Meric Gertler

Noah Rudder was rehearsing for a starring role as the detective Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express at the ��߲ݴ�ý’s Hart House Theatre when he received the momentous news: he had just become a Rhodes Scholar.

The world’s oldest graduate fellowship, the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship enables recipients to pursue fully-funded graduate studies at the University of Oxford.

It is awarded following a rigorous global selection process.

“I was so grateful – I feel at home in the theatre, and there’s no better place for me to have taken that call,” says Rudder, a student at Victoria College who’s completing the peace, conflict and justice program at U of T’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy in the Faculty of Arts & Science alongside a major in drama at the Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies.

Rudder is one of two U of T students to be named a 2025 Rhodes Scholar this year. He is joined by Amy Mann, a fellow Victoria College student who’s pursuing a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and statistics.

Mann says she’s looking forward to continuing her research in mathematical biology at Oxford.

“I want to keep studying math and seeing how we can apply it to these big problems – like considering social factors of disease transmission to improve intervention strategies,” says Mann, who is the president of the U of T Mathematics Union.

The pair are among 11 Canadian students who will head to Oxford next fall, joining more than 100 young scholars from around the world.

“On behalf of the entire U of T community, I would like to congratulate Noah Rudder and Amy Mann on this tremendous achievement,” said U of T President Meric Gertler.

“We wish them continued success in their scholarship and look forward to hearing about their accomplishments in the years to come.”

Rhonda McEwen, president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University in the ��߲ݴ�ý, said she was “over the moon” for Rudder and Mann. “It is a true privilege to interact with this caliber of young person,” McEwen said.

Rudder, who hails from Ajax, Ont., hopes to combine his interests in social justice and the arts by pursuing master of public policy and a master of fine arts degrees at Oxford.

The president of the Peace, Conflict and Justice Society, Rudder was instrumental in Victoria University’s signing of the Scarborough Charter, a commitment by institutions across Canada to combat anti-Black racism and foster Black inclusion in higher education. “Working with Vic’s Office of the President on the Scarborough Charter inspired me to contribute to an area that I can make an impact,” he says. “I think there are a lot of opportunities to push for spaces for Black individuals at the highest level of education.”

He has also conducted research with the World Bank’s Office of the Chief Economist, focusing on knowledge generation in African countries before 2009 – and has written for and performed in the Toronto Fringe Festival and various U of T productions.

Mann, meanwhile, is passionate about leveraging math and science to address pressing global challenges.

In 2021, she co-authored a paper, published in the journal Atmosphere-Ocean, that examined the reduction in occurrences of cold weather in the Canadian Arctic. She’s now focused on the intersection of climate change and public health. Her current research project seeks to create climate-dependent models of malaria transmission in Cameroon.

She has been involved in sustainability and other causes. At Victoria College, she served as the sustainability commissioner on the Students’ Administrative Council and a student member of the Board of Regents. She also co-founded the student community garden and volunteers at The Common Table, a drop-in program that supports individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty.

“Congratulations to Amy and Noah, both from Victoria College, on being named Rhodes Scholars,” said Antoinette Handley, acting dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science and professor in the department of political science. “Their academic achievements and commitment to leadership and civic engagement are a testament to their hard work and vision.

“We’re incredibly proud to have them represent both Victoria College and the Faculty of Arts & Science at Oxford, and we look forward to the many ways they’ll continue to make a difference.”

McEwen, meanwhile, said Rudder and Mann exemplify the potential that U of T’s younger generation of budding scholars hold in tackling important challenges.

“Both students share a passion for people and embody the multidisciplinary approach needed to address the ‘wicked problems’ of the world – complex issues requiring insights from multiple disciplines,” McEwen said.

“They are curious but compassionate people who will challenge existing frameworks for a better tomorrow. When you meet either of them, you understand that you are with someone who is going to continue to do amazing things.”

