Research and Innovation

Announcements

SpinUp publishes inaugural Annual Report for 2024

Since its launch, SpinUp has emerged as a unique incubator dedicated to nurturing early-stage startups in biotech and beyond – and 2024 was one of exciting beginnings. Since May, we’ve welcomed 15 early-stage startups to UTM’s New Science Building. Our Blue Ticket Program was launched, enabled by the generous support of our partners, to recognize and accelerate startups with high potential via funding and strategic guidance. In the summer, we launched our entrepreneurship programming curriculum open to the U of T community, and in the fall, we co-hosted our first pitch competition.

And this is just the beginning. We’re pleased to share with you SpinUp’s inaugural annual report, in which we celebrate a landmark year of growth, innovation, and collaboration. Learn more about the progress we've made and the accomplishments we’re proud of – and see where we’re heading in the year to come. | View Announcement

Professor France Gagnon joins UTM as Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation

We are pleased to welcome France Gagnon as UTM's new vice-principal, research and innovation! Prof. Gagnon joins us for a two-year-term – from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026 – which is eligible for a three-year extension.

After teaching in the faculty of medicine at the University of Ottawa, Gagnon came to U of T in 2006 as a Canada Research Chair at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH). She has earned $9M+ in research funding and broken ground as one of the first genetic epidemiologists in Canada.

Gagnon has driven similarly positive change as a research administrator. Guided by her leadership, between 2017 and 2022, DLPSH increased grant revenue by 250 per cent, increased average grant size by 70 per cent and has grown its SSHRC funding by 755 per cent. She also serves as a session co-lead for the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence. | Read the full announcement.

Announcing Dr. Shaun Young as new OVPRI director

We are pleased to announce that Shaun Young has accepted a secondment to the position of Director of the OVPRI from January 6 to May 30, 2025. Since joining our office in January 2024 as Manager of Research Administration and Operations, Young has made significant contributions to our operations. He brings valuable experience and deep familiarity with our operations, ensuring continuity for both the office and UTM during this transition. We look forward to working with him in this new capacity!

Save the dates! Join us this February for two OVPRI events

Plans are underway for our Annual Research Prize Symposium, where we'll gather to celebrate the outstanding contributions of this year's recipients of the Annual Research Prizes. The symposium will take place on Tuesday, February 4th from 1-3 p.m. in the Collaborative Digital Research Space.

Then on Wednesday, February 26th, join us in the UTM Room (W.G. Davis) from 1-3 p.m. for the Annual Research Excellence Lecture. You'll hear from Prof. Elspeth Brown and Prof. Sarah Sharma — the 2024 winners of the Desmond Morton Research Excellence Award. This award recognizes outstanding achievement in research and scholarly activity by faculty members at UTM.

Registration is now open for both events.

News & Events

Every day, UTM researchers are making news on campus, online, and on the air waves—and we’re here to share it. We’ll show you what they’re working on and celebrate their exceptional stories.