Adina Bresge

The University of Toronto has been ranked third in the world in artificial intelligence and among the top 10 universities globally in four more subjects in the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

U of T’s performance in AI – one of two new subjects added to this year’s edition of the annual ranking – underscores the university’s leadership in developing the potentially revolutionary technology. That includes foundational work by University Professor Emeritus and 2024 Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton, widely known as the “godfather of AI,” and his graduate students.

In addition, U of T placed fifth in the world for biomedical engineering, sixth for public health, eighth for statistics and ninth for human biological sciences – and ranked among the top 25 in 21 subjects, placing it among the most widely ranked institutions globally.

It was also named the top university in Canada in 28 subjects, the highest total in the country.

“These global rankings consistently reflect the outstanding work that U of T researchers are doing each day across our three campuses,” said U of T President Melanie Woodin. “Our faculty and students are making major contributions in a wide range of fields. And it’s great to see our world leadership in artificial intelligence reflected here as well, with the addition of AI as one of the subjects covered by ShanghaiRanking.”

The Shanghai subject ranking is closely watched as an international benchmark for research performance across disciplines, with about 2,000 universities from nearly 100 countries and regions assessed every year. Each subject is evaluated using nine indicators, including number of papers published, international collaboration, journal quality, citation impact and major academic honours.

In addition to AI, one other new subject was added this year’s ranking: robotic science and technology – an area in which U of T ranked 31st globally.

The ShanghaiRanking consultancy ranked a total of 57 subject areas for 2025, and U of T featured in the top 50 in 31 of them. Only five universities – Harvard University, National University of Singapore, Stanford University, Tsinghua University and Zhejiang University –ranked that highly in more subjects.

Compared to last year’s ranking, U of T’s position rose in 18 subjects, declined in 24 and remained unchanged in six.

Earlier this year, U of T placed 25th globally in the 2025 edition of ShanghaiRanking’s overall ranking of universities worldwide.

Overall, U of T continues to be ranked among the top 30 universities globally across the five most closely watched international rankings: QS World University Rankings, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities, Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities and National Taiwan University World University Rankings.

U of T ranked 2nd in the world in latest QS sustainability rankings

lanthierj — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:16:19 +0000

U of T ranked 2nd in the world in latest QS sustainability rankings

lanthierj Thu, 11/20/2025 - 08:16

Cutline

The University of Toronto placed second in the world and first in Canada in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026 (photo by Matt Volpe)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Our Community

Climate Positive Campus

Lawson Climate Institute

President Melanie Woodin

Alumni

Current Students

International

QS World University Rankings

Research & Innovation

Subheadline

The university is recognized for climate leadership, social impact and innovative governance

The University of Toronto has been named one of the top two universities in the world for sustainability by QS World University Rankings: Sustainability – for the fourth year in a row.

The annual ranking by London-based firm Quacquarelli Symonds – which has awarded U of T the No. 1 spot twice – evaluated nearly 2,000 universities on how effectively they address urgent environmental, social and governance challenges. Sweden’s Lund University moved up two spots from last year’s ranking to first place. Rounding out the top five were University College London, the University of Edinburgh and the University of British Columbia.

Melanie Woodin (supplied image)

“The University of Toronto is profoundly committed to building a more sustainable world,” said U of T President Melanie Woodin. “The challenges involved are complex and urgent but together we are showing that progress is possible and there is reason to hope.

“U of T's continued strength in the QS sustainability rankings is a testament to the passionate dedication of our students, faculty, librarians, staff and alumni in achieving a better future for all humanity.”

Woodin pointed to several university-wide initiatives driving U of T’s momentum – from its commitment to making its three campuses climate positive by 2050 and major investments in green infrastructure, to the launch of the Lawson Climate Institute and a growing range of sustainability-focused research and learning opportunities.

“At U of T, we’ve transformed our three campuses into a giant ‘living lab’ for learning, discovery and innovation in sustainability," said Woodin.

“We have received countless requests for information and advice from universities and organizations around the world who are inspired by our example.”

A strong Canadian showing

U of T led a strong showing for Canadian universities in this year’s ranking. It was joined in the top five by UBC, while McGill University and Western University ranked ninth and 24th, respectively.

An offshoot of the QS World University Rankings, the sustainability ranking measures how effectively institutions are addressing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s methodology draws on more than 50 indicators with assigned weights, grouped into three broad categories: environmental impact, social impact and governance.

U of T’s performance remained strong across the board. It ranked third in the world for both environmental impact and social impact, which respectively assess sustainability-focused education and research, and institutional commitments to equality and inclusion.