U of T among top 15 universities globally for graduate employability: Times Higher Education

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 21:57:35 +0000

U of T among top 15 universities globally for graduate employability: Times Higher Education

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 11/20/2024 - 16:57

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(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Times Higher Education

Subheadline

The Global University Employability Ranking 2025 is based on survey data and reflects the opinions of large employers

��߲ݴ�ý graduates are among the most highly regarded job candidates in the world.

In its latest ranking of graduate employability, Times Higher Education placed U of T 14^th globally and eighth among public universities. U of T was also the top-ranked public university in North America.

The Global University Employability Ranking 2025 is based on survey data and reflects the opinions of large employers.

“��߲ݴ�ý graduates are some of the best educated on the planet,” said U of T President Meric Gertler.

“The world-class learning opportunities provided to our students and the quality of our scholarship and research give our graduates a distinct advantage in the workforce.”

The annual ranking evaluated 250 universities from 44 countries around the world. It was designed and commissioned by Emerging, a French human resources consultancy. The survey participants are recruiters or managers who supervise five or more new graduates per year; most work in companies with more than 500 employees.

There were 13,240 respondents to the survey from 33 countries. More than 129,000 votes were cast, up from 100,700 votes last year. Approximately 1,000 universities were assessed to derive the final ranking of 250 universities.

U of T has consistently ranked among the top 15 globally in the Times Higher Education employability ranking over the past decade, holding the 12^th spot last year.

This year’s edition of the ranking was led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the California Institute of Technology and Stanford University. Harvard University and the University of Cambridge rounded out the top five.

Four Canadian universities joined U of T in the top 100: McGill University (31^st), University of British Columbia (36^th), Université de Montréal (84^th) and McMaster University (88^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.

U of T ranked among top 10 universities globally in five subjects: ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:30:13 +0000

U of T ranked among top 10 universities globally in five subjects: ShanghaiRanking Consultancy

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 11/18/2024 - 15:30

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(photo by Matthew Dochstader/Paradox Images)

Mariam Matti

Topic

Global Lens

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Faculty of Arts & Science

Global

Meric Gertler

Rankings

Rotman School of Management

Shanghai Ranking Consultancy

Sociology

The ��߲ݴ�ý has placed among the top 10 universities globally in five subjects – sociology (2^nd), medical technology (5^th), public health (7^th), finance (8^th) and management (10^th) – in the latest ShanghaiRanking Consultancy rankings by subject.

U of T also ranked in the top 100 globally in 42 subjects in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024, released last week – a feat matched only by the University of Michigan.

Among Canadian universities, U of T ranked first in 27 subjects. That’s more than any other institution.

“The ��߲ݴ�ý’s performance in the latest Shanghai subject rankings underscores our academic excellence across an extremely broad range of fields,” said U of T President Meric Gertler.

“These results are a testament to the talent and dedication of our world-leading researchers and scholars.”

More than 1,900 universities across 96 countries and regions are listed in the 2024 edition of the Shanghai subject rankings, which cover 55 subjects across natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, medical sciences and social sciences.

This year, the methodology was updated with four new indicators, increasing the total to nine. The new evaluation criteria include the number of faculty who are: recipients of significant awards, chief editors of academic journals, leaders in international academic organizations and considered highly cited researchers.

Existing criteria continue to assess research output, quality and influence, international collaboration and other academic awards.

Of the 55 subject areas covered by the rankings, U of T ranked in the top 50 globally in 28 subjects and in the top 25 globally in 21 subjects.

The updated methodology resulted in significant changes for U of T in several subjects, including 25 where U of T moved up the rankings. Notable gains included: chemistry, which moved into 37^th place from outside the top 50; political science, which climbed 23 spots to 18^th; biology, which rose 12 spots to 21^st; human biology, which rose 12 spots to 24^th; and computer science, which climbed seven places to 17^th. U of T declined in 18 subjects and remain unchanged in 5 subjects.

The ShanghaiRanking Consultancy also produces the influential Academic Ranking of World Universities, the most recent edition of which ranked U of T as Canada’s top university and 26^th in the world.

