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.

As a PhD student, Pavani Cherukpally researched the use of polyurethane foams to adsorb droplets of oil in wastewater. (Photo: Kevin Soobrian)

Oil-adsorbing sponge could prevent environmental contamination

U of T researchers have developed a chemically modified sponge that can remove oil microdroplets from wastewater with more than 90% efficiency in just 10 minutes

Professor Angela Schoellig (left, UTIAS), an autonomous robotics expert, is among 34 newly appointed CIFAR AI chairs. (Credit: Neil Ta)

Autonomous robotics expert among CIFAR’s newest research chairs in Artificial Intelligence

Appointment to boost Professor Angela Schoellig’s research in enhancing the capabilities of robots within human-centric environments

Fengwang Li demonstrates the copper-based catalyst that he and his collaborators have designed. Placed within an electrolyzer, the catalyst is capable of efficiently transforming waste CO2 directly into ethylene, a valuable commodity chemical. (Photo: Tyler Irving)

U of T Engineering and Caltech collaborate on pathway to carbon-neutral plastics

Improved catalyst transforms renewable electricity and waste CO2 into ethylene, one of the world’s most widely-used commodity chemicals

Professors Tracey Galloway and Chris Beck in one of the planes used to transport food, supplies and passengers to remote Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario. (Photo courtesy of Chris Beck)

Reconciliation through Engineering Initiative to improve transportation and housing in Indigenous communities

Indigenous leaders, U of T researchers begin collaborations to mitigate indoor mould and improve air transportation of food and goods in Northern Ontario

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U of T Engineering researchers, innovators to pitch ideas for Ontario’s growth at annual economic summit

Professors Goldie Nejat, Hani Naguib and alumnus Allen Lau will pitch their ideas at the Ontario Economic Summit

MapinHood is a new navigation app designed to take account of issues that affect pedestrians — from sidewalk construction to low-hanging branches — especially those that affect people with low vision. (Image courtesy iMerciv)

This U of T startup aims to make the world more navigable for pedestrians

iMerciv, co-founded by a U of T Engineering alumnus, is building a navigation app that focuses on the needs of people who travel on foot, especially those with low vision

Olugbenga Olubanjo (back row, second from left) poses for a photo with members of the Reeddi team, local community members and his startup's power-providing capsules during an August pilot project in Ayegun, Nigeria (photo courtesy of Olugbenga Olubanjo)

U of T Engineering entrepreneur creates his own job post-graduation: Delivering clean, affordable energy to Nigeria

Olubanjo is set to graduate with a job that he created: CEO of Reeddi, the startup he founded and incubated at the Entrepreneurship Hatchery to bring clean and affordable electricity to energy-starved communities in Nigeria and beyond

A national study led by Professor Greg Evans (ChemE) reveals the proportion of diesel vehicles as a key factor contributing to near-road air pollution. Nearly 30% of Canadians live within 250 metres of major roads. (Photo: Matthew Henry/Unsplash)

National air pollution report calls out rush-hour traffic, diesel truck emissions as major areas of concern

U of T Engineering study of near-road air pollution in Toronto and Vancouver raises questions about health risks to one-third of Canadians living near a major roadway

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Soft robot programmed to move like an inchworm

U of T Engineering Professor Hani Naguib’s team takes inspiration from nature to design tiny flexible robots outfitted with smart materials