Sustainability across the three campuses

U of T’s performance is bolstered by major sustainability initiatives across its three campuses.

At St. George, work is underway on a multi-year shift to electric power at the central steam plant and the implementation of Canada’s largest urban geoexchange system, which will reduce emissions by an estimated 17,000 tonnes.

At U of T Mississauga, Project SHIFT is completing deep energy retrofits, electrification upgrades and steam-to-hot-water conversions designed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 6,000 tonnes.

Gurtaj Bajwa, building engineer, monitors geothermal systems in the Instructional Building at the University of Toronto Mississauga (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Meanwhile, U of T Scarborough is advancing clean-tech innovation through the Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (EaRTH), a partnership helping expand the sector in east Toronto and supporting projects such as a net-zero vertical farm.

The EaRTH District at U of T Scarborough aims to transform the eastern GTA into a hub for green-tech innovation

Expanding research, teaching and influence

Guided by the President’s Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability (CECCS), the university is deepening its academic leadership in sustainability.

Hundreds of faculty researchers contribute to climate-focused work across more than 120 research units and interdisciplinary initiatives. Students, meanwhile, have access to more than 2,000 undergraduate courses and over 115 graduate programs with sustainability content.

A self-cleaning coating developed by researchers at U of T is tested on solar panels at the Exam Centre (photo by Donglin Que)

One of the most significant undergraduate efforts is the Sustainability Pathways Program, which now reaches 86 per cent of students through coursework, experiential learning and campus-as-a-living-lab opportunities. This year, the program introduced a new Sustainability Leadership tier, giving students formal recognition – and up to $2,000 in awards – for taking on real-world sustainability leadership roles on and off campus.

Beyond the classroom, U of T is working closely with local, regional and internal partners to accelerate local climate action. In collaboration with the City of Toronto, the university is supporting youth engagement and climate education through TransformTO as well as the launch of a new pilot climate hub.

On the global stage, U of T plays a leading role in several international sustainability networks as a steering member of the University Climate Change Coalition (UC3) and member of the U7+ Alliance.

As part of this year’s COP30 Action Agenda, U of T and Cambridge University, as co-conveners and founders of the Network of Networks, were together tasked with leading the higher education sector globally in developing accelerated solutions for “education, capacity-building, and job creation to address climate change.”

U of T launches $24-million program to create 100 new postdoctoral positions, accelerate independent research

Christopher.Sorensen — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:07:33 +0000

U of T launches $24-million program to create 100 new postdoctoral positions, accelerate independent research

Christopher.Sorensen Wed, 11/12/2025 - 15:07

Cutline

(photo by Matthew Volpe)

Topic

Research & Innovation

School of Graduate Studies

Subheadline

“By investing in new pathways for these researchers, we’re reinforcing U of T’s role as a top destination for talent and a launchpad for future leaders”

The University of Toronto is launching a $24-million initiative to strengthen research capacity and support emerging scholars, including the creation of 100 new postdoctoral fellowships across its three campuses.

The strategy aims to attract promising early-career researchers from Canada and around the world and provide additional support for current U of T postdocs who are launching their careers.

Key to the initiative is the Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellows program, a $20.9-million initiative that will fund 100 new two-year fellowships, covering the cost of salaries as well as $10,000 per year in research support. The program is designed to provide top minds from across the globe with the resources, mentorship and freedom to pursue innovative lines of inquiry at U of T, one of the world’s premier research institutions.

A further $3 million has been earmarked to create a fund to elevate rising stars within U of T’s postdoctoral community. Launching in early 2026, the Postdoctoral Competitive Awards Research program will award targeted grants of $10,000 or $30,000 to allow both new and current fellows to pursue independent research and accelerate their academic trajectory.

U of T Vice-President and Provost Trevor Young said the university’s decision to invest nearly $24 million provides the institutional support that the next generation of researchers needs to succeed in a rapidly changing research landscape.

“This is an important step in our commitment to early-career researchers,” said Young. “Postdoctoral scholars are at a pivotal stage in their careers – building independence, refining their research focus and preparing to lead the next wave of discoveries. Supporting them helps to develop a strong foundation for future excellence in scholarship.

“By investing in new pathways for these researchers, we’re reinforcing U of T’s role as a top destination for talent and a launchpad for future leaders.”

This initiative, which builds on last year’s decision to raise base funding for PhD students to $40,000 per year, aligns with U of T’s broader vision to support research excellence at all stages. While the university planned and launched the program proactively, the strategy is in step with Canada’s recent $1.7-billion commitment in last week’s federal budget to attract top global research talent.

