – one of our three national AI institutes. Dr. Hinton is also an outspoken advocate for the responsible development and adoption of AI, educating the world about the benefits and challenges this technology poses.

“Canada is at the forefront of AI technology thanks to trailblazers like Dr. Hinton. His curiosity for discovery and contributions to innovation will inspire generations to come. On behalf of all Canadians, I congratulate him on his remarkable achievement.”

– Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

A.M. Turing Award winners Yann LeCun, left, Yoshua Bengio, middle, and ��Ƶ at an AI summit in Montreal (photo courtesy of RE•WORK)

"@HopfieldJohn and @geoffreyhinton, along with collaborators, have created a beautiful and insightful bridge between physics and AI. They invented neural networks that were not only inspired by the brain, but also by central notions in physics such as energy, temperature, system dynamics, energy barriers, the role of randomness and noise, connecting the local properties, e.g., of atoms or neurons, to global ones like entropy and attractors. And they went beyond the physics to show how these ideas could give rise to memory, learning and generative models; concepts which are still at the forefront of modern AI research. Their ideas inspired me so profoundly that I decided to choose learning in neural networks for my own research as a graduate student. They motivated me to look for abstract principles that could be as simple as the laws of physics, but could explain biological as well as artificial intelligence. I'm truly delighted for them and for our field."

– Yoshua Bengio, professor at Université de Montréal and co-winner of the A.M Turing Award with ��Ƶ and Yann LeCun

“It was the first thing I saw in the morning. I opened my phone, and it was the headline of The New York Times and I was like, ‘Yes!’ I was very excited. I saw his perseverance – he always goes with what he believes, not what the flow is – and it's quite inspirational for me. That’s what I look for, especially in the health care area. I want to do something meaningful, something big.”

–Tina Behrouzi, second year PhD student in U of T’s department of computer science

��Ƶ poses with graduate students Ilya Sutskever, left, and Alex Krizhevsky, right, in 2013 (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“Congratulations to @geoffreyhinton for winning the Nobel Prize in physics!!”

– Ilya Sutskever, U of T alumnus, co-founder of OpenAI and co-founder and chief scientist at Safe Superintelligence

“Going to Geoff’s office was always fun. Normally when you go to a supervisor's office, you give them a progress update. You go through what your latest results are, you talk about a couple of your ideas and you get some feedback. Going to Geoff’s office was a completely different story. He would be telling you what his latest idea was. He would show you his latest results. And his whole thing was just that he was really excited about it, and his hope was to inspire you enough to start running with it.”

– Kevin Swersky, U of T alumnus and research scientist at Google DeepMind

“[Hinton's] pioneering research at the ��Ƶ not only revolutionized the field of AI but has also been instrumental in establishing Canada as a global powerhouse in AI research and innovation."

– Tony Gaffney, president and CEO of the Vector Institute

Fei-Fei Li and ��Ƶ speak at a 2023 event in Toronto (photo by Polina Teif)

“This is beyond exciting! #AI’s far reaching impact is just beginning.”

– Fei-Fei Li, professor of computer science at Stanford University and co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute

“Congratulations to @geoffreyhinton, University Professor Emeritus at@UofT, on winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics! Widely regarded as the “godfather of AI,” Hinton’s pioneering work in artificial neural networks has transformed the global AI landscape. Dr. Hinton’s achievement highlights the best of #Ontario’s world-class talent and thriving AI ecosystem, driving innovation and shaping the future of critical #technology!

– Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s minister of economic development, job creation and trade

"On behalf of the Department and the University, we are very proud to acknowledge Geoff's global achievements and this international recognition. His contributions to machine learning and artificial intelligence have benefited virtually every discipline in science, engineering, social sciences and medicine. As we celebrate the department’s 60th anniversary, this award embodies six decades of impact and innovation in computer science and technology.”

– Eyal de Lara, professor and chair of U of T’s department of computer science, Faculty of Arts & Science

“Heartfelt congratulations to Geoff Hinton @geoffreyhinton on winning the Nobel Prize! What an incredible honor! I feel deeply privileged to have had the opportunity to be your PhD student, work with you, and learn from you.”

– Russ Salakhutdinov, professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University

Hinton approached his research with an “almost childlike playfulness,” says Graduate student Ujan Sen (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“Waking up today, seeing that news, just motivates me even more and reaffirms the decision that coming to U of T was the absolutely the best decision I could have taken. I think one of the people who had previously worked with him mentioned something along the lines of: Geoff didn't really care too much about pedigree. He cared about ideas, regardless if you have a master's or PhD. And the way he approached his research and the almost childlike playfulness and innocence he had with sort of getting to the answer is something that I really resonate with.”

