Research & Innovation

The annual awards recognize achievements by outstanding scholars and students in research, research training, knowledge mobilization and outreach activities funded by SSHRC, and are considered Canada's highest honours in social sciences and humanities research.

The finalists for the 2024 SSHRC Impact Awards from U of T are:

Professor Lynette Ong (department of political science, Faculty of Arts & Science and Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy) – Insight Award
Professor Peter Newman (Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work) – Partnership Award
Louis Busch (PhD candidate, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) – Talent Award

The winners in each of the award categories will be announced on Nov. 25, 2024.

Athanasios Litsios and Lucie Wolf receive Donnelly Centre’s Research Excellence Awards

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:51:45 +0000

Athanasios Litsios and Lucie Wolf receive Donnelly Centre’s Research Excellence Awards

Research & Innovation

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:51

Students

St. George

Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomedical Research

Donnelly Centre Research Excellence Awards

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

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Athanasios Litsios (L) and Lucie Wolf (supplied images)

Athanasios Litsios and Lucie Wolf, postdoctoral fellows in the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, have been recognized with 2024 Research Excellence Awards.

The awards support researchers who are collaborating across disciplinary boundaries to advance innovations in health and medicine.

Litsios, who is conducting his research under the supervision of Brenda Andrews, University Professor in the department of molecular genetics, led a collaborative effort that generated the first genome-scale characterization of protein movement within the cell throughout the cell cycle.

Wolf, who received the 2023 Charles H. Best Fellowship, was recognized for her work identifying proteins that could function as regulators of the Wnt signalling pathway to target cancer cells – research conducted under the supervision of Stephane Angers, a professor in the departments of biochemistry and pharmaceutical sciences at Temerty Medicine.

“Athanasios Litsios and Lucie Wolf are integral members of the Donnelly Centre community,” said Angers, who is director of the Donnelly Centre. “They have contributed enormously to their respective labs and research fields, while simultaneously working to improve scientific engagement and community building through outreach.

"Both postdoctoral fellows have demonstrated leadership and initiative during their time at the Donnelly Centre.”

Read the Donnelly Centre story

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Renée Hložek awarded Rutherford Memorial Medal by Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:21:44 +0000

Renée Hložek awarded Rutherford Memorial Medal by Royal Society of Canada

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:21

Faculty

St. George

David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics

Faculty of Arts & Science

Royal Society of Canada

Rutherford Memorial Medal

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Renée Hložek (photo by Portmanteau Media Inc

Renée Hložek, an associate professor at the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics and the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the Faculty of Arts & Science, has been awarded the Royal Society of Canada's Rutherford Memorial Medal.

The annual award recognizes researchers in the early stages of their careers in chemistry or physics. It is presented in memory of Ernest Rutherford, a scientist and a leader in nuclear research who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908.

Hložek's research involves advancing our understanding of the universe’s structure, origin and evolution. She is a member of the recently decommissioned Atacama Cosmology Telescope collaboration, as well as the active Simons Observatory in northern Chile, where she studies the Cosmic Microwave Background – light from the universe when it was approximately 400,000 years old. She is also investigating dark matter and dark energy through her work with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Large Synoptic Survey Telescope dark energy science collaboration.

“[The medal] was something that I wanted, but not something that I ever really expected to get because there are so many great people in Canada, so I’m kind of shocked – but pleased,” says Hložek.

“I work in big teams, so my work represents a ton of people working together. I wouldn't be here without the support of all the people in my collaborations building instruments and figuring out how to do analysis and all of that good stuff.”

Read the Faculty of Arts & Science story

Read about the Royal Society of Canada award winners

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Janna Shapiro receives Alice Wilson Award from Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:07:54 +0000

Janna Shapiro receives Alice Wilson Award from Royal Society of Canada

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:07

Students

St. George

Alice Wilson Award

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Royal Society of Canada

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Janna Shapiro (supplied image)

Janna Shapiro, a post-doctoral fellow in the Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (CVPD) at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, has received the Alice Wilson Award from the Royal Society of Canada.

The annual award recognizes three women who have demonstrated excellence while entering a career in scholarship or research at the postdoctoral level. It is named for Alice Wilson, a world-renowned paleontologist and geologist who studied at the ��߲ݴ�ý and, in 1938, became the first woman elected to the Royal Society of Canada.

Shapiro's research explores ways to protect children with leukemia – a disease that requires treatments that suppress the immune system – from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. She has also researched how vaccines can protect older adults and pregnant women.

“I was so surprised and honoured to win this award," Shapiro says. "Trailblazers like Alice Wilson have paved the way for researchers like myself to pursue and excel in the sciences. This award feels extra special as a chance to honour her legacy and the role of women in science in Canada."