'A profound sense of responsibility': Wes Hall installed as U of T's 35th chancellor

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:23:54 +0000

'A profound sense of responsibility': Wes Hall installed as U of T's 35th chancellor

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 11/01/2024 - 12:23

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Wes Hall, centre, is officially installed as U of T’s 35th chancellor in a ceremony attended by two of his predecessors in the role, Rose Patten, far left, and Vivienne Poy, not pictured, as well as Governing Council Chair Anna Kennedy, second from left, and U of T President Meric Gertler, at right (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Faculty of Arts & Science

Meric Gertler

Subheadline

“As the 35th – and the first Black – chancellor in U of T’s almost 200-year history, I feel both pride and humility in donning these robes”

He’s a giant of corporate Canada, a successful investor, respected philanthropist and popular TV personality, but Wes Hall describes serving as chancellor of the ��߲ݴ�ý as “the privilege of my life.”

Hall was officially installed as U of T’s 35th chancellor on Oct. 28 ahead of fall convocation ceremonies for students from the Faculty of Arts & Science.

As organ music filled the air, Hall was escorted into Convocation Hall by U of T President Meric Gertler and a bedel carrying U of T’s ceremonial mace.

He expressed a “profound sense of responsibility” in taking on the role.

Hall, wearing his honorary degree robes in advance of his official installation as U of T chancellor, is escorted into Convocation Hall by U of T President Meric Gertler and a bedel carrying U of T’s ceremonial mace (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“As the 35th – and the first Black – chancellor in U of T’s almost 200-year history, I feel both pride and humility in donning these robes,” Hall said. “My presence here is a testament to the progress we’ve made at U of T and in society as a whole, but it’s also a reminder of the work yet ahead of us.”

President Gertler described Hall as a “legendary figure on Bay Street” and a “dedicated philanthropist and community leader,” and welcomed him and his family members – Hall’s wife, children, father and step-mother were in attendance – to the U of T community.

Friedemann Krannich, a PhD student in mathematics, assists Hall during the robing ceremony (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“This is a very special morning for the ��߲ݴ�ý, one that occurs only rarely in our academic cycle – we simultaneously welcome our 35th chancellor and award degrees to graduates,” President Gertler said. “Members of this morning’s graduating class will therefore especially appreciate the importance of today’s installation for each of them and for all of us at the ��߲ݴ�ý.”

After donning the chancellor’s robes, assisted by his predecessor, Rose Patten, Hall embarked on his first official act in the venerable venue: proclaiming, in Latin, the conferring of degrees to graduating students.

Hall said he felt both pride and humility in donning the chancellor’s robes (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Later in the day, Hall and U of T announced the creation of the Chancellor Wesley J. Hall Journey of Dreams Scholarship. The scholarship will provide entrance awards to students starting at the university and, Hall said, advance U of T’s position as “a beacon of excellence, progression, and limitless possibilities.”

Hall’s track record as a business leader and philanthropist has exemplified progress, perseverance and a persistent social conscience. From humble beginnings in rural Jamaica, he rose to become one of Canada’s most influential business leaders as the founder of Kingsdale Advisors and WeShall Investments; a highly recognizable TV personality as a “dragon” investor on CBC’s Dragon’s Den; and an ardent philanthropist and anti-racism advocate as founder of the BlackNorth Initiative non-profit.

In 2021, he partnered with the Rotman School of Management to introduce the first Black entrepreneurship and leadership course in Canada, and he received an honorary doctorate from U of T in 2023. The author of the memoir No Bootstraps When You’re Barefoot, Hall also serves on the board of directors of the SickKids Foundation.

Hall poses for a photo with a graduate (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Monday’s installation included dignitaries from the university and beyond. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University and board member at BlackNorth, said Hall “has broken barriers and subsequently worked to remove barriers for others who follow in his footsteps.” She was followed by Corwin Cambray, president of the U of T Alumni Association, who said Hall’s life is a testament to his “perseverance, visionary leadership and a profound commitment” to the upliftment of others.