– Ujan Sen, master’s student in U of T’s department of computer science, Faculty of Arts & Science

"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. ��Ƶ on winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. His groundbreaking work in machine learning has made Canada world-renowned in the field of AI. He is a true inspiration for the next generation of Canadian researchers!"

– François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry

“I’m originally a chemist. It was a surprising thing for me that a Nobel Prize is being awarded to a computer scientist. This is a big moment for computer science. I think it will bring recognition to physics-based approaches and core thinking.

“I think it’s great that some universities like U of T are willing to believe in crazy ideas. People need to encourage outside-the-box thinking.”

– Ella Rajaonson, PhD student in the Matter Lab with U of T professor Alán Aspuru-Guzik

“Congratulations!”

– Olivia Chow, mayor of Toronto

U of T community commemorates Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

mattimar — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:32:22 +0000

U of T community commemorates Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

mattimar Mon, 09/30/2024 - 11:32

Cutline

Attendees wear orange shirts during a U of T tri-campus event, held at Hart House, to mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (photo by Polina Teif)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Our Community

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Subheadline

“Reconciliation cannot be an afterthought”

Shirley Cheechoo doesn’t want to be recognized as a residential school survivor, a term commonly used to describe Indigenous Peoples who were subjected to Canada’s horrific residential school system.

“We should be identified as residential school warriors,” said the Cree actor, artist, filmmaker and founder of Weengushk Film Institute.

“Calling us warriors, you empower us. You empower our children and you empower communities across the country.”

Shirley Cheechoo, Cree actor, artist, filmmaker and founder of Weengushk Film Institute, shared the horrors and abuse she endured in Canada’s residential school system (photo by Polina Teif)

Cheechoo delivered the keynote address at a ��Ƶ event to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The tri-campus event, held at Hart House on the St. George campus, was streamed live on YouTube.

She shared the horrors and abuse she endured after being kidnapped from her parents at age six and placed in a residential school. With a long-standing passion for working with young people, Cheechoo encouraged universities like U of T to partner with Indigenous leaders to fund and support Indigenous students and youth.

Jay-Daniel Baghbanan, a student at the Faculty of Music and vice-president of student life at the faculty’s undergraduate association, said “Reconciliation cannot be an afterthought” (photo by Polina Teif)

Benji Jacob, a fourth-year psychology student from U of T Mississauga, introduced Cheechoo at the event, while Jay-Daniel Baghbanan, a student at the Faculty of Music and vice-president of student life at the faculty’s undergraduate association, emphasized the critical nature of the work ahead.

“There are 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. U of T has 34 of their own published,” said Baghbanan. “Reconciliation cannot be an afterthought.”

Benji Jacob, a fourth-year psychology student from U of T Mississauga, was among the speakers at the event (photo by Polina Teif)

Attendees also heard remarks from several U of T leaders, including U of T President Meric Gertler and William Gough, acting vice-president of U of T and acting principal of U of T Scarborough.

President Gertler, for his part, said the U of T community is committed to advancing reconciliation across its three campuses, including by: expanding the presence of Indigenous students, staff, faculty and librarians; incorporating Indigenous content into U of T’s curriculum; supporting Indigenous research programs; and creating physical spaces that honour Indigenous Peoples’ tradition and histories.

Flags were lowered to half-mast across U of T’s three campuses on Sept. 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is formally recognized across Canada.

U of T community members attend the ceremony in Hart House’s Great Hall while others tuned into the livestream (photo by Polina Teif)

Hart House Warden David Kim thanked U of T Mississauga student MJ Singleton for designing the orange shirts worn by many at the U of T event, which depicts a mother holding hands and walking forward with her two children beneath the words “Every child matters.”

After the ceremony, a sacred fire was held for U of T community members at the newly opened Ziibiing, an Indigenous landscape project near Hart House.

U of T President Meric Gertler and Chancellor Wes Hall deliver remarks to attendees in Hart House’s Great Hall (photo by Polina Teif)

Earlier this month, U of T Scarborough hosted a reflective walk for reconciliation from the U of T Scarborough flagpole to the Ma Moosh Ka Win Valley Trail. In addition, Orange Shirt Beading Workshops were held across the three campuses, while U of T Mississauga live-streamed the Hart House event in the Grand Hall at Maanjiwe nendamowinan.

