Royal Society of Canada

Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize

Faculty of Law

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Caeleb "Rae" Goff (supplied image)

Caeleb "Rae" Goff, an alum of the Faculty of Law's juris doctor (JD) program, has been awarded the Royal Society of Canada's Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize for 2024.

The annual award, valued at $1,000, is given to a graduating law student from each of Canada's law schools who is poised to positively influence equity and social justice in Canada or globally. It is named in honour of University College and Faculty of Law alum Rosalie Abella, a retired Supreme Court of Canada justice who is celebrated for her visionary intellectual contributions and commitment to equality and equity.

Goff, who graduated from the JD program this past spring, was recognized for her ongoing commitment to helping others navigate barriers to accessing legal education, while recognizing socio-economic challenges and the need for mentorship and support.

As vice-president, student life for the Students' Law Society (SLS), she served on the dean's committees for admissions and financial aid. She also established the friendship committee, aimed at helping students find a support network in law school, and was an executive of the First-Generation Network and the Peer Mental Health Support Program.

Goff, who has a background in social work, was a caseworker with Advocates for Injured Workers and is now completing a clerkship with the New Brunswick Court of Appeal.

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Renée Hložek awarded Rutherford Memorial Medal by Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:21:44 +0000

Renée Hložek awarded Rutherford Memorial Medal by Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:21

David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics

Rutherford Memorial Medal

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Renée Hložek (photo by Portmanteau Media Inc

Renée Hložek, an associate professor at the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics and the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the Faculty of Arts & Science, has been awarded the Royal Society of Canada's Rutherford Memorial Medal.

The annual award recognizes researchers in the early stages of their careers in chemistry or physics. It is presented in memory of Ernest Rutherford, a scientist and a leader in nuclear research who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908.

Hložek's research involves advancing our understanding of the universe’s structure, origin and evolution. She is a member of the recently decommissioned Atacama Cosmology Telescope collaboration, as well as the active Simons Observatory in northern Chile, where she studies the Cosmic Microwave Background – light from the universe when it was approximately 400,000 years old. She is also investigating dark matter and dark energy through her work with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Large Synoptic Survey Telescope dark energy science collaboration.

“[The medal] was something that I wanted, but not something that I ever really expected to get because there are so many great people in Canada, so I’m kind of shocked – but pleased,” says Hložek.

“I work in big teams, so my work represents a ton of people working together. I wouldn't be here without the support of all the people in my collaborations building instruments and figuring out how to do analysis and all of that good stuff.”

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Janna Shapiro receives Alice Wilson Award from Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:07:54 +0000

Janna Shapiro receives Alice Wilson Award from Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:07

Students

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Alice Wilson Award

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Janna Shapiro (supplied image)

Janna Shapiro, a post-doctoral fellow in the Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (CVPD) at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, has received the Alice Wilson Award from the Royal Society of Canada.

The annual award recognizes three women who have demonstrated excellence while entering a career in scholarship or research at the postdoctoral level. It is named for Alice Wilson, a world-renowned paleontologist and geologist who studied at the University of Toronto and, in 1938, became the first woman elected to the Royal Society of Canada.

Shapiro's research explores ways to protect children with leukemia – a disease that requires treatments that suppress the immune system – from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. She has also researched how vaccines can protect older adults and pregnant women.

“I was so surprised and honoured to win this award," Shapiro says. "Trailblazers like Alice Wilson have paved the way for researchers like myself to pursue and excel in the sciences. This award feels extra special as a chance to honour her legacy and the role of women in science in Canada."

Read about Janna Shapiro's research at CVPD

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Jacob Tsimerman receives John L. Synge Award from the Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:55:08 +0000

Jacob Tsimerman receives John L. Synge Award from the Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 09/10/2024 - 13:55

Department of Mathematics

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Jacob Tsimerman (photo by Richard Poissant)

Jacob Tsimerman, an associate professor in the Faculty of Arts & Science’s department of mathematics, has received the prestigious John L. Synge Award from the Royal Society of Canada.

The annual award recognizes outstanding research in the mathematical sciences. It is awarded in honour of the late John Lighton Synge, former head of �鶹��Ƶ's department of applied mathematics and one of the first mathematicians working in Canada to receive international recognition for his research.

Tsimerman’s research focuses primarily on analytic number theory and arithmetic geometry. He studies whole number solutions to certain types of polynomial equations. One of his most notable research accomplishments is his contribution to a proof for a longstanding mathematical hypothesis called the André-Oort conjecture.

