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.

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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

Rob Brown (MechE 0T0), chief operating officer of Viryl Technologies, holds up a “splatter” record made on the company’s LiteTone vinyl press. Viryl Technologies is one of only two firms worldwide that produce such machines. (Photo: Doug Chappell)

This U of T Engineering grad is leading the ‘vinyl renaissance’

Rob Brown (MechE 0T0) is the chief operating officer of Viryl Technologies, an Etobicoke-based company that makes vinyl record pressing machines

Diatoms (Nitzchia palea), the most abundant algal taxa in the world’s oceans, stained with a fluorescent dye (Nile Red) to reveal the abundant neutral lipid (yellow) contained in these algal cells. (Photo: Professor Michael T. Arts, Ryerson University)

Food for thought: Climate change could impact omega-3 levels worldwide

Computer simulations suggests that warming ocean temperatures could limit the ability of algae to produce a key nutrient

U of T Engineering researchers are using a traditional eye test to assess the quality of VR cameras. (Photo: David Travis, via Unsplash)

From quality control to deepfakes: How one U of T Engineering team is advancing VR technology

Two new research papers aim to expand the use of VR for personal and professional applications

Professor Oya Mercan (CivMin) is one of seven U of T Engineering early-career faculty members receiving the the Percy Edward Hart and Erwin Edward Hart professorships. (Photo: Tyler Irving)

Hart professorships boost research into medical diagnostics, smart cities and more

Seven new Hart Professorships will boost U of T Engineering research into technologies across a range of fields, from improved medical testing to more efficient transportation networks