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.

Molly Shoichet (left) and Peter Zandstra (right) are two U of T Engineering professors involved in the new Medicine By Design initiative. (Photo: L'Oreal/UNESCO, U of T News)

Behind the scenes of Medicine By Design with Molly Shoichet and Peter Zandstra

More than 50 researchers and clinicians at the University of Toronto and its partner hospitals are participating in Medicine By Design, the new centre for regenerative medicine announced on July 28, 2015. The centre, which builds on decades of U of T research dating back to the demonstration of the existence of stem cells by James […]

Professor Emeritus James Till and Professor Peter Zandstra

U of T to transform regenerative medicine with $114-million federal grant

The University of Toronto is set to cement its position as one of the world’s leading centres for the design and manufacture of cells, tissues and organs that can be used to treat degenerative disease, thanks to a $114-million grant from the federal government. “Our government is investing in research and innovation to create jobs, […]

Computer monitor and lab equipment

Engineers to transform genomic medicine with deep learning startup

Evolution has altered the human genome over hundreds of thousands of years — and now humans can do it in a matter of months. Faster than anyone expected, scientists have discovered how to read and write the DNA code in a living body, using hand-held genome sequencers and gene-editing systems. But knowing how to write […]

Professor Emma Master

$2.8 million research grant boosts the search for ‘green plastics’

Paper or plastic? This seemingly mundane question captures one of our biggest sustainability challenges: although paper is renewable and biodegradable, for many uses non-degradable plastic still wins out due to its resilience and versatility. Now, thanks to a new grant from the European Research Council, Professor Emma Master (ChemE) is searching for ways to get the […]

A glowing quantum dot integrated into a perovskite crystal matrix

Engineered hybrid crystal opens new frontiers for high-efficiency lighting

It’s snack time: you have a plain oatmeal cookie, and a pile of chocolate chips. Both are delicious on their own, but if you can find a way to combine them smoothly, you get the best of both worlds. Researchers in The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering used this insight […]

Crowd at the 2015 SAVI Annual General Meeting

Smart cities become reality at SAVI meeting of minds

If you live in Toronto, you may have noticed that your commute is worse since the HOV lanes opened ahead of Toronto’s Pan Am Games. Or is it all in your head? The smart traffic monitoring platform Connected Vehicles and Smart Transportation (CVST) has the answer to that question, and many more that haven’t been […]

AirSensors.ca screenshot

U of T researchers launch interactive air pollution map for Pan Am Games

A group of researchers from the University of Toronto and the Allergy, Genes and Environment (AllerGen) Network have launched an interactive map that tracks air pollution across Toronto for the Pan Am Games. The tool uses data from new AirSENCE devices, which are a type of inexpensive air quality monitoring system that the U of […]

Mark Fox

Mark Fox named U of T Distinguished Professor of Urban Systems Engineering

Professor Mark Fox (MIE) has been named a University of Toronto Distinguished Professor of Urban Systems Engineering, an honour that recognizes his exceptional career achievements and promise. Awarded by the U of T Office of the Vice-President and Provost, Fox holds the title for a five-year term, beginning July 1, 2015. He is one of […]

Rendering of a portion of a cell

New device tracks chemical signals within cells

Biomedical engineers at the University of Toronto have invented a new device that more quickly and accurately visualizes the chemical messages that tell our cells how to multiply. The tool improves our understanding of how cancerous growth begins, and could identify new targets for cancer medications. Throughout the human body, certain signalling chemicals — known as […]