Read about Janna Shapiro's research at CVPD

Read about the Royal Society of Canada award winners

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Jacob Tsimerman receives John L. Synge Award from the Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:55:08 +0000

Jacob Tsimerman receives John L. Synge Award from the Royal Society of Canada

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 09/10/2024 - 13:55

Faculty

St. George

Department of Mathematics

Faculty of Arts & Science

Royal Society of Canada

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Jacob Tsimerman (photo by Richard Poissant)

Jacob Tsimerman, an associate professor in the Faculty of Arts & Science’s department of mathematics, has received the prestigious John L. Synge Award from the Royal Society of Canada.

The annual award recognizes outstanding research in the mathematical sciences. It is awarded in honour of the late John Lighton Synge, former head of U of T's department of applied mathematics and one of the first mathematicians working in Canada to receive international recognition for his research.

Tsimerman’s research focuses primarily on analytic number theory and arithmetic geometry. He studies whole number solutions to certain types of polynomial equations. One of his most notable research accomplishments is his contribution to a proof for a longstanding mathematical hypothesis called the André-Oort conjecture.

“I am truly honoured to accept the Synge Award,” says Tsimerman. “Mathematics is a collective endeavour and I am thrilled to share this honour with a wonderful community of friends, colleagues and students. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to delve even deeper into the challenges and beauty that mathematics offers.”

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Read about the Royal Society of Canada award winners

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4 faculty members named to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 17:02:54 +0000

4 faculty members named to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 09/09/2024 - 13:02

Faculty

St. George

Department of Medical Biophysics

Royal Society of Canada

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

U of T Scarborough

UHN

Unity Health

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Clockwise from top left: Stefanos Aretakis, Caroline S Hossein, Trevor Pugh and Veronique Miron (supplied images)

Four faculty members from the ��߲ݴ�ý have been appointed to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

The college recognizes members of the emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leadership who have showcased exceptional accomplishment.

“On behalf of the entire U of T community, I would like to congratulate the faculty members on this most deserved recognition of their excellence,” says Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives.

“From cutting-edge research on neurological disorders and cancers to advancements in mathematics and leadership in solidarity economies, these scholars are furthering knowledge that stands to impact people and communities in Canada and around the world.”

The new members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists are:

Stefanos Aretakis of the department of computer and mathematical sciences at U of T Scarborough
Caroline S Hossein of the department of global development studies at U of T Scarborough
Veronique Miron of Unity Health Toronto and the department of immunology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Trevor Pugh of the University Health Network and the department of medical biophysics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Read the Royal Society of Canada press release

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Robert Morris recognized by American Chemical Society

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 19:09:40 +0000

Robert Morris recognized by American Chemical Society

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 09/05/2024 - 15:09

Faculty

St. George

Department of Chemistry

Faculty of Arts & Science

landscape

Robert Morris (supplied image)

Robert Morris, a professor in the department of chemistry in the Faculty of Arts & Science, has received the American Chemical Society (ACS)'s Award in Organometallic Chemistry.

The award, which is among ACS's 2025 National Awards, celebrates recent advancements in research in organometallic chemistry.

In its award citation, ACS said Morris has "significantly advanced our understanding of transition metal hydride and dihydrogen complexes and the role they play in catalytic organometallic reactions."

Morris said he has been overwhelmed by the support of colleagues who have congratulated him on this achievement. “It is very generous of the American Chemical Society to share its National Awards with international scientists," he said.

"I also have to thank the fantastic students – both graduate and undergraduate – and postdoctoral fellows who have done research in my lab over 44 years, and NSERC for funding this fundamental research.”

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PhD student Alex Gabbey recognized by Women Chemists Committee

rahul.kalvapalle — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:45:10 +0000

PhD student Alex Gabbey recognized by Women Chemists Committee

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Wed, 09/04/2024 - 12:45

Students

St. George

Department of Chemistry

Faculty of Arts & Science

landscape

Alex Gabbey (supplied image)

Alex Gabbey, a PhD student in the research group of Professor Sophie Rousseaux in the department of chemistry at the Faculty of Arts & Science, has received the Merck Research Award from the Women Chemists Committee.

Gabbey's research explores Ni-catalyzed reactions of redox-active esters, as well as the synthesis and functionalization of strained rings. She previously received a number of awards from the department of chemistry including the Adrian Brook Graduate Scholarship in Organic Chemistry and Merck Canada Ltd. Chemistry Conference Award.

"These awards are a testament to what a fantastic research group I’m part of. No one conducts research in a vacuum and I’ve been fortunate to have amazing lab mates to bounce ideas off of and troubleshoot problems with," said Gabbey.

"I’ve also had a phenomenal supervisor in Sophie. She has been incredibly supportive of me from day one, whether it’s applying for scholarships, trying new ideas, applying for conferences – you name it. I couldn’t be more grateful for the research environment and support in the Rousseaux group."