The program’s official launch comes as the university further strengthens its academic ranks with the addition of three world-renowned researchers and faculty members from U.S. universities, whose work spans astrophysics and the economics of everything from innovation and energy to health care and homelessness.

Beginning in 2025-2026, the fellowship program will draw 100 postdoctoral scholars from across disciplines, appointed in overlapping cohorts over the next five years.

The program was developed in consultation with academic divisions across the university’s three campuses, which will be participating and accelerating research capacity in an expansive range of fields.

“This is a unique moment in history for the international research community, many of whom are contemplating new pathways for their important work,” said Joshua Barker, U of T’s vice-provost of graduate research and education and dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

“With programs such as this one, the University of Toronto – a global research powerhouse – is in a unique position to welcome many of those scholars while championing independent research and free inquiry for the benefit of Canada and the world.”

U of T grad navigates cancer while learning how to improve the health of Indigenous families

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:05:17 +0000

U of T grad navigates cancer while learning how to improve the health of Indigenous families

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 10/30/2025 - 23:05

Cutline

Linda Nothing, centre, celebrates her convocation with Assistant Professor Suzy Goodleaf, left, and Associate Professor Jane Middelton-Moz, right, of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (supplied image)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2025

Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work

Subheadline

Diagnosed with colon cancer just weeks before starting her master’s degree, Linda Nothing found strength in ceremony, language and community

When Linda Nothing started cancer treatment at the same time as her graduate program at the University of Toronto, she viewed both as paths toward healing.

A Language Keeper and member of Bearskin Lake First Nation, she notes that chemotherapy can be a dreaded process for patients, but if one is able to “reframe” their thinking about it – it’s just medicine. As such, it became one of the many sources of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual strength that sustained her through her health struggles and studies.

“In the Indigenous world, we identify [these] positive items as a medicine bundle,” says Nothing, 63, who will graduate this week with a master’s degree in social work in Indigenous trauma and resiliency from U of T’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

“The family that I have, the chemo that was given to me, the support that was given to me and even the program at U of T – the staff and the students – were all part of my medicine bundle at that time.”

While her treatments often left her fatigued and in pain, she says the program’s community of peers and instructors helped her find the strength to keep going. “My cohort used to help me bandage my nails, because the chemo lifts the nail beds and you bleed,” she says.

Nothing had stepped away from her work in children’s services in 2023 to deepen her frontline experience through graduate study – but she was diagnosed with colon cancer just weeks before the program began.

Today, with her cancer in remission, Nothing credits the U of T program for helping her heal in both body and spirit. Developed in collaboration with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and the Middleton-Moz Institute, the two-year graduate program combines academic study with Indigenous Knowledge systems to prepare graduates to work with individuals, families and communities affected by historical and intergenerational trauma.

“What I gained was a very structured understanding of the effects of trauma, especially with Indigenous history around colonization and all the policies that have to do with Indigenous people,” she says, adding that she now brings the program’s lessons to her work supporting Indigenous families. “It helped me put everything in order … as to how we came to be in this place where we are today.”

She says the community and care she discovered at U of T reflected the teachings at the heart of the program itself, which emphasizes ceremony, storytelling and relationships as pathways to understanding.

“There’s something very calming to the brain when you go through rituals like prayer and ceremony,” she says. “Even when you’re at your lowest, performing ceremonies that your ancestors have done in the past carries you forward.”

A fluent Anisininew speaker, Nothing often grounded herself and her classmates in ceremony by opening gatherings with prayers in her language. She says those moments had a powerful impact on others in the program, many of whom were reconnecting with their own ancestral tongues as Indigenous languages face decline across Canada.

“In my culture, the language comes from this land. It doesn’t come from overseas. Once the language dies here, it’s gone,” she says. “I’m hoping that this is one of the ways we can retain it.”

Nothing has taken the teachings that guided her healing beyond the classroom. That includes the idea that true wellness begins with restoring balance – a principle reflected in the Medicine Wheel, which teaches that spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health are interconnected and must be nurtured in harmony. “Using this Indigenous pedagogy has helped me with community engagement,” she says.

During her time in the program, Nothing also began working on initiatives related to Bill C-92 – legislation that affirms Indigenous communities’ right to manage their own child and family services – and says her trauma-informed approach has helped her own community develop child-welfare laws and programs that strengthen families.

“Indian residential schools interfered with and interrupted Indigenous ways of parenting, which really aligned with trauma-informed care,” she says. “Helping parents bring those gentle ways of parenting is the major takeaway for me.

