Research news

Learn more about the latest discoveries and innovations from the U of T Engineering community. Our researchers are developing new ways of capturing and storing clean energy, medical devices that can save and extend lives, smarter ways to design and build cities and much more.

This soft robot is made of a common polymer combined with carbon nanotubes, and acts like an ‘artificial muscle’ that contracts in response to electric currents. New materials for soft robotics is the focus one of three U of T Engineering projects funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation this week. (Photo: Mihai Duduta)

From soft robotics to treating neurological disorders: Three U of T Engineering projects supported by CFI

February 22, 2022

Funding from the John R. Evans Leaders Fund will help develop new technologies and train highly qualified personnel

As part of their research on water equity in India, a multi-disciplinary team at U of T will examine water distribution infrastructure, such as this tube well seen in New Delhi, India in 2017. (Photo: iStock)

How data science could enhance water practices and equity in India

February 11, 2022

A Catalyst Grant from U of T’s Data Sciences Institute will help launch a new cross-disciplinary research project co-led by Professor David Meyer (CivMin, CGEN)

Positive Zero Transportation Futures aims to decarbonize transportation by making alternatives to fossil-fuel-dependent vehicles more accessible. (Photo: Leonardo Patrizi/iStock)

Positive Zero Transport Futures takes a holistic approach to decarbonizing transportation

February 8, 2022

A team of U of T Engineering researchers is designing models of decarbonization that ensure positive societal outcomes

Left: A map of Toronto showing 17 of the TTC’s 75 stations. Right: A sample network connecting those 17 nodes, created by a computer model of a slime mould, Physarum polycephalum. (Images courtesy: Raphael Kay)

Could a ‘virtual slime mould’ design a better subway system?

January 25, 2022

A model based on the growth patterns of a single-celled organism could lead to networks with improved travel time or resilience to disruption

A new study of zebra mussels, like this one growing in a tank in the lab of Professor Eli Sone (BME, MSE), could offer insights into new medical adhesives as well as ways to prevent fouling of water intake pipes. (Photo: Angelico Obille)

Zebra mussels could point the way toward non-stick surfaces and medical adhesives

January 13, 2022

Professor Eli Sone and his team developed new techniques to measure how strongly mussels stick to a range of different materials

Professor Mohini Sain (MIE) works with researchers to design original materials at a lab, pictured, at the Earth Science Centre. (Photo: Mohini Sain)

U of T Engineering and Ford partnership introduces new sustainable material into the automotive industry

January 6, 2022

Professor Mohini Sain’s team worked with Ford Motors Canada to create a Carbon Fibre-Composite 5.0L Engine Timing Cover

‘An everybody problem’: David Sinton on how U of T experts can help Canada — and the world — get to net-zero

December 15, 2021

Canada has formally committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 — and since 78% of greenhouse gas emissions globally are related to energy, finding cleaner sources is a big part of the puzzle. Researchers at the University of Toronto have responded to this challenge by forming a new research network: the Climate Positive […]

(L-R) Andrew Gillis, CEO of Aurora Hydrogen, Professor Erin Bobicki, University of Alberta, and Professor Murray Thomson (MIE), University of Toronto. The three have developed a new method for generating emissions-free hydrogen, and are seeing interest in their technology from the energy sector. (Photo courtesy: Murray Thomson)

Spin-off company co-founded by U of T Engineering professor creates hydrogen without carbon dioxide emissions

December 1, 2021

Novel approach to hydrogen production could help decarbonize energy consumption

PhD candidate Peter Serles (MIE) places a sample of magnetene in the atomic force microscope. New measurements and simulations of this material show that its low-friction behaviour is due to quantum effects. (Photo: Daria Perevezentsev)

Graphene-like 2D material leverages quantum effects to achieve ultra-low friction

November 17, 2021

Magnetene could have useful applications as a lubricant in implantable devices or other micro-electro-mechanical systems

Load more stories