“I am truly honoured to accept the Synge Award,” says Tsimerman. “Mathematics is a collective endeavour and I am thrilled to share this honour with a wonderful community of friends, colleagues and students. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to delve even deeper into the challenges and beauty that mathematics offers.”

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4 faculty members named to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 17:02:54 +0000

4 faculty members named to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 09/09/2024 - 13:02

Department of Medical Biophysics

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

�鶹��Ƶ Scarborough

UHN

Unity Health

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Clockwise from top left: Stefanos Aretakis, Caroline S Hossein, Trevor Pugh and Veronique Miron (supplied images)

Four faculty members from the University of Toronto have been appointed to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

The college recognizes members of the emerging generation of Canadian intellectual leadership who have showcased exceptional accomplishment.

“On behalf of the entire �鶹��Ƶ community, I would like to congratulate the faculty members on this most deserved recognition of their excellence,” says Leah Cowen, �鶹��Ƶ’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives.

“From cutting-edge research on neurological disorders and cancers to advancements in mathematics and leadership in solidarity economies, these scholars are furthering knowledge that stands to impact people and communities in Canada and around the world.”

The new members of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists are:

Stefanos Aretakis of the department of computer and mathematical sciences at �鶹��Ƶ Scarborough
Caroline S Hossein of the department of global development studies at �鶹��Ƶ Scarborough
Veronique Miron of Unity Health Toronto and the department of immunology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Trevor Pugh of the University Health Network and the department of medical biophysics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine

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18 faculty members elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:58:49 +0000

18 faculty members elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada

Community

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 09/09/2024 - 12:58

Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies

Department for the Study of Religion

Department of Biochemistry

Department of Computer Science

Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures

Department of Medicine

Department of Physics

Faculty of Arts and Science

Faculty of Law

Faculty of Music

Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture Landscape and Design

Medical Biophysics

OISE

Temerty Faculty of Medicine

�鶹��Ƶ Mississauga

�鶹��Ƶ Scarborough

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Eighteen faculty members from across the University of Toronto have been appointed Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada – a prestigious distinction given to the country’s most distinguished scholars, artists and scientists.

“The University of Toronto is immensely proud to see such a high number of our faculty members elected to the Royal Society of Canada,” said Leah Cowen, �鶹��Ƶ’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “These researchers are at the forefront of disciplines that span the arts, social sciences, humanities and sciences, and their work stands to have a significant impact on academic inquiry, policy and societal well-being.”

The 2024 Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada are:

Kamari Clarke of the Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science
Simon Coleman of the department for the study of religion in the Faculty of Arts & Science
Susan George of the University Health Network and the department of medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Willi Goetschel of the department of Germanic languages and literatures in the Faculty of Arts & Science
Aiyun Huang of the Faculty of Music
Hae-Young Kee of the department of physics in the Faculty of Arts & Science
Kang Lee of the department of applied psychology and human development in the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Ren-Ke Li of the University Health Network and the department of surgery in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Mathieu Lupien of the University Health Network and the department of medical biophysics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Mark McGowan of the department of history in the Faculty of Arts & Science
Kent Moore of the department of chemical and physical sciences at �鶹��Ƶ Mississauga
Jim Phillips of the Faculty of Law
John Rubinstein of the Hospital for Sick Children and the department of biochemistry in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Brigitte Shim of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
Raquel Urtasun of the department of computer science in the Faculty of Arts & Science
Balint Virag of the department of computer and mathematical sciences at �鶹��Ƶ Scarborough
Lucan Alan Way of the department of political science at �鶹��Ƶ Scarborough
Stephen Wright of the department of ecology and evolutionary biology in the Faculty of Arts & Science

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Eugenia Kumacheva awarded Henry Marshall Tory Medal by Royal Society of Canada

lanthierj — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 21:41:47 +0000

Eugenia Kumacheva awarded Henry Marshall Tory Medal by Royal Society of Canada

lanthierj Tue, 09/12/2023 - 17:41

Department of Chemistry

Henry Marshall Tory Medal

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Eugenia Kumacheva (supplied image)

University Professor and Distinguished Professor of Chemistry Eugenia Kumacheva of the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto has been awarded the Henry Marshall Tory Medal by the Royal Society of Canada.