U of T Vice-President and Provost Trevor Young, speaking on behalf of faculty, highlighted Hall’s tireless efforts to expand access to opportunity for people from under-represented communities. “As the chancellor, you will now bring your many talents to champion higher education – perhaps one of the greatest opportunities that exists,” Young said.

Sydelle Mago, an undergraduate student, speaks to graduating students and other attendees while Hall looks on (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Jodie Glean, U of T’s executive director, equity, diversity and inclusion, described Hall as “a vocal champion” of people from marginalized backgrounds who “has demonstrated the impact EDI can have both within post-secondary institutions and across our local and global communities.”

For Sydelle Mago, an undergraduate student, Hall’s journey is a source of personal inspiration. “Chancellor Hall came to Canada from Jamaica and is a living testament to what hard work and perseverance can achieve,” Mago said. “His story motivates students like me to pursue our ambitions.”

Hall makes his way out of Convocation Hall following his official installation as U of T’s 35th chancellor (photo by Johnny Guatto)

At a reception to celebrate his installation at Hart House, Hall said he had been asked by some well-wishers if he was too busy to add the role of U of T chancellor to an already long list of responsibilities. He responded by sharing the example set by his grandmother Julia Vassel, who raised him – along with nine other grandchildren and an adult daughter with special needs – in a tin shack on a plantation worker’s wage.

“One of those kids that she worked so hard to raise is asked in the future to be the chancellor of the top university in Canada – and one of the top in the world – and that kid says, ‘I’m too busy.’ Could you imagine?” Hall said.

“I’m never too busy to put my hand up and say, ‘I want to be a part of change.’”

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 ��߲ݴ�ý 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 ��߲ݴ�ý, 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.”

‘One of the great minds of the 21st century’: U of T celebrates Geoffrey Hinton’s Nobel Prize

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:24:21 +0000

‘One of the great minds of the 21st century’: U of T celebrates Geoffrey Hinton’s Nobel Prize

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 10/17/2024 - 13:24

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University Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Hinton, who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, attends a celebration event held at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus (photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

Rahul Kalvapalle

Topic

Our Community

Leah Cowen

Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus

Wesley Hall

Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society

Artificial Intelligence

CIFAR

Department of Computer Science

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Faculty of Arts & Science

Subheadline

The 2024 co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics - known to many as the "godfather of AI" - was honoured at an event attended by a who's who of the Toronto research community

There were standing ovations, peals of laughter and even a few tears as the ��߲ݴ�ý welcomed Geoffrey Hinton back to campus after he won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics.

A University Professor Emeritus of computer science, Hinton traded the “cheap hotel room in California,” where he received the life-changing news, for an emotional reception in the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus’s airy event hall.

The Oct. 10 event drew U of T leaders, supporters, dignitaries and other luminaries. They included Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, University Professor Emeritus John Polanyi, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1986, and Massey College Principal James Orbinski, who accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Doctors Without Borders in 1999.

Several of Hinton’s many collaborators and proteges also attended the event – not to mention students who were simply eager to catch a glimpse of the “godfather of AI.”

Hinton chats with U of T Scarborough Professor David Fleet and Google Research Scientists Sara Sabour and Daniel Watson (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Though sleep deprived, Hinton regaled the audience with fond recollections of his early years as an AI researcher, snapshots of his trademark dry humour and warm expressions of gratitude for mentors, collaborators and, of course, his many students.

“I’ve been blessed to have brilliant graduate students and post-docs,” Hinton said.

“I had a principle when selecting graduate students: ‘If they’re not smarter than me, what’s the point?’ And I’ve had quite a number of graduate students who were smarter than me.

“They did things I wouldn’t have been able to do, so I’d like to thank them.”

He said two figures in particular played a huge role in the work that led to his Nobel Prize, which he shared with Princeton University’s John J. Hopfield. The first was Terry Sejnowsky, a computational neuroscientist and former student of Hopfield’s, who worked with Hinton on Boltzmann machines – a period Hinton described as “the most happy research time of my life.”