In his closing remarks at Hart House, U of T Chancellor Wes Hall encouraged the audience to continue sharing their stories, no matter how difficult, to ensure we do not repeat the past.

What’s new in food at U of T? Explore new dining options across the three campuses

mattimar — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:26:43 +0000

What’s new in food at U of T? Explore new dining options across the three campuses

mattimar Fri, 09/13/2024 - 13:26

Cutline

Sushi is one of several freshly prepared and culturally diverse dishes that U of T students can indulge in at Food Services locations and retail outlets on the three campuses (photo by Don Campbell)

Topic

Subheadline

From produce grown on campus to dishes inspired by global cuisines, U of T students have a bounty of choice when it comes to food options

The ��Ƶ is introducing a range of new dining experiences across its three campuses this fall.

From late-night bites to authentic dishes and healthy grab-and-go options, there’s never been a better time to chow down on U of T’s three campuses.

Here are just some of the new menu items, concepts and programs that U of T students can expect to find this fall:

U of T Scarborough: New offerings at Harmony Commons

Left: Tony De Gregorio and Todd Wadsworth make gnocchi. Right: A chef at the fresh pasta station (supplied images)

At U of T Scarborough, new additions to the Harmony Commons dining hall offer students fresh, made-to-order options and an enjoyable dining experience.

They include a made-to-order pasta station and self-serve machines that dispense everything from sushi to slushies (with chefs preparing the pasta and sushi behind the scenes).

“We really strive to use fresh and made-to-order ingredients,” says Todd Wadsworth, food services co-ordinator of Food Partnerships at U of T Scarborough.

He adds that the new machines will make the process of serving 1,200 meal-plan students faster and easier.

Students will also benefit from fresh produce grown in the Harmony Commons dining hall across from the salad station – courtesy of Lyrata Inc., a U of T student startup.

The salad station at Harmony Commons dining hall (supplied image)

“It’ll be grown, harvested [inside the dining hall] and flipped over to the kitchen where they’ll wash it and then it will be put out onto the salad station,” says Wadsworth, noting that he and Assistant Director Tony De Gregorio both have culinary backgrounds and are passionate about food.

Upcoming projects include a tri-campus cooking competition and cooking demonstrations in partnership with the culinary programs at Centennial College and George Brown – all of it livestreamed on YouTube.

The guiding principle? “It’s not just a meal plan, it’s an experience,” De Gregorio says.

U of T St. George: Rotating menus and authentic dishes

New concepts on the second floor of Robarts Library include Foodie Finds and Chef's Corner (photo by David Lee)

Robarts Library is no longer just a hub for knowledge, it’s also a place for gastronomic exploration thanks to two new pop-up menu concepts offered by Food Services – Foodie Finds and Chef's Corner, both located on the second floor of the Robarts Library.

Jaco Lokker, U of T’s director of culinary operations and executive chef, says Foodie Finds – which will also be introduced in residences at New College, Campus One and Chestnut – responds to a growing demand for variety and authenticity. “By developing smaller menus and rotating them frequently, we’re able to introduce fresh and culturally diverse foods to our locations,” he says.

The menu at Foodie Finds also features poutine, mac and cheese, tacos, baked potatoes and more, offering students different culinary styles and comfort foods they love.

Chef’s Corner will host pop-up menus inspired by global cuisines, cycling through dishes every two to four weeks.

Lokker says his team is excited to develop menus that explore regions such as Brazil, Peru, Argentina and others by using authentic ingredients that honour the cultural roots of each dish.

“We do a lot of research,” he says.

Meanwhile, Food Services has rolled out a new allergen and food intolerance identifier on its website, making it easier for students and U of T community to make informed dietary choices.

Food Services is also expanding a pilot project called Spaces and Experiences Foodies that will allow students to contribute to the development of future menu items on the St. George campus. Students can find more details on the Food Services website and on their Instagram account.

Students can skip the line by ordering through the Food Services app and at kiosks at the retail food locations to take advantage of the new culinary offerings on campus.

U of T Mississauga: Pizza, sushi and late-night snacks

UTM Davis Building food options (suppplied images)

At U of T Mississauga, the new additions to the campus food scene are convenient, freshly prepared and, of course, delicious.

“In partnership with our food service provider, Dana Hospitality, we are proud to offer our UTM community a variety of menu choices with a focus on being made from scratch and inspired by fresh ingredients from local suppliers and our very own UTM Farm,” says Megan Evans, U of T Mississauga’s assistant director of hospitality operations, Hospitality & Ancillary Services.