“I saw something online that said, ‘One generation of really loving parents will change society.’ I believe that.”

U of T ranked first in Canada, 21st globally in 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:12:13 +0000

U of T ranked first in Canada, 21st globally in 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 10/14/2025 - 14:12

Cutline

(photo by Matthew Volpe)

Topic

Research & Innovation

Times Higher Education

Subheadline

The university performed particularly well in the category of "research environment," ranking 16th in the world

The University of Toronto continues to be recognized as one of the world’s leading teaching and research institutions, placing first in Canada and 21^st globally in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

For the third consecutive year, U of T has held its position among the top 25 in the highly competitive international ranking, which assesses performance in teaching, research and international reach.

U of T also retained its rank as third among North American public universities and 10^th among public universities worldwide.

“Our consistently high standing in this prestigious ranking is due to the brilliant work of our students, faculty, staff and librarians,” said U of T President Melanie Woodin.

“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the members of our University of Toronto community for the countless contributions reflected in this latest recognition.”

For its 2026 edition, Times Higher Education ranked 2,191 research-intensive universities from 115 countries. Performance was measured across five broad pillars: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement and international outlook. These indicators draw on data such as reputation surveys, citation counts and institutional outputs.

U of T performed particularly well in the research environment pillar, ranking 16^th globally. This category includes metrics such as a university’s research reputation, research income and research productivity.

The top tier of this year’s rankings remained relatively stable, with only minor shifts among leading institutions. The top five were: the University of Oxford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, the University of Cambridge and Harvard University.

Two other Canadian universities were also ranked among the top 100: McGill University (41^st) and the University of British Columbia (45^th).

U of T leads Canada in PitchBook entrepreneurship rankings

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:55:49 +0000

U of T leads Canada in PitchBook entrepreneurship rankings

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 10/10/2025 - 11:55

Cutline

(photo by Kevin Fung)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Our Community

Leah Cowen

U of T Entrepreneurship

Alumni

Artificial Intelligence

Entrepreneurship

Quantum Computing

Startups

Subheadline

The annual rankings track undergraduate and graduate alumni founders of venture-backed companies

From AI to quantum computing, University of Toronto graduates are shaking up existing industries – and forging brand new ones – by launching and scaling high-impact startup companies in Canada and around the world.

Their collective impact is captured in a recent ranking by Pitchbook, which named U of T Canada’s top university for producing venture-backed entrepreneurs and 17th in the world for producing undergraduate alumni founders.

The Seattle-based financial data and research company’s annual ranking draws on a global database of venture capital and startup activity to rank the world’s top 100 universities based on the number of alumni who raised venture capital in the last decade.

“The incredible accomplishments of our alumni founders demonstrate how the resources, networks and expertise available at the University of Toronto are building a culture of entrepreneurship that turns ideas into impact,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives.

“These ventures create jobs, draw investment and deliver solutions in Canada and beyond.”

The 2025 edition of the Pitchbook ranking analyzed more than 173,000 entrepreneurs to rank universities’ alumni at the undergraduate, graduate and MBA levels, along with separate lists for female founders.

U of T rose eight spots from last year to place 17^th globally on the undergraduate alumni list – and eighth among public institutions globally. The university also performed strongly in the graduate and MBA alumni categories, placing 25^th and 36^thin the world, respectively.

Female founders were a particular bright spot. U of T ranked 15^th worldwide for undergraduate female founders and 25^th for graduate female founders – again leading the country in both measures.

Four other Canadian institutions joined U of T in the top 50 for undergraduate alumni entrepreneurs: University of Waterloo (18^th), McGill University (22^nd), Western University (40^th) and University of British Columbia (44^th).

U of T undergraduate alum Nick Frosst, right, co-founded AI startup Cohere after working with U of T University Professor Geoffrey Hinton, right. The pair are pictured here at a talk hosted by journalist Nora Young, centre (photo by Kevin Fung)

Globally, the top five undergraduate spots went to the University of California, Berkeley, Stanford University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Because companies can have multiple founders – and founders can have attended more than one school – the same entrepreneur may be counted toward the totals of multiple institutions.

PitchBook’s tally of alumni founders only captures one facet of U of T’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Beyond alumni ventures financed in other ways, the university also fuels student startups, faculty-led companies and spin-offs of U of T intellectual property.

U of T’s strong performance in the Pitchbook ranking was echoed in a separate ranking by Fast Company, which placed U of T 21^st in its global Ignition Schools 2025 list – the second time in two years that U of T has been ranked number one in Canada by the U.S. business magazine. That ranking is based on an evaluation of research, patents and number of startups formed, as well as Pitchbook data about alumni and venture capital activity.