He also praised the contributions of the late David Rumelhart, a psychologist at Stanford University, who worked with him to develop backpropagation algorithms, a key breakthrough.

“[He] should have won the Nobel Prize,” Hinton said. “But unfortunately, Dave got a horrible brain disease and he died quite young.” (The Nobel organization doesn’t award the honour posthumously).

Hinton poses for a picture with Assistant Professor Chris Maddison, who was one of the last graduate students Hinton supervised (photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)

Chris Maddison joined Hinton’s research group as an undergraduate and was one of the last students he supervised. Now an assistant professor in U of T’s departments of computer science and statistical sciences in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Maddison lauded Hinton as “a steadfast mentor and supporter who saw strength in me that I didn’t see” and said one of his greatest attributes was his sheer enthusiasm.

“No matter what’s going on, you can find him in the lab on Sundays at 8 p.m. playing with his MATLAB scripts like a child playing with Legos,” Maddison said. “He never lost that child-like sense of wonder that buoyed him and the group.”

U of T President Meric Gertler said, via video message from Indonesia, where he was on university business, that Hinton is “one of the great minds of the 21st century” (photo by Johnny Guatto)

U of T President Meric Gertler, who was in Indonesia on university business when the prize was announced, hailed Hinton in a video message as “one of the great minds of the 21st century” and someone who “literally created new ways of thinking about thinking and learning.”

He noted that Hinton’s AI leadership extends to the pressing question of responsible and safe development of the technology.

“With his Nobel win, he’s now perfectly positioned to amplify this concern on a world stage.” President Gertler said.

Hinton shares a laugh with University Professor Molly Shoichet of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering (photo by Johnny Guatto)

The event’s guest list served as a reminder of Hinton’s outsized influence on the research community in Toronto and beyond, drawing key figures from: the Vector Institute, where Hinton is co-founder and chief scientific adviser; the Schwartz Reisman Institute of Technology and Society, where he sits on the advisory board; and CIFAR (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research), where Hinton is an adviser and longtime fellow.

Hinton poses for a photo with Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives, reminded the accomplished audience that Hinton’s historic achievement – both the Nobel Prize and the AI revolution he helped spark – was the result of years toiling in an “unpromising backwater” of AI research.

“It is tempting to think that it happened almost overnight, but it didn’t,” Cowen said.

University Professors Emeriti – and fellow Nobel Prize-winners – Geoffrey Hinton and John Polanyi have their photo taken together (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Hinton took time to reflect on periods of personal struggle and tragedy – and thank those who helped him in his hour of need.

When his wife had an incurable form of cancer, he recalled how U of T President Emeritus David Naylor, a physician, medical researcher and former dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, carried out research on a possible alternative treatment that was being explored – incorporating input from top medical experts – and presented him with a report of his findings.

“He’s a tremendous human being,” Hinton said of Naylor, who was in the audience.

Hinton shares a moment with U of T President Emeritus David Naylor (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Hinton also recalled how, when his first wife became ill in 1993 – also with cancer – his post-doctoral trainee Peter Dayan, now a director at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, stepped in to advise Hinton’s graduate students, giving him time to care for his ailing spouse.

“At times like this, you remember the people who helped you most when things were very difficult,” Hinton said.

He later pointed out that Dayan went on to supervise one of this year’s winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Demis Hassabis, joking that this made Dayan “the meat in a Nobel sandwich.”

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada was lucky to have Hinton, who was born in the U.K., and thanked his daughter for sharing her father with the country, with science and the world (photo by Johnny Guatto)

For Minister Freeland, Hinton’s award showcased the value of ideas and of fundamental research. She said Hinton’s Nobel Prize sent waves of pride across Canada, which she said was “lucky as a country” that Hinton arrived on its shores back in 1987.

“Geoff shows that you can be a really brilliant intellectual and also a really great human being who cares about his community and his country,” Freeland said. “I am constantly struck by how Geoff thinks about the bigger implications of his ideas and how Geoff thinks about really wanting to make Canada and the world a better place.”