The medal is presented every two years "for outstanding research in a branch of astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, physics, or an allied science.” It is named in honour of mathematician Henry Marshall Tory, who was the first president of the University of Alberta, the National Research Council of Canada, and Carleton College (later Carleton University).

Kumacheva’s remarkably diverse research explores the field of “soft matter” or polymers, colloids, liquid crystals, hydrogels and living matter. She has designed and developed soft materials for use in an extraordinarily broad range of areas, including telecommunications, security, data storage, drug delivery, anti-cancer therapies and tissue engineering.

A native of Ukraine, Kumacheva’s stellar career is notable for the number of areas in which she has made major contributions, including chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering. Her many prior awards include: the Order of Canada, the L'Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, the International Chorafas Foundation Award in Physics and Engineering; the Alexander von Humboldt Senior Research Award; the de Gennes Prize; and the Guggenheim Fellowship.

"I am delighted to be a recipient of this award not only because this is the recognition of my research accomplishments, but also because Henry Marshall Tory was an outstanding person,” Kumacheva says. “The legacy that he left was well beyond being a distinguished scientist. His commitment to spreading scientific knowledge and international goodwill had a huge impact on the state of science and education in Canada."

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Elaine Cagulada awarded Alice Wilson medal by Royal Society of Canada

lanthierj — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 20:01:18 +0000

Elaine Cagulada awarded Alice Wilson medal by Royal Society of Canada

Academic Achievement

lanthierj Tue, 09/12/2023 - 16:01

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(Photo courtesy of Kylie Thompson Creative)

University of Toronto alumna Elaine Cagulada, who teaches and researches disability studies and its intersectionalities, is among the 2023 recipients of the Alice Wilson medal from the Royal Society of Canada.

Awarded nationally to three women of outstanding academic qualifications at the postdoctoral level, the Wilson award’s recipients are chosen from the current year’s female winners of postdoctoral fellowships from the three granting councils: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Cagulada, who earned her doctorate from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at �鶹��Ƶ earlier this year, is now a SSHRC postdoctoral fellow in the department of gender studies at Queen's University.

“Being awarded the Alice Wilson medal means receiving institutional recognition for my research in the fields of disability studies, Black studies and sociology,” says Cagulada, whose doctoral research explored the intersectionality of Deafness, disability, race and policing.

After reading about the medal and the barriers that Wilson faced as a woman in geology, paleontology, and academia, Cagulada says she deeply appreciates receiving the award named for the scholar.

“From what I can understand, being granted a Royal Society of Canada medal in Alice Wilson’s name suggests being recognized for pursuing wonder, curiosity and transformative change amid the entwined objectifying forces of ableism, racial capitalism, and colonial hetero-patriarchy – forces of which Wilson seemed aware,” she says.

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Tomas Jirousek awarded Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize by Royal Society of Canada

lanthierj — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 17:24:07 +0000

Tomas Jirousek awarded Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize by Royal Society of Canada

Academic Achievement

lanthierj Tue, 09/12/2023 - 13:24

Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize

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Tomas Jirousek (supplied image)

University of Toronto alumnus Tomas Jirousek has been awarded the Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize for 2023.

The RSC awards 24 prizes to a graduating student in each of Canada’s law schools, who will significantly impact equity and social justice in Canada or globally. Each recipient receives $1,000.

Established by the RSC in 2022, the prize honours Abella, a retired Supreme Court of Canada justice and changemaker celebrated for her visionary intellectual contributions and commitment to building equality and equity. Abella is a graduate of �鶹��Ƶ’s University College and Faculty of Law.

Jirousek, who graduated from the Faculty of Law’s juris doctor (JD) program this past spring, was a coordinator of the Indigenous Human Rights Program, served as senior editor of the Indigenous Law Journal, and was co-president of both the Indigenous Law Students’ Association (ILSA) and Out in Law, an association for 2SLGBTQIA+ law students. Jirousek is currently a clerk at the Court of Appeal for Ontario.

Founded in 1882, RSC comprises the Academies of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences, and The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. The RSC recognizes excellence, advises the government and the larger society, and promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world.

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Steven Narod awarded McLaughlin Medal by Royal Society of Canada

lanthierj — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:48:03 +0000

Steven Narod awarded McLaughlin Medal by Royal Society of Canada

lanthierj Tue, 09/12/2023 - 11:48

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

McLaughlin Medal