Altogether, entrepreneurs from the U of T community have launched more than 1,500 venture-backed startups, raising more than $14 billion and creating more than 20,000 jobs in the past five years alone, according to figures compiled by U of T Entrepreneurship.

Among the ventures contributing to this momentum are Waabi, an autonomous driving company founded by Raquel Urtasun, a professor of computer science, and Xanadu, a quantum computing firm launched by former U of T postdoctoral researcher Christian Weedbrook.

The success of these and other companies reflects U of T’s growing strength in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies, said Jon French, director of U of T Entrepreneurship.

Raquel Urtasun, a U of T professor of computer science, founded the autonomous trucking company Waabi (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Alumni who worked with luminaries like Geoffrey Hinton, University Professor emeritus of computer science and recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, have gone on to launch a new generation of AI companies, French added, helping establish Toronto as a hub for cutting-edge research and commercialization. That includes Cohere, an AI startup co-founded by U of T alumni Aidan Gomez, Nick Frosst and Ivan Zhang, that raised $500 million in August.

At the same time, many entrepreneurial alumni are paying it forward – from gifts that strengthen campus accelerators to supporting the next wave of innovators and entrepreneurs – ensuring that today’s students and researchers have the supports and resources to take their ideas from classrooms and labs to commercialization.

“We have a ‘no wrong door’ philosophy,” French said. “It doesn't matter what you study or where you study, or what your background is. There are access points across the University of Toronto because of the breadth and depth in research domain expertise and the inclusive nature of our community.”

U of T launches emergency research fund to support faculty hit by U.S. cuts

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 21:21:19 +0000

U of T launches emergency research fund to support faculty hit by U.S. cuts

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 10/07/2025 - 17:21

Cutline

(photo by Nick Iwnayshyn)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Our Community

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research

Global

Research & Innovation

Subheadline

The emergency fund provides up to one year of bridge support to U of T faculty most affected by changes to U.S. federal research funding streams

The University of Toronto is taking steps to safeguard critical U of T research threatened by unexpected U.S. funding cuts – creating an emergency research fund that provides up to one year of bridge support to faculty most affected by the changes.

Recent restrictions on U.S. federal funding streams for international partnerships have left dozens of U of T researchers, primarily in the biomedical sciences, facing sudden shortfalls. These disruptions risk derailing long-term projects, triggering layoffs and stalling potential discoveries.

The goal of the fund is to ensure that affected projects can continue moving forward – supporting graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and protecting staff – while giving lead researchers time to seek out alternative funding sources.

U of T President Melanie Woodin says the initiative will allow U of T faculty to maintain their research momentum and prepare the next generation of investigators to build on their progress.

“This fund gives our faculty and their teams the stability they need to keep pushing the boundaries of knowledge across key fields – from climate change to cutting-edge treatments for cancer and other deadly diseases,” Woodin said.

“Canada – and the world – is counting on sustained investment in our mission of discovery and innovation.”

Each year, U of T researchers typically receive about $20 million originating from U.S. granting agencies, often through partnerships with American universities. However, a significant portion of that support has been disrupted by new U.S. rules. For example, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) now prohibits American institutions from directing parts of new or renewed grants to international partners – a shift that severs a vital channel of funding and collaboration that has long powered Canadian labs and fuelled discoveries with global impact.

Many U of T researchers are already feeling the hit.

Paul Fraser, professor of medical biophysics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, said the impact was immediate.

His team, along with investigators in Milan, Italy, had been collaborating with colleagues at Columbia University to advance a promising new therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurogenerative disorders. The therapy uses a small protein biologic to delay the onset of symptoms such as memory loss.

But due to new U.S. funding restrictions, the non-American researchers were excluded from the project. Another NIH application tied to the same therapy was also caught up in the policy shift.

The disrupted funds were earmarked for research staff, technical support and supplies for the studies. Without U of T’s Emergency Research Fund, Fraser said, the program might have collapsed.

“It gives you a whole year of breathing room that makes all the difference. I would have had to let people go,” he said. “If you lose somebody with 10 years of experience, you never get that back.”

The U.S. funding shift also disrupted a key pipeline for Artem Babaian just as his young lab was hitting its stride.

An assistant professor of molecular genetics at Temerty Medicine’s Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Babaian’s team develops cloud computing tools to search massive genetic databases for elusive RNA viruses that may play a role in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s and cancer.