Hinton chats with Melanie Woodin, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, who thanked him for his friendship and mentorship – and his dedication to science and scholarship (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Following the program – which also featured remarks by U of T Chancellor Wes Hall, Faculty of Arts & Science Dean Melanie Woodin and Christine Szustaczek, U of T’s vice-president, communications – Hinton mingled with members of the audience, shook hands with students and caught up with former colleagues and trainees.

Clockwise from top left: Christine Szustaczek, Wes Hall, Chris Maddison, Leah Cowen, Geoffrey Hinton and Melanie Woodin (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Brendan Frey, professor in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and CEO of AI-powered therapeutics startup Deep Genomics, said he was one of many who earned his PhD under Hinton’s supervision.

“I think of Geoff as the father of a community that includes myself, other graduate students and all the people who didn’t believe but then came to believe – and he inspired all of us,” said Frey, who shared a hug with his former supervisor following the event.

“I’m really happy for him.”

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 ��߲ݴ�ý 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 ��߲ݴ�ý’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.

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

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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 ��߲ݴ�ý 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.

U of T receives $25-million gift from Myron and Berna Garron for Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:58:19 +0000

U of T receives $25-million gift from Myron and Berna Garron for Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 09/23/2024 - 09:58

Cutline

(Image supplied)

Advancement Staff

Topic

Our Community

David Palmer

Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing

Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

Meric Gertler

U of T Scarborough

Subheadline

The donation supports the much-needed training of health professionals in the underserved Scarborough and Eastern GTA region

A $25-million gift from Myron and Berna Garron will contribute significantly to the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility at ��߲ݴ�ý Scarborough that will house the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH). The gift will also support programming and faculty development – in collaboration with hospital partners such as Scarborough Health Network and Michael Garron Hospital – helping to ensure that SAMIH learners have access to a world-class education right in Scarborough and the Eastern GTA.

The ��߲ݴ�ý will name the new building the Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex, in honour of the Garrons’ exceptional generosity.

“Myron and Berna Garron’s extraordinary benefaction will help us to realize our vision for the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health – to educate health-care professionals from the region, in the region and for the region,” said Meric Gertler, president of U of T. “On behalf of the ��߲ݴ�ý, I thank them for their leadership in the advancement of this crucial mission.”

Helping to revitalize the health-care landscape

SAMIH, the first hub for educating health professionals in Scarborough and the Eastern GTA and the only medical school in the region, was established to address the critical shortage of family physicians and specialists in the fast-growing area by training health providers who reflect the community. The training will take place in partnership with local hospitals, primary care centres and community agencies.

Once the program is fully up and running, SAMIH will have 160 medical students and a combined total of 252 physician assistants, physical therapists and nurse practitioners enrolled. Three top-ranked U of T faculties – the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy – will expand educational programming to this hub. These students will be based at the new Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex, which will also serve as a base for U of T Scarborough undergraduates studying health sciences.

The Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex, currently under construction, will feature an anatomy lab for medical students, two large classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a 25-bed clinical skills lab and 10 instructional labs. To provide hands-on learning and serve the community directly, the facility will house three teaching clinics offering public services: a clinical psychology clinic, a nurse practitioner clinic and a satellite of U of T’s Discovery Pharmacy.

SAMIH medical trainees will undertake clinical rotations at several area hospitals, including Scarborough Health Network, Lakeridge Health, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and Michael Garron Hospital – named in memory of Myron and Berna Garron’s late son, who was born there and later died of cancer at the age of 13. The Garrons’ $50-million donation in 2015 to what was then Toronto East General Hospital has resulted in remarkable benefits for people in the region.

"We envision SAMIH as closing the circle on providing for total patient care, from educating professionals to delivering care bedside,” said Myron and Berna Garron. “In an era of extensive shortages of vital health practitioners, we are proud to help fill this educational and training gap, especially for the underserved area of Scarborough and the Eastern GTA."