The Oscar Café in Colman Commons is introducing the first-ever Rawcy’s Late Night Eats menu, named in honor of U of T Mississauga’s mascot, Rawcy (pronounted “Rocky”) the Eagle, featuring a variety of pub fare and other fan favourites, while over at the Davis Food Court, Fresh Baked out of the Oven now includes more than just pizzas, introducing other options from cheese bread and baked pasta to calzones and dessert pizza.

At the North Side Bistro, a new Italian hot table will serve a variety of hot sandwiches such as eggplant parm, porchetta and meatball – and Roman-style pizza, sold by the square.

For a quick bite, the Fair Trade Café now offers an expanded selection of grab-and-go bakery items including stuffed croissants, pre-made breakfast sandwiches and muffins – all of which can be warmed by staff upon request.

Two other new developments: Ah-So Sushi will now be available at various locations across campus and there is a new Reis & Irvy’s frozen yogurt machine in the Communication, Culture and Technology building.

“With a variety of made-to-order and grab ‘n’ go options available, students and the UTM community are able to choose and customize their dining experience to best suit their needs and schedules,” Evans says, adding that students should also keep their eye out for new food trucks.

These exciting new offerings, coupled with existing Food Services locations and the assortment of branded restaurants, ensure that students on all three U of T campuses have a bounty of choice. As always, students with dietary questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their dining location of interest to discuss their individual needs.

U of T ranked fourth in the world in research-focused NTU World University Rankings

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 15:51:19 +0000

U of T ranked fourth in the world in research-focused NTU World University Rankings

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 09/06/2024 - 11:51

Cutline

(photo by Matt Volpe)

Topic

National Taiwan University

Rankings

Research & Innovation

Subheadline

The National Taiwan University ranking evaluates universities based on research output and impact

The ��Ƶ climbed one spot to fourth place globally in the latest National Taiwan University ranking, which evaluates universities based on their research output and impact.

U of T’s strong performance in the 2024 edition of the NTU World University Rankings, released this week, puts it in elite global company. The four other schools in the top five were Harvard University, Stanford University, University College London and the University of Oxford.

Among public universities, U of T placed second globally and first in North America.

“This ranking is yet another reminder that the research produced at the ��Ƶ is truly world-class,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives.

“It also reflects our reputation for research excellence and impact across a broad range of fields – from medicine to the social sciences.”

The NTU ranking analyzes scholarly papers and research citations, scoring each institution based on productivity, impact and excellence. The top 1,000 universities were ranked this year with more than 1,500 considered.

In addition to the overall ranking, NTU ranked universities by six broad fields and 27 specific subjects.

U of T ranked among the top 50 institutions worldwide – and first in Canada – in four of the six broad fields. Notably, that includes a rank of second globally in medicine, the same as last year, and third globally in social sciences – up three spots.

U of T also ranked among the top 10 universities globally in five subject categories: clinical medicine (second), neurosciences and behaviour (third), social sciences (third), psychiatry and psychology (fourth) and biology and biochemistry (sixth).

Two other Canadian universities made the top 100 in the main NTU ranking: University of British Columbia (37th) and McGill University (57th).

Overall, U of T continues to be the highest-ranked Canadian university and one of the top-ranked public universities in the five most closely watched international rankings: Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities and National Taiwan University World University Rankings.

Back-to-school 2024: 6 things every U of T student should know

mattimar — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:37:14 +0000

Back-to-school 2024: 6 things every U of T student should know

mattimar Wed, 08/21/2024 - 12:37

Cutline

U of T's ASKme Anything booths are a great resource for help and information on all three campuses (photo by David Lee)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Our Community

Back to School 2024

U of T Entrepreneurship

There’s always more to discover at the ��Ƶ – whether you’re setting foot on one of its three campuses for the first time or have been here for years.

With its diverse opportunities, expansive resources and vibrant community, there are nearly endless ways for students to make the most of their time at one of the world’s top universities.

The following list, though by no means exhaustive, is meant to serve as a starting point for those who are looking for tips on everything from answering basic questions to finding their community – and even starting their own company.

Navigating campus life

Need help finding your way around? U of T’s tri-campus map tool is a great resource when it comes to figuring out where to go – and don’t forget that most lectures start 10 minutes after the hour to make sure students have time to get where they need to be.

“Where do I get a…?”

U of T's ASKMe Anything ambassadors aim to build a warm and welcoming community for students on all three campuses (photo by David Lee)

Starting out at U of T can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming – and many students have a lot of questions.