Thomas Quigley, left, and Dennis Zhu, right, are research assistants in the lab of Artem Babaian, pictured separately at far right (images courtesy of Artem Babaian)

He was set to advance this work in collaboration with a New York colleague through an NIH-led consortium – until the new restrictions cut off his cross-border support.

The loss put new hires at risk and threatened to stall his lab before it could gain traction in a global race where speed and scale are critical.

“The first five years of starting a lab is highly competitive,” Babaian said. “I’m starting to sprint – competing against people who have already been running – and all of a sudden, there’s a stumbling block.”

The bridge support from U of T’s emergency research fund allowed him to keep his team intact and his work on track. But Babaian said the broader lesson is clear: Canada can’t rely on external funding to sustain the research that will shape its future.

“The most important thing that we can do is view this as a generational opportunity for Canada to step up to the plate and be a world-class innovator,” he said. “We should do everything in our power to keep investing in research because that's going to be the future of the Canadian economy.”

‘A sustained commitment’: U of T marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

bresgead — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:37:24 +0000

‘A sustained commitment’: U of T marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

bresgead Tue, 09/30/2025 - 12:37

Cutline

(photo by Polina Teif)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Our Community

Melanie Woodin

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Orange Shirt Day

Indigenous Initiatives

Carey Newman says his own family history – marked by privilege on one side, and dispossession on the other – reflects the tensions that surround reconciliation.

At a University of Toronto-wide commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Newman recounted how those contrasts have shaped him and the work he does as a multi-disciplinary artist, carver, filmmaker, author and public speaker.

He traced how land grants to settlers in Saskatchewan gave his mother’s family financial stability across generations. On his father’s side, members of the Kwakwakaʼwakw and Stó:lō Nations were displaced from their land and continue to live with the legacy of colonial policies.

Carey Newman, an artist, filmmaker and author, delivered the keynote at a U of T-wide commemoration event on Sept. 30 (photo by Polina Teif)

“When we talk about reconciliation – when we talk about the work we have to do here – you wonder sometimes, how does that affect me personally?” said Newman, the event’s keynote speaker.

“In my life, I can see how it’s both benefited and harmed, depending on which side of the family tree I’m looking at.”

This perspective has informed Newman’s artistic endeavours, which include Witness Blanket, a 40-foot installation built from items reclaimed from residential schools and Totem 2.0, which reimagines carving traditions with sustainable materials.

Attendees packed Hart House’s Great Hall while others tuned in via livestream across U of T’s three campuses. Many wore orange shirts featuring noojimo’iwe, an award-winning design by MJ Singleton, an Ojibwe, two-spirit student from Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation studying at U of T Mississauga.

Attendees filled Hart House’s Great Hall on the St. George campus while others tuned in via livestream (photo by Polina Teif)(photo by Polina Teif)

The commemoration was organized by the tri-campus Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the Offices of Indigenous Initiatives at U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough, First Nations House Indigenous Student Services and Hart House.

U of T Mississauga student Tiffany Da Silva delivers a land acknowledgement (photo by Polina Teif)

U of T President Melanie Woodin said the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools, whose legacy of trauma and loss continues to affect survivors, their families and communities across generations.

“As Canadians, we are only beginning to confront the truth with the honesty and urgency it demands,” she said. “Reconciliation is not a single act or moment. It is a sustained commitment.”

Woodin went on to underscore the university’s pledge to listen, learn and act in partnership with Indigenous community members.

U of T President Melanie Woodin, right, called reconciliation “a sustained commitment” (photo by Polina Teif)

Attendees and viewers also heard from David Kim, warden of Hart House, who welcomed community members and opened proceedings, U of T Mississauga student Tiffany Da Silva, who delivered a land acknowledgement and Linda Johnston, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough, who delivered remarks.

Linda Johnston, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough, delivers remarks to attendees (photo by Polina Teif)

Across the three campuses, flags – including the Survivors’ Flag – were lowered to half-mast in memory of the children who never returned home from residential schools.

On the St. George campus, a ceremonial fire was held at Ziibiing, the Indigenous teaching and gathering space, while U of T Libraries hosted a book club on Tanya Talaga’s The Knowing at the OISE Library.

At U of T Scarborough, community members came together around a fire on the Tipi Grounds on Sept. 29.

U of T Mississauga will host the All-Nations Powwow on Oct. 4, coinciding with Sisters in Spirit Day, which remembers, raises awareness of and calls for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people.