SAMIH is expected to provide numerous benefits for the area. By increasing the number of health providers who will have received U of T’s top-tier education, SAMIH will help improve access and care for patients who live in the region, extend the availability of various health-care services via its public clinics, provide opportunities for local students from diverse backgrounds to consider becoming a health professional and increase the likelihood of health professionals trained in Scarborough to practice locally.

Furthermore, the partnerships with Scarborough Health Network and Michael Garron Hospital will strengthen research and teaching links between the university and the hospitals.

“This generous investment from Myron and Berna Garron is a commitment to the future of health care; through their support of SAMIH and their partnership with Michael Garron Hospital, they’re enabling knowledge creation and sharing that will benefit our communities locally and more broadly,” said Melanie Kohn, president and CEO of Michael Garron Hospital. “The Garrons’ gift to our hospital will establish our first chair in education, in partnership with the ��߲ݴ�ý, which will advance our ability to train tomorrow’s outstanding health-care leaders.”

A community of support

SAMIH was made possible by the Government of Ontario’s commitment to fund the expansion of medical education as part of its strategy to address the critical shortage of health professionals in the province.

“On behalf of Premier Doug Ford and our government, I want to thank Myron and Berna Garron for their generous donation to the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health,” said Sylvia Jones, Ontario’s deputy premier and minister of health. “Your support builds on the largest expansion of medical education that our government has undertaken in 15 years, training more doctors in the GTA than ever before to ensure people can access care in their communities for years to come.”

In a further boost for funding the building’s construction, Myron and Berna Garron’s donation triggers $10 million in matching funds from a $25-million gift to SAMIH from Orlando Corporation in 2022.

The five-storey, purpose-built Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex is located at U of T Scarborough at the intersection of Military Trail and Morningside Avenue, across from the Toronto Pan Am Centre, and is expected to open in the fall of 2026.

“This gift speaks to Myron and Berna Garron’s appreciation of how health-care education enables healthy lives – a key priority of Defy Gravity: The Campaign for the ��߲ݴ�ý,” said David Palmer, vice-president of advancement at U of T. “We are deeply grateful for this generous donation and the impact it will have on the health of those in Scarborough and the Eastern GTA. The Garron family’s generosity exemplifies how philanthropy can help address inequities and help shape the future of health care in our communities.”

U of T leaders react

“As home to the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health, the ��߲ݴ�ý Scarborough is delighted for this opportunity to increase our impact on the community. SAMIH will attract a diverse pool of local talent and afford graduates the ability to establish their careers in Scarborough and the Eastern GTA – an asset for students with personal ties to the region and for a population in great need of more accessible health care.”

—Linda Johnston, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough

“Building a new health sciences complex to house this region’s first medical academy is a historic undertaking. Creating an academy that is advancing health equity as a key priority is even more exceptional. This is a unique opportunity for Temerty Faculty of Medicine to expand the reach of our world-class programs, innovate teaching models and play a critical role in a pipeline that will infuse the health-care system with a steady stream of much-needed physicians and other health-care professionals.”

—Lisa Robinson, dean, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and vice-provost, relations with health-care institutions

“Thanks to the Garrons’ substantial support of the new Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex, students from the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing will have the opportunity to advance their nursing expertise in a clinic that is embedded within the community. This unique interprofessional environment will ensure graduates of our nurse practitioner program are well-equipped to meet the urgent need for primary health care in the region.”

—Robyn Stremler, dean, Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing

“We’re thrilled that U of T pharmacy students will train on rotation at the Discovery Pharmacy within the new Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex. This additional location offering clinical training in an interdisciplinary setting will be a boon to the profession, given how the scope of practice for pharmacists continues to expand and evolve to better support the people and communities we serve.”

—Lisa Dolovich, dean, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

Meric Gertler

President, Office of the

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

U of T receives $25-million gift from Myron and Berna Garron for Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health

Helping to revitalize the health-care landscape

A community of support

U of T leaders react