Professor Milos Popovic (IBBME, ECE) has been appointed as the new research director of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI), effective January 8, 2018. The announcement was made by Dr. Bradley Wouters, executive vice-president of science and research for the University Health Network (UHN).

Popovic is a world-renowned researcher in the field of rehabilitation engineering. His work involves neuromodulation for the restoration of voluntary limb functions in persons with certain disabilities and neuroprostheses devices for rehabilitation. His research has led to the creation of MyndTec — a start-up company that produces a non-invasive therapy device called MyndMove that helps patients regain lost movement as a result of stroke or injury.

More recently, the TRI senior scientist and IBBME full professor co-led the successful launch of the CenteR for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA)—a $16.3-million initiative supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and Ontario Research Fund (ORF) that will enable UHN and U of T researchers to advance neuromodulation therapies to treat patients with diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and spinal cord injury.

“Milos’ work in neurorehabilitation has brought new hope to many people affected by neurological disease and physical injury,” said Professor Warren Chan (IBBME), director of the Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. “Please join me in congratulating him on this well-deserved appointment.”

Popovic succeeds outgoing TRI research director and IBBME professor Geoff Fernie, whose dedication and accomplishments for the hospital were recognized in December with his induction as a Member of the Order of Canada.