Survivors’ Flag raised across U of T ahead of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

bresgead — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 19:22:36 +0000

Survivors’ Flag raised across U of T ahead of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

bresgead Fri, 09/26/2025 - 15:22

Cutline

(photo by David Lee)

Adina Bresge

Topic

Our Community

Melanie Woodin

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Orange Shirt Day

Ziibiing

Indigenous Initiatives

Subheadline

A university-wide commemoration will be held at Hart House on Sept. 30, which can be attended virtually via livestream

The Survivors’ Flag is flying across the three campuses as the University of Toronto community prepares to mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

Created by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in consultation with survivors, the flag honours the Indigenous lives and communities impacted by the residential school system.

On the St. George campus, the Survivors’ Flag was recently raised at Varsity Stadium. At U of T Mississauga, it’s flying outside the Davis Building. A recent flag-raising ceremony at U of T Scarborough included reflections, songs and a reflective walk through the Ma Moosh Ka Win Valley Trail.

All flags will be lowered to half-mast across the three campuses on Tuesday as the university formally recognizes Sept. 30.

The Survivors’ Flag flying at U of T Mississauga (photo by Diana Mehta)

A university-wide commemoration will be held in the Great Hall at Hart House, organized by the U of T Mississauga, U of T Scarborough and institutional Offices of Indigenous Initiatives, First Nations House Student Services and Hart House.

U of T students, staff, faculty, librarians and community members are invited to register to attend in person or join virtually via livestream. Community members at U of T Mississauga can watch a livestream of the commemoration in the Student Services Hub.

The commemoration will feature a keynote from Carey Newman, whose traditional name is Hayalthkin’geme, a multi-disciplinary artist, carver, filmmaker, author and public speaker.

U of T President Melanie Woodin, Linda Johnston, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough, and David Kim, warden of Hart House, are also scheduled to deliver remarks.

First Nations House Indigenous Student Services will be supporting the commemoration by hosting a ceremonial fire at Ziibiing on the St. George campus.

One day earlier, a community fire and gathering is scheduled to be held on the Tipi Grounds at U of Scarborough to share space, listen and learn about Orange Shirt Day.

U of T Libraries, meanwhile, plans to mark Sept. 30 by hosting a book club on Tanya Talaga’s The Knowing at the OISE Library.

All U of T community members are encouraged to wear orange on Sept. 30 as a show of solidarity and a reminder that “Every Child Matters.”

This year, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives has partnered with the U of T Bookstore on a limited run of shirts featuring noojimo’iwe, an award-winning design by MJ Singleton, an Ojibwe, two-spirit student from Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation studying at U of T Mississauga.

Proceeds from the shirts will support the Orange Shirt Society. Community members can also download a virtual background and profile icon with noojimo’iwe to use throughout the week.

The Survivors’ Flag is raised at U of T Scarborough (photo by Don Campbell)

'Leadership in the world around us': U of T welcomes 2025 Pearson Scholars

bresgead — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 20:40:55 +0000

'Leadership in the world around us': U of T welcomes 2025 Pearson Scholars

bresgead Thu, 09/25/2025 - 16:40

Cutline

Alan Jacob, a Pearson Scholar from India, was among the 37 scholarship recipients invited to a reception on the St. George campus (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Music

Global

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Subheadline

Students representing 28 different countries - all recipients of the prestigious Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship - recently gathered at Hart house to mark the beginning of their U of T journeys

Afghanistan. India. Nigeria. Thailand. Venezuela. Hands shot up around the room as 28 countries were called out during a recent reception for this year’s recipients of the University of Toronto’s prestigious Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarships.

The 37 members of the 2025 cohort were recently invited to come together at Hart House to mark the beginning of their educational journeys across the university’s three campuses.

Named after Lester B. Pearson, a U of T alumnus, former prime minister and Nobel Prize recipient, the scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, creativity and leadership – and a commitment to making an impact in their communities. It covers four years of study at U of T for first-entry international students in undergraduate programs, including tuition, books, incidental fees and residence support.

U of T President Melanie Woodin, right, has her photo taken with a student (photo by Johnny Guatto)

“These scholarships … have come to embody the distinctive strengths and values of the University of Toronto: academic excellence, the international orientation you all represent and your commitment to leadership in the world around us,” said U of T President Melanie Woodin.

“These are the ideals that unite the University of Toronto community across an incredibly wide array of backgrounds, perspectives and disciplines. These ideals also enable us to make an impact for the better in a way that only a few select institutions on the planet can do.”

Sandy Welsh, U of T’s vice-provost, students, and Mariana Prado, associate vice-president and vice-provost, were also on hand to welcome students at the event.