“How do I find out about orientation events and activities?”

“What is a TCard and where do I get it?”

“How much time is there to walk from class to class?”

Fortunately, U of T’s ASKme Anything booths and ambassadors are here to help. The initiative is all about building a warm and welcoming community for students on all three campuses.

ASKme Anything booths will be operating on the St. George campus from Aug. 19 to Sept. 9 on weekdays, plus Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25. They will be conveniently located at the campus gate at King’s College Road and College Street, at St. George and Ursula Franklin Streets and near Sidney Smith Hall at St. George and Willcocks Streets.

At U of T Mississauga, students are encouraged to visit the Hub Hello Desk in the Student Services Hub to have their questions answered and to connect with student services on campus. The desk is open from 9:30 to 5 p.m.

At U of T Scarborough, ASKme Anything booths will be set up in Scarborough Circle, the lobby of the Sam Ibrahim Building, the front vestibule of the Instructional Centre and in the Bladen Wing hallway just outside of Tim Horton's from Sept. 3 to Sept. 14.

There are also welcome booths at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Terminals 1 and 3.

Finding your community

Students attend Clubs Day at the U of T Mississauga campus (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Diving into university life by joining a club provides the opportunity to learn new things, connect with others and enrich the student experience. From sports and the arts to social causes, there are hundreds of community-oriented clubs and student groups across the three campuses – meaning there’s literally something for everyone.

Interested students should check out the Clubs Carnival on Aug. 30 at King’s College Circle on Front Campus. At U of T Mississauga, students are invited to the Student Groups Fair to find out more information on clubs on Sept. 5 and 6 outside the Communication, Culture and Technology Building.

U of T Scarborough students will get to explore groups and clubs on campus on Sept. 23 at the UTSC Clubs Fair. The location of the event has yet to be determined.

The Student Organization Portal is a great resource to discover campus groups and includes information on what each group does and how to go about joining it.

Explore U of T’s thriving startup scene

Exhibitors gather at the True Blue Expo during U of T Entrepreneurship Week

U of T Entrepreneurship (UTE) is hosting AcceleratorFest on Sept. 18 from 12 to 6 p.m. at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.

The event offers an opportunity for aspiring and established entrepreneurs – as well as those who are merely curious about what it takes to effectively create your own job while attending university – to explore the many resources, spaces and programs available to them across U of T’s tri-campus network.

There will be representatives from more than a dozen campus accelerators, founders who turned their ideas into impactful businesses and a tour of ONRamp, UTE’s co-working and community spaced housed inside the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus.

Stay in the know with UTogether and connect with U of T on social media

There are many ways to connect with the U of T community and stay in the loop for events happening across the three campuses.

The UTogether web page is a hub of information and helps connect students, faculty members, staff and librarians with important resources – such as health and wellness supports – as well as news and messages from U of T leadership.

The social media directory is useful for those looking to find and connect with the various university accounts on social media. Use keywords and filters to search or browse the listings. Below are the quick links to the main social media accounts on each campus.

On Instagram

On TikTok

First day of classes (now the same across all three campuses)

Students on the first day of classes at the U of T Scarborough campus (photo by Ruilin Yuan)

So when does the fall term actually begin? For the first time, students on the St. George campus, U of T Scarborough and U of T Mississauga will begin on the same day: Sept. 3.

The alignment follows a review that recommended standardizing critical dates such as the start and end of classes, exam periods, reading weeks and fee deadlines across the three campuses.

The new, more co-ordinated approach is expected to provide a more streamlined and predictable academic experience for the university community.

Mariam Matti

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Congratulations Class of 2024! U of T prepares to celebrate graduates at fall convocation

U of T ranked 21st globally in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Congratulations pour in for ������Ƶ after Nobel win

U of T community commemorates Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

What’s new in food at U of T? Explore new dining options across the three campuses

U of T Scarborough: New offerings at Harmony Commons

U of T St. George: Rotating menus and authentic dishes

U of T Mississauga: Pizza, sushi and late-night snacks

U of T ranked fourth in the world in research-focused NTU World University Rankings

Back-to-school 2024: 6 things every U of T student should know

Navigating campus life

“Where do I get a…?”

Finding your community

Explore U of T’s thriving startup scene

Stay in the know with UTogether and connect with U of T on social media

On Instagram

On X/Twitter

On Facebook

On YouTube

First day of classes (now the same across all three campuses)

From AI to Atari: What it's like to work with Nobel Prize-winner ��Ƶ

Congratulations pour in for ��Ƶ after Nobel win