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.

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

Professor Timothy Chan (MIE) and his team have conducted a ‘virtual clinical trial’ to show that optimizing the locations of defibrillators does increase the rate at which they are used, as well predicted patient survival. (Photo: Tyler Irving)

Study: Better-placed AEDs could save more lives

Simulations show that optimizing the distribution of defibrillators could increase how often they are used

A BikeShare Toronto station on U of T’s St. George campus. A new study from U of T Engineering researchers shows that Toronto’s cycling infrastructure is disconnected, creating barriers for people who might otherwise cycle to work. (Photo: Kevin Zolkiewicz, via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons)

Why don’t more Torontonians cycle to work?

New U of T Engineering study maps cycling stress levels and accessibility across the city

Laura Burget (ChemE 1T6) created her own skincare company, NIU BODY, after discovering an untapped market for affordable all-natural skincare products in an engineering entrepreneurship course. (Photo: Roberta Baker)

This U of T Engineering alumna spotted a blemish in the skincare industry — and started her own company to tackle it

Laura Burget shares her experience launching natural beauty line NIU BODY and how a fourth-year class inspired her entrepreneurial journey

Professor Paul Santerre (Dentistry, IBBME) is the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Interface Biologics, Inc. The company announced this week that its surface modification technology is being acquired by Evonik, a global chemical manufacturer. (Photo: Luke Ng)

This U of T Engineering innovation makes implants safer, and is attracting new investment to Toronto

Global chemical company Evonik will maintain presence in Toronto after acquiring part of U of T spinoff Interface Biologics, Inc.

Professor Amr Helmy (left) and ECE PhD candidate Han Liu (right) with a quantum imaging-enabled chip that was fabricated in-house in Helmy’s lab. The chip shown contains about 1,000 of such light sources. (Photo: Liz Do)

U of T Engineering researchers to harness quantum properties of light for biomedical imaging, security and more

Professor Amr Helmy (ECE) and his team are working to develop cost-effective applications of quantum sensor technologies

Hydrogeological technicians collect core samples from a hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer near Barrie, Ont. Professor Elizabeth Edwards (ChemE) and her partners — including SiREM, a company that offers site remediation products and services — have developed bacterial cultures designed to clean up such sites by breaking down contaminants such as benzene, toluene and xylene. (Photo: Courtney Toth)

Contamination-eating microbes are ready for action

A new public-private collaboration enables field trials of bacterial cultures that can degrade hazardous waste