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51 faculty members receive Connaught New Researcher Awards

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 23:15:00 +0000

51 faculty members receive Connaught New Researcher Awards

Research & Innovation

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 08/23/2024 - 19:15

Connaught New Researcher Awards

landscape

The ��߲ݴ�ý has recognized 51 faculty members across its three campuses with Connaught New Researcher Awards.

The annual awards support early-stage researchers in the humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, engineering and other fields – and aim to enhance their competitiveness for external awards. They are part of the Connaught Fund, Canada’s largest internal university research funding program.

“The Connaught New Researcher Awards are designed to help accelerate the research programs of our hugely talented early-career scholars as they establish themselves in their respective fields,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives.

“I am excited to see their work on a range of important issues such as next-generation vaccines for sexually transmitted diseases, decarbonization retrofits and housing affordability, and the physics of wildfire-generated storms."

Read the U of T Engineering story on Aereas Aung

Read the Temerty Medicine story on Linna Tam-Seto

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9 researchers receive Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards

rahul.kalvapalle — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 23:04:44 +0000

9 researchers receive Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards

Research & Innovation

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Thu, 08/22/2024 - 19:04

Faculty

St. George

Scarborough

Connaught Community Research Partnership Award

Connaught Fund

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Department of Anthropology

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Dentistry

Rotman School of Management

U of T Scarborough

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Nine researchers from the ��߲ݴ�ý have received Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards.

Given by the Connaught Fund, the awards support research carried out in collaboration with non-academic community partners and driven by their needs and priorities. For the 2024-25 funding cycle, the Connaught Committee made the decision to exceed its $300,000 allocation to award a total of $820,000 to nine research initiatives.

“It is a testament to the range and excellence of research proposals that the Connaught Fund will, this year, support more Community Partnership Research Programs than ever before,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives.

“In recent years, projects supported by this program have blossomed into established relationships that are enriching research at our university and poised to have a sustained impact on communities.

“I have no doubt that this will continue to be the case with this year’s awarded projects, which address complex challenges that range from tracking contaminants in traditional foods in First Nations to enhancing the wellness of older adults in retirement living.”

The recipients of the 2024-25 Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards are:

Elyse Caron-Beaudoin, department of health and society, U of T Scarborough – Kihcinahowin kîspin piscipowin astîk kimîcowinân (Tracking contaminants in traditional foods)
Mark Chignell, department of mechanical and industrial engineering, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering – Activity spaces for community-living older adults: Implementing a pilot space in a naturally occurring retirement community and evaluating its impact on physical and cognitive function, and social interaction
Bernhard Ganss, Faculty of Dentistry – Chalky teeth in Ontario’s children: Determining prevalence and raising awareness in the Durham region
Daniel Grace, department of social and behavioural health sciences, Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Advancing 2-spirited health equity: Learning through the narratives of 2-spirited people impacted by HIV
Matthew Hoffmann, department of political science, U of T Scarborough – From envisioning to empowering a just transition in Scarborough
Sheng Liu, operations management and statistics, Rotman School of Management – Enhancing support for survivors of abuse through intelligent volunteer management
Angela Mashford-Pringle, Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health – Rivers of plenty: Enabling heart healthy eating in James and Hudson’s Bay
Laura Risk, department of arts, culture and media, U of T Scarborough – Old sounds, new stories: A partnership with the Canadian Museum of History to activate the Fonds Jean Trudel
Daniel Sellen, department of anthropology, Faculty of Arts & Science – The ecosystem of birthing and lactation in Toronto: Lived experiences of marginalized parents and the role of community support providers

Research & Innovation

3 U of T scholars named finalists for 2024 SSHRC Impact Awards

Read more about the SSHRC Impact Awards

Athanasios Litsios and Lucie Wolf receive Donnelly Centre’s Research Excellence Awards

Read the Donnelly Centre story

Renée Hložek awarded Rutherford Memorial Medal by Royal Society of Canada

Read the Faculty of Arts & Science story

Read about the Royal Society of Canada award winners

Janna Shapiro receives Alice Wilson Award from Royal Society of Canada

Read about Janna Shapiro's research at CVPD

Read about the Royal Society of Canada award winners

Jacob Tsimerman receives John L. Synge Award from the Royal Society of Canada

Read the Faculty of Arts & Science story

Read about the Royal Society of Canada award winners

4 faculty members named to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

Read the Royal Society of Canada press release

Robert Morris recognized by American Chemical Society

Read the department of chemistry story

PhD student Alex Gabbey recognized by Women Chemists Committee

Read the department of chemistry story

51 faculty members receive Connaught New Researcher Awards

Read more about the Connaught New Researcher Award, including details on the 2024-25 competition

Read the U of T Engineering story on Aereas Aung

Read the Temerty Medicine story on Linna Tam-Seto

9 researchers receive Connaught Community Partnership Research Program awards

Read more about the Connaught Community Partnership Research Program