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.

The Blue Sky Solar Racing team's latest vehicle, Horizon, makes a test run in summer 2016. The team is currently working on its ninth vehicle, to race at the 2017 World Solar Challenge in Australia. (Courtesy: Blue Sky Solar Racing).

Blue Sky Solar Racing celebrates 20th anniversary

Established in 1996 as the ‘Blue Sky Project,’ the group of intrepid U of T Engineering students designs, builds and races their unique car thousands of kilometres, powered only by the sun’s rays

Professor Parham Aarabi (ECE) has developed new machine learning training method developed at U of T Engineering enables neural networks to learn directly from human-defined rules, opening new possibilities for artificial intelligence in fields from medical diagnostics to self-driving cars. (Credit: Johnny Guatto)

New AI algorithm taught by humans learns beyond its training

A new machine learning training method developed at U of T Engineering enables neural networks to learn directly from human-defined rules, opening new possibilities for artificial intelligence in fields from medical diagnostics to self-driving cars

Steve Carlisle, head of General Motors Canada, learns about autonomous robotics research in the Barfoot Lab at U of T's Institute for Aerospace Studies. (Credit: Roberta Baker)

GM Canada president: “The tree of artificial intelligence was planted in Toronto”

Steve Carlisle scouts U of T Engineering talent, talks partnerships

From left: Professors Tim Chan (MIE), Angela Schoellig (UTIAS) and PhD candidate Justin Boutillier (IndE) found that drone delivery of automatic external defibrillators could shave crucial minutes off ambulance response times in both rural and urban regions. (Credit: Liz Do).

Drone-delivered AEDs offer novel approach to saving lives at home

Drone delivery could shave crucial minutes off the median ambulance response times in both rural and urban regions

“The convergence of a healthy biking culture and few cars in the heart of the city is truly a breath of fresh air," says Kerolyn Shairsingh (ChemE PhD candidate) about Utrecht, where she has been on research exchange since October 2016. (Courtesy: Kerolyn Shairsingh).

ChemE PhD student finds breath of fresh air in the Netherlands

Exchange is part of University of Toronto’s first-ever tripartite research collaboration with Utrecht University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Sam Harrison (Year 3 EngSci) has been chosen as a member of the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition at the global UN climate change summit COP22. (Credit: Marit Mitchell).

EngSci student represents Canadian youth at UN climate summit

Sam Harrison selected to join Canadian Youth Delegation at COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco

Dr. Dale Podolsky is a reconstructive surgery resident and IBBME PhD candidate at the University of Toronto. As a member of the U of T Surgeon Scientist Training Program, he is researching ways to improve the surgical process for cleft lip and palate repair, which is the most common birth defect worldwide. (Photo: Dan Haves / University of Toronto)

3D-printed cleft palate simulator improves surgery training

While working on robotic surgical tools to help with cleft palate surgery, Dale Podolsky created a cleft palate simulator which has been internationally recognized as an incredible training tool for surgeons

Professor Joyce Poon.

Quantum ‘secret keys’ to keep personal data safe

Two U of T Engineering researchers are working to make quantum security protocols accessible and inexpensive, so when the quantum era dawns, your personal data will stay safe

CGI of sperm slithering and swimming

‘Slithering sperm’ research earns MIE alumnus Colton Medal

Reza Nosrati was recognized with the 2016 Douglas R. Colton Medal for Research Excellence for his pioneering work using nanotechnology and microfluidics to treat male infertility