Andrea Sara Flores Salguero addresses the 2025 cohort of Pearson Scholars (photo by Johnny Guatto)

In her address to her fellow Pearson Scholars, Andrea Sara Flores Salguero of Mexico marvelled at the diversity of countries, cultures and personal journeys represented in the room.

“As we begin this new chapter, I hope we remember that our presence here is not merely the result of individual potential, but a reflection of every person, every place, every challenging and beautiful step that shaped us,” said Flores Salguero, a Rotman Commerce student and a member of Woodsworth College.

“These stories deserve to be honoured in what we do next – as not just scholars, but echoes of entire communities.”

Meet four of this year’s Pearson Scholars

Juliette Anne Kaur Bhogal

From Australia, lived in Malaysia

Studying music education in the Faculty of Music

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

A violinist since childhood, Juliette Bhogal has led ensembles and orchestras, played jazz, sung and acted in musicals – and even performed in a string ensemble for Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia.

Her passion led her to U of T’s Faculty of Music, where she’s proud to add some artistic flair to the Pearson community. But she’s quick to note she’s not the only scholar with an ear for music.

“So many Pearson Scholars are supportive of greater things, as well as being artistic themselves,” Bhogal said. “I feel like both of those elements have really helped me – the network and support, as well as their creativity.”

Outside the concert hall, Bhogal is a certified rescue diver who has worked on reef restoration projects in Indonesia. The experience deepened her interest in sustainability, which she hopes to pursue at U of T – even though the local waters are far from tropical.

“I’m not too sure how much scuba diving I can do in Lake Ontario, but I’m more than happy to bring that enthusiasm for the water and for marine life in general.”

Abdul Rauf Hasanyar

From Afghanistan

Studying co-op computer science at U of T Scarborough

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

For Abdul Rauf Hasanyar, education isn’t just a path to success – it’s a force for change.

Growing up in Afghanistan, he saw how tenuous access to learning can be. A member of the minority Hazara community, Hasanyar endured persecution and violence, including a bombing of his school that killed classmates and friends.

"It was very saddening,” he said. “But I kept up because I believe that education has the power to change and transform people’s lives. I continued studying. I didn’t lose hope.”

That determination led Hasanyar to the Pearson scholarship, where he became the first student from his school to be nominated and selected. “I jumped for joy when I heard the news,” he said.

Now beginning his studies in co-op computer science at U of T Scarborough, Hasanyar hopes his journey will inspire other Afghan students to seek out similar opportunities.

“Before this, getting a quality education was like a dream for me,” he said. “This scholarship made it possible.”

Alan Jacob

From India

Studying computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Victoria College

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Alan Jacob has been fascinated by artificial intelligence since high school, when he designed and patented an AI-based imaging device to support early disease detection in rural areas. But the experience also left him questioning the limits of existing models.

That curiosity led him to propose what he calls “quantum intelligence” – a new framework for thinking about machine cognition inspired by quantum mechanics. “You can actually create unique thought, which is not possible with current artificial intelligence paradigms,” Jacob said.

He has since authored a paper on the concept, founded the International Committee for Quantum Intelligence Research and earned national and international awards in physics, math and innovation.

Now studying computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science, the Victoria College student said the Pearson scholarship gives him the freedom to pursue bold ideas without financial pressure.

“The Pearson community is quite exciting, because there are people from all over the world,” said Jacob. “Everyone has different cultures, different experiences, and it’s fun talking to them – making new friends.”

Nandin-Erdene Sukhchuluun

From Mongolia

Studying international affairs with a minor in environmental law and policy at U of T Mississauga

(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Nandin-Erdene Sukhchuluun’s sense of purpose took a while to arrive – but when it finally struck, it changed everything.

She recalls returning to visit her hometown in Mongolia after four years in Australia. The river where she once played with her cousins had shrunk, darkened by coal dust, and the nearby mountains were scarred by mining.

“I felt hurt inside,” she said. “I know how the place was so beautiful when I was a kid, but would my future kid feel the same way?”

She decided to act, launching a board game called Gobi EcoConnect that’s designed to teach children and families about ecosystems and conservation. She also volunteered through an Interact Club and started her own environmental group.

It was never about building a resume, she said. It was about making change. She only set her sights on studying abroad when she was in Grade 11, when she felt she was falling behind peers who seemed years ahead in their planning.

Now at U of T Mississauga, Sukhchuluun wants future applicants to know that you don’t have to have it all figured out to be a Pearson Scholar.

“Be yourself, and most importantly, show that you’re trying to do something you’re passionate about.”

The 2025 cohort of Pearson Scholars (photo by Johnny Guatto)