Department news

Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry (ChemE) news

SymbI uses its self-driving lab to identify the best combination of microorganisms for breaking down organic waste and producing the ingredients required for a palm kernel oil alternative. (photo courtesy of SymBL Innovations)

AC-U of T startup converts organic waste into high-value bioproducts

Backed by the Acceleration Consortium, SymBL Innovations uses AI-designed microbiomes to develop palm kernel oil alternative

University Professor Elizabeth Edwards (ChemE) has conducted groundbreaking research on the remediation of contaminated groundwater, wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion. (photo courtesy of Daria Perevezentsev)

University Professor Elizabeth Edwards awarded the Royal Society of Canada’s Miroslaw Romanowski Medal

Award recognizes significant contributions to the resolution of scientific aspects of environmental issues or for important improvements to the quality of an ecosystem brought about by scientific means

Gabriel D. Patrón (ChemE) focuses his research on making AI models interpretable, reliable and grounded in physical principles so that engineers can trust them in safety-critical settings. (photo by ChemE Communications)

Using AI to build a smarter, more sustainable future: Meet ChemE professor Gabriel D. Patrón

Patrón is exploring how these technologies can complement — rather than replace — traditional chemical engineering knowledge

NSERC Indigenous Student Ambassador Shilo Chislett (ChemE MEng student) in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. (photo by Shilo Chislett)

ChemE grad student Shilo Chislett brings STEM outreach to Nunavut youth

Chislett spoke with high school students in her hometown of Rankin Inlet about her educational journey, university life and the many pathways available after high school

In March 2026, Sushant Singh (MSE MEng 1T9, MIE PhD 2T6) won the top overall prize at  U of T’s Desjardins Startup Prize competition. (photo by Tim Fraser, KITE Studio)

The future of wound healing: Desjardins Prize supports U of T bioprinting startup

“We’re not just building technology — we’re working to solve a deeply consequential problem for humanity.”

University of Toronto researchers Karl Wagner (ChemE PhD candidate), left, and Professor Milica Radisic (ChemE, BME) found that tiny particles released by immune cells help blood vessels form in lab‑grown human heart tissue. (photo courtesy of BME)

Tiny immune cell particles help blood vessels grow in lab-made human heart tissue

U of T Engineering researchers shed light on how the heart may naturally support repair of damaged tissue

four people stand in front of a research poster. One holds a bowl containing pieces of cacti.

This cactus-based material could help improve rainwater harvesting for communities across rural Mexico

U of T Engineering undergraduates partnered with Isla Urbana, a local NGO, to find a sustainable alternative to the waterproofing chemical product currently in use

The U of T Engineering members are among 50 new fellows announced by the Canadian Academy of Engineering. (photo by Daria Perevezentsev)

U of T Engineering professors and alumni elected to the Canadian Academy of Engineering

Fellows recognized for outstanding contributions to engineering in Canada and provide strategic advice on matters of critical importance to the country

Recipients of U of T Engineering's Faculty Awards pose with Dean Yip at the April Faculty Council meeting. Top left to right: Dean Chris Yip, Professor Evan Bentz (CivMin), Professor Sinisa Colic (MIE), Professor Matthew Mackay (MIE). Bottom left to right: Adriana Diaz Lozano Patino (EngSci 2T3, MIE PhD student), Dimpho Radebe (IndE 1T5, ChemE PhD student). (photo by Chris Yip)

U of T Engineering professors and TAs honoured by the faculty for excellence in teaching and research

Recipients recognized for excellence in classroom instruction, innovative teaching methods and distinction in research