News - ��Ƶ

Grad Visit Days offers newly admitted CS students an in-depth look at grad life at U of T

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:38:50 +0000

Prospective graduate students attended Grad Visit Days to learn about our research programs and life at U of T. (Photo: Hayley Fry-White)

Grad Visit Days is a three-day, in-person program designed to give newly admitted MSc and PhD students a clear, research-focused view of graduate study in the ��Ƶ of Computer Science (DCS) at the University of Toronto.

What sets this event apart is its emphasis on substantive engagement with research and faculty, featuring faculty research presentations, one-on-one meetings with potential supervisors and small-group interactions within specific research areas.

This year, the department welcomed prospective students travelling from Canada, the United States, Ukraine, Iran, India, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa, reflecting the department’s international reach.

For first-year PhD student Tristan Lueger, who attended Grad Visit Days during his own application process, the department’s research culture stood out early.

“Grad Visit Days painted a very clear picture: you’re coming to U of T to do research,” he said. “That emphasis made a real difference in my decision — and so far, it’s matched my experience.”

Prospective grad students, current grad students and faculty connected over lunch during the three day event. (Photo: Hayley Fry-White)

He also pointed to the depth of interaction with faculty and students as a defining feature of the event.

“You don’t just hear about the research, you actually get time with the people doing it, and that makes it much easier to understand how the department works day to day.”

Throughout the three days, students meet department leadership, faculty and current graduate students, while learning about funding, housing, entrepreneurship supports and life in downtown Toronto. Group-specific socials, lab tours and student-led events are designed to reflect the department — illustrating what it means to be part of the DCS graduate community.

For developing interdisciplinary data sciences courses, faculty receive distinguished Northrop Frye Award

Arts & Science News — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:34:52 +0000

Top (l. to r.): Paul Gries, Adam Hammond, David Liu, Tomomi Parins-Fukuchi; bottom (l. to r.): Michael Widener, Nathan Taback, Mary Pugh.

The prestigious , one of the university’s , has been bestowed on the Interdisciplinary Data Science Course Development Team for the creation of three introductory data science courses for students across the faculty — particularly students without a traditional computational or quantitative background.

The team, which includes seven instructors from the humanities, social sciences, life and mathematical sciences, combined their disciplinary and pedagogical expertise to create learning experiences that give students skills applicable to any career, that nurture a critical approach to problems, and that equip them to think outside traditional methods of analysis. The results are innovative courses designed to prepare students to tackle today’s complex challenges.

The courses are: ENG286H1 — Literature and Data; GGR274H — Introductory Computation and Data Science for the Social Sciences; and EEB125H1 — Introductory Computation and Data Science for the Life and Physical Sciences.

The team includes:

Professor , Teaching Stream, Computer Science
Associate Professor Adam Hammond, English
Professor , Teaching Stream, Computer Science
Professor Tomomi Parins-Fukuchi, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Professor Mary Pugh, Mathematics
Professor Nathan Taback, Teaching Stream, Statistical Sciences
Professor Michael Widener, Geography & Planning

The initiative emerged from the Faculty of Arts & Science Computational and Data Studies Working Group that was established to address growing student demand for computational and data-related learning beyond the departments of Computer Science and Statistical Sciences.

U of T’s Awards of Excellence program has recognized exceptional students, faculty, librarians and administrative staff members since 1921. Though the criteria differ for each of the awards in the suite, recipients all share a commitment to enhancing the university experience of their peers and leave a significant impact on the university through their efforts.

“The award recognizes a deeply interdisciplinary and sustained collaboration that has transformed how students across Arts & Science encounter computation and data analysis,” says , professor, teaching stream in the ��Ƶ of Computer Science, who nominated the team.

“The sustained impact on student learning, combined with the team’s deep interdisciplinary collaboration and commitment to pedagogical innovation, exemplifies the values recognized by the Northrop Frye Award.”

According to Faculty of Arts & Science vice dean, undergraduate Randy Boyagoda, “These three courses demonstrate that when data science education is designed intentionally — grounded in accessibility, interdisciplinarity and ethical awareness — students from across the faculty eagerly and successfully engage with it.

"Students who take these courses will leave university with greater confidence in knowing how data science works, which will matter to their personal and professional lives and make them all the more willing and able to be good contributors to our shared public life,” says Boyagoda, who is also the university’s provostial advisor on civil discourse and a professor in the ��Ƶ of English.

The success and impact of the team’s work is reflected in a typical student’s feedback: “With its intersection with computer science and traditional English studies, ENG286 prepared me to think about how developing technologies such as AI and an ever-expanding digital marketplace and database can both enrich traditional legal views while also criticizing and promoting new ways to view precedents.”

Steve Engels receives U of T's Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 20:07:20 +0000

Photo: Matt Hintsa

, a professor, teaching stream in the University of Toronto's ��Ƶ of Computer Science, has received the Joan E. Foley Quality of Student Experience Award — one of the university's highest honours recognizing contributions to undergraduate and graduate student life.

Presented annually by the U of T Alumni Association, the $1,000 prize goes to a student, faculty or administrative staff member who has made a distinctive and lasting contribution beyond the expectations of their role. Engels was recognized for his work building video game design education and experiential learning opportunities that have shaped the academic paths of hundreds of students.

In 2007, Engels created , a course that draws students from Computer Science, OCAD University and U of T's Faculty of Music to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams. In a 2024 interview, Engels recounted creating the course after a student expressed interest in game design. Many first-year students now cite CSC404 as a reason they chose to study computer science at U of T.

The course became the foundation for the , which Engels co-founded in 2011 with collaborators from OCAD University and Ontario Tech University. What began as a modest end-of-term exhibition has grown into one of the largest student game showcases in Ontario, drawing more than 4,000 attendees in 2025 and featuring teams from more than 20 colleges and universities. Industry partners including Ubisoft and Zynga participate as judges and audience members, giving students direct exposure to professional networks and career opportunities.

Beyond the classroom and showcase, Engels has developed research and outreach experiences that connect students to real-world applications of game design. Through partnerships with the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Rehab Institute, the Institute of Forensic Sciences at U of T Mississauga, U of T’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and various community organizations, students have contributed to projects ranging from museum interactive exhibits to rehabilitation tools and educational games.

"Steve's work exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for students," said Eyal de Lara, professor and chair of the ��Ƶ of Computer Science. "From a single course to a province-wide showcase and a network of community partnerships, he has built something that continues to open doors for students long after they leave the classroom."

The Joan E. Foley Award is named in tribute to the late Joan Foley, who served as the first female Provost of U of T and first female Principal of U of T Scarborough. It is presented as part of the university's annual Awards of Excellence.

Inside Tech@RBC: students gain insight, confidence and a clearer vision for their careers

Lauren Bedwell, ��Ƶ of Computer Science — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:15:45 +0000

Photo: Jeff Beardall

“Data plus algorithm equals output.”

Martin Wildberger, RBC’s Executive Vice President of AI Innovation and Technology, shared that idea with a full room of emerging technologists from the ��Ƶs of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering during the Tech@RBC Insider Series on February 25.

This series is a collaboration between the Faculty of Arts & Science, the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and Tech@RBC. Together, we are building a three‑year, 12‑event program to help students develop industry-ready skills, make meaningful connections and explore new directions in AI, cybersecurity and innovation.

RBC is supporting the series and . The bank has created two new scholarships that will benefit 10 students each year. This year’s computer science recipients are:

James Han
Amber Liu
Kiarash Sotoudeh
Dhairya Thakkar
Helen Zhao

Reflecting on the keynote, RBC Scholar Dhairya Thakkar says the discussion shifted how he thinks about his future in tech.

“The biggest thing I’m taking away is something Martin said: you and someone else can have the exact same data but end up in completely different places because of your ‘algorithm’ — the way you think, how you approach problems, the perspectives you bring. That really changed how I think about my path in tech.”

The audience enjoying the Tech@RBC Insider Series keynote with Martin Wildberger. (Photo: Jeff Beardall)

Student impact went beyond the keynote. They attended two program tracks: a hiring insights and résumé workshop, and career micro-chats with RBC experts who work across the bank’s tech teams.

“Talking to RBC’s data engineering team showed me how central data governance and compliance are at an enterprise level,” said Carmen Chau, a third-year CS specialist and statistics major. “As CS students, we focus a lot on coding but tonight helped me see how those skills connect to real, large‑scale problems.”

The value of the Tech@RBC Insider Series comes in many forms: it shifts perspectives, sparks new ideas about the future and gives students a clearer sense of where they see themselves in the tech landscape.

“Talking with the data team from RBC Borealis really opened my eyes,” said Krisha Kalsi, fourth-year CS specialist. “In school, we focus so much on coding, but in industry, data work intersects with compliance, governance and even national‑level priorities. Seeing that bigger picture was eye‑opening.”

Students were able to participate in a resume workshop and industry-expert micro chats. (Photo: Jeff Beardall)

Thakkar says attending events like these matters to him as a computer science student.

“As a CS student, it almost felt necessary to be here. AI is changing so fast, and hearing how Canada’s largest bank is approaching it — especially in fintech — was invaluable. It helped me understand where the industry is heading and how I might fit into that future.”

U of T and AMD launch dedicated AI and computing research lab

Matt Hintsa, ��Ƶ of Computer Science — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Representatives from government, industry and academia came together to celebrate the launch of the AMD-U of T Research Lab. (Photo: Matt Hintsa)

The University of Toronto's ��Ƶ of Computer Science and AMD, a global leader in high-performance computing, have announced a research and development (R&D) lab aimed at developing next-generation technologies in artificial intelligence and computing.

With the launch of the AMD–U of T Research Lab, AMD is investing in 100 research projects over three years and tackling some of the field's most pressing challenges: building energy-efficient AI systems, advancing enterprise-scale data intelligence and developing decentralized methods for training massive AI models across distributed computing clusters.

The lab places U of T alongside Carnegie Mellon University, ETH Zurich and the National University of Singapore in AMD's global network of applied R&D partnerships.

“Applied-research collaborations like this give our students the opportunity to tackle real-world technological challenges while gaining valuable work experience,” said Melanie Woodin, president of the University of Toronto. “AMD’s investment reflects a forward-thinking approach to R&D and the power of linking academic talent directly to industry innovation.”

As part of the partnership, AMD is donating two state-of-the-art AI servers to the AMD–U of T Research Lab at the ��Ƶ of Computer Science, expanding the computing resources available to researchers working in the lab.

“We are delighted to partner with the University of Toronto, a world-renowned academic institution at the cutting edge of AI innovation and research,” said Chris Smith, corporate vice-president and head of AMD’s Toronto Markham Design Centre. “By embedding U of T’s brightest minds within our research teams, cutting-edge ideas move swiftly from the lab to global-scale applications, driving breakthroughs in AI and computing.”

The partnership, which launched at an event on the St. George campus March 4, builds on an already productive relationship between the two institutions. AMD and U of T have completed more than 30 applied-research projects to date through the ��Ƶ of Computer Science’s , with most participating students subsequently hired by AMD.

“This lab is the natural evolution of a relationship that started eight years ago and has grown every single year since,” said Arvind Gupta, professor and academic director of professional programs in U of T’s ��Ƶ of Computer Science. “What began with a handful of MScAC students has become one of AMD's most significant research partnerships, and that's a reflection of the quality of work our students and faculty are producing together."

Beyond computer science, Gupta says he views the new lab as a university-wide resource that will connect AMD’s most compelling research challenges with the best people across U of T to work on them.

Eyal de Lara, professor and chair of the ��Ƶ of Computer Science, praised the newly established arrangement.

“The AMD–U of T Research Lab pairs the ��Ƶ of Computer Science's talented students and faculty with AMD's leadership in computing technology,” he said. “Together, we can develop solutions to pressing challenges in AI and computing while further cementing the Toronto region's role as a global hub for research and innovation."

Federal and provincial officials were on hand for the launch, pointing to the partnership as a model for Canadian innovation.

“Canada is home to the world's top talent and researchers. The partnership between the University of Toronto and AMD demonstrates that Canada is the go-to hub for cutting-edge innovation, highly skilled jobs, and the next generation of transformative technologies that will shape the global economy,” said Karim Bardeesy, parliamentary secretary to Canada’s minister of industry.

Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s minister of economic development, job creation and trade, said the province is “laser-focused on making Ontario the most attractive and competitive jurisdiction in the G7 to do business,” and that strengthening Ontario's position as a global leader in AI is a key part of that plan.

“We congratulate AMD and the University of Toronto on this new strategic collaboration and look forward to seeing the Research Lab leverage our world-class talent pool to accelerate Ontario’s AI innovation capacity,” Fedeli said.

Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s minister of colleges, universities, research excellence and security, said the province’s universities and colleges are pipelines of innovation, equipping the next generation of researchers with the skills they need to turn ideas into solutions and advance critical industries.

“The AMD–U of T Research Lab will strengthen these pipelines, ensuring Ontario continues to produce graduates who are ready to lead, transform, and drive our technology industry on the global stage,” he said.

Pictured above, from left to right: Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, Government of Ontario; Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, University of Toronto; Scott Mabury, Vice-President, Operations and Real Estate Partnerships & Vice-Provost, Academic Operations, University of Toronto; Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, Government of Canada; Andrej Zdravkovic, Senior Vice President, GPU Technologies and Engineering Software and Chief Software Officer, AMD; Eyal de Lara, Professor and Chair, ��Ƶ; Melanie Woodin, President, University of Toronto; Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Government of Ontario; Alejandro Adem, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Alumnus Liam Kaufman’s entrepreneurial path in digital health innovation

Temerty Faculty of Medicine — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:22:00 +0000

As the University of Toronto celebrates from March 2 to 6 — a showcase of innovation, startup success and bold ideas across the tri-campus community — we are highlighting alumni who embody that entrepreneurial spirit. Liam Kaufman is one such graduate, translating cutting-edge research into impactful health technologies and building ventures that bridge science and industry.

Across roles as an entrepreneur, scientist, engineer and strategic leader, Kaufman has built a career focused on translating advanced AI and clinical research into real‑world health care tools.

After completing his BSc in psychology at Western University, Kaufman earned a master’s degree in medical science at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine (now known as the Temerty Faculty of Medicine) in 2008 and a BSc in computer science in 2011, also from U of T.

Kaufman has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a child he went door-to-door shoveling neighbours’ driveways for money and even made crafts to sell at his father’s birthday party. His first adult success came shortly after graduating from U of T, with — a tool for collecting anonymous feedback during class. The platform gained international media attention before being acquired by EventMobi.

Currently, Kaufman serves as executive vice president of product and academic at Cambridge Cognition, where he helps guide the company’s global strategy in cognitive assessment technologies and digital biomarkers. Before joining Cambridge Cognition, he was the co‑founder and CEO of Winterlight Labs, which develops speech‑based digital biomarkers for cognitive impairment and mental health (acquired by Cambridge Cognition in 2023).

We talked to Kaufman about his path to working at the intersection of neuroscience, machine learning and digital health innovation.

How did you become interested in neuroscience?

I did my undergrad at Western in psychology and kept gravitating to the science side —stats, methods, functional MRI. I’d also been reading pop‑neuroscience books and was captivated by how scientists use tools and methodology to explore how we think and learn. After graduating, I worked at BC Children’s Hospital as an MRI tech/research assistant, which let me apply what I’d learned in a real clinical setting. I liked the rigour and objectivity of science, and neuroscience felt like the intersection of what I loved — plus I wanted to work with patients and see what I was learning in action, day to day.

For your postgrad, how did you land on the Institute of Medical Science at U of T?

I wanted something applied, and IMS put me in a hospital environment (Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre) working directly with patients, not just in a theoretical or purely academic context.

Candidly, the stipend also mattered. Toronto isn’t cheap for grad students, and IMS had one of the highest stipends, which helped.

The program catered to clinicians and residents, so I didn’t have to TA and could focus on research and data collection. Working with (MD ’78, PGME Neurology) was formative: high rigour, high expectations. I learned to only say what I could back with evidence and got a lot of practice presenting to committees, which was great for building confidence and learning how to talk with experts who know more than you.

What did you study?

My thesis focused on a specific eye‑movement task called the anti‑saccade task. Normally, when something appears in your peripheral vision, you automatically look toward it. We trained people to look in the opposite direction, which requires executive control to inhibit that automatic gaze. Healthy people are generally good at this, but when the frontal lobes are damaged, the task becomes much harder. Alzheimer’s is usually thought of as a memory disorder affecting the temporal lobes, but what we showed was that people with Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment had clear difficulties with this task — they were much more likely to look toward the stimulus. I did a meta‑analysis and published our findings, adding more evidence that Alzheimer’s involves impairments beyond memory.

What prompted you to pivot to computer programming?

I planned to do a PhD and had strong support. But after a late night prepping for a talk, I asked myself if that’s what I wanted for the next three to four years — especially given how competitive hospital scientist jobs are. Meanwhile, I’d taught myself enough programming for side projects and data analyses to realize I liked the challenge and the tangible problem‑solving. Employment prospects also looked stronger, so I decided to bridge the two fields. I hadn’t taken math in years, so I blitzed grade‑10 through grade‑12 material in a few months to be adequately prepared for computer science at U of T. In retrospect, having both skill sets has been really useful.

How did you get your start as a digital health entrepreneur?

Right after graduating, I launched Understood.it. It got good press — CTV, Toronto Star, even the front page of TechCrunch — which gave me a taste of early traction. EventMobi acqui‑hired us; they were more interested in the team than the product, and I led their mobile app group as a developer/manager.

I still wanted to get back to the neuroscience-computer science intersection, so in 2015 I met with who was a U of T faculty member at the University Health Network’s Toronto Rehabilitation Institute at the time. His expertise was in computational linguistics and natural language processing, and his research showed you could probably detect Alzheimer’s with about a minute of speech. I found the work intellectually captivating and I could see the potential for commercialization. I left my job, taught a computer science course to patch together income, and with two of Frank’s grad students we started Winterlight Labs that fall.

How has your medical science education at U of T helped you in your career?

Sandra’s mentorship taught me rigour: if I’m going to say something, I need evidence. As an entrepreneur, that translates directly to how I prepare for investors and customers —choosing words carefully, anticipating questions and backing up claims.

IMS also forced me into regular, polished presentations to advisory committees, which made me a better public speaker and more comfortable engaging experts.

Beyond training, the U of T ecosystem mattered. Winterlight went through Rotman’s Creative Destruction Lab and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Health Innovation Hub (H2i). H2i made pivotal introductions that helped us get pharma traction and funding. U of T’s combination of strong medical research and strong AI created the right environment to build at that intersection.

How are you evolving your product and business now? What’s on the horizon?

The business exploded during COVID, but in 2023–2024 it was tough — biotech funding dropped and studies slowed. In 2025 we’ve seen a real rebound. The tech we’ve built over 10-plus years is now in a lot of trials. We started in Alzheimer’s and, since 2019, have been expanding into schizophrenia and depression. Pharma increasingly wants to measure what matters to patients — communication, memory, orientation — which aligns with our approach.

On the tech side, we’re adding languages (we support nine or 10 now and keep adding), automating more and scaling. Speech is captured in basically every central nervous system clinical trial for quality assurance, so there’s opportunity to analyze speech alongside third‑party assessments — and potentially in health care more broadly, analyzing doctor–patient conversations with consent. We’re still just scratching the surface.

—

CS Professors Tovi Grossman and Karan Singh receive Connaught Innovation Awards

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:13:18 +0000

From left to right: Tovi Grossman, Karan Singh

Two University of Toronto computer science professors have received 2025-26 Connaught Innovation Awards, which support U of T researchers advancing emerging technologies with strong potential for real-world impact.

The award helps teams move their innovations closer to deployment, commercialization or broader public benefit.

Professor
Instructor-Aligned AI Tutoring for Programming Education

Grossman’s team developed LearnAid, an AI tutoring platform that gives students guided programming support aligned with course materials and instructor expectations. The system has been used by more than 4,000 students in U of T computer science courses, providing real-time, integrity-preserving assistance and offering instructors tools to review interactions and monitor learning trends. Connaught funding will help the team strengthen the platform, expand classroom pilots and advance the system toward institutional adoption.

Professor
Splotchy: Painting with 3D Gaussian Splat Brushes

Splotchy introduces an intuitive, painterly approach to editing photorealistic 3D environments captured with consumer devices. The tool allows artists to manipulate 3D Gaussian splat representations in real time, lowering technical barriers associated with traditional 3D modelling. Singh’s team demonstrated the technology at SIGGRAPH 2025, where it drew interest from visual-effects studios, virtual-production teams and spatial-computing developers. Collaborators include the National Film Board of Canada, NVIDIA’s Toronto AI Lab and Wētā FX.

Autonomous vehicle startup Waabi launching robotaxi fleet with Uber after raising US$750 million: The Globe and Mail

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:44:08 +0000

Professor Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, in an autonomous truck at the University of Toronto in June 2024. (Photo: Nick Iwanyshyn)

Waabi, the autonomous vehicle startup founded and led by University of Toronto computer science professor , has raised US$750 million in its latest funding round and announced plans to launch a large fleet of robotaxis with Uber Technologies Inc., .

The venture capital financing is one of the largest in Canadian history, according to the Globe.

Urtasun, a star in the field of artificial intelligence, previously led research at Uber's Autonomous Technologies Group before founding Waabi in 2021.

In expanding into robotaxis, Waabi looks to use its unique technology that up until now, has primarily been focused on autonomous long-haul trucking. The company trains its AI models in virtual simulators, rather than on real-world roads, allowing for the technology to be more adept once deployed in the physical world.

“The same brain is going to drive the different form factors. It’s going to drive the trucks and the robotaxis,” Urtasun told the Globe. “We build all the capabilities you require for robotaxis already.”

Jennifer Campbell named ACM Distinguished Member

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:13:07 +0000

Jennifer Campbell (photo: Jeff Beardall)

Jennifer Campbell, a professor, teaching stream, in the University of Toronto’s ��Ƶ of Computer Science, has been named a 2025 Distinguished Member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

The ACM Distinguished Member program recognizes individuals who have made notable contributions to the computing field through research, education or service. According to ACM, honourees represent fewer than 10 per cent of its global membership. Campbell was cited “for contