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.

Professor David Stinton in the lab with colleagues

David Sinton elected to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

Professor David Sinton (MIE) has been named to the 2015 cohort of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. Now in its second year, the College recognizes and brings together an emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leaders from multiple disciplines. Sinton is a pioneer in applying small-scale fluid mechanics research, […]

U of T Engineering alumni Tomek Bartczak , Alex Selwa, Victor Ragusila, Todd Reichert, Cameron Robertson and Trefor Evans

World’s fastest bike created by U of T Engineering alumni and students

A team of U of T Engineering alumni and students has created the fastest human-powered vehicle on earth — a bicycle that reached a top speed of 139.45 kilometres per hour (86.65 miles per hour) at the World Human Powered Speed Challenge in Battle Mountain, Nevada, last week. The 25-kilogram speed-bike, named Eta after the Greek letter used […]

Animation of "tissue velcro" in use

New “Tissue Velcro” could help repair damaged hearts

Engineers at the University of Toronto just made assembling functional heart tissue as easy as fastening your shoes. The team has created a biocompatible scaffold that allows sheets of beating heart cells to snap together just like Velcro™. “One of the main advantages is the ease of use,” says Professor Milica Radisic (ChemE, IBBME), who […]

Horizon, the 8th generation solar vehicle created by the Blue Sky Solar Racing Team

Blue Sky Solar Racing team reveals new solar-powered vehicle Horizon

With the sun beaming down on its solar surface, Horizon looked poised to tear off its platform and hit the road. The sleek new vehicle was unveiled today by the University of Toronto’s Blue Sky Solar Racing team. The eighth-generation, custom-built solar car boasts several design innovations, including adopting a catamaran-shaped aerobody, improved seams, lighter […]

Professor Craig Simmons

Craig Simmons appointed Scientific Director of Translational Biology and Engineering Program

University of Toronto Engineering Professor Craig Simmons (MIE, IBBME) has been appointed scientific director of the new Translational Biology and Engineering Program (TBEP), a unique interdisciplinary research initiative that will bring together leading experts in engineering and medicine to advance discoveries and accelerate new treatments for cardiovascular disease. “Craig Simmons’ international reputation as a leading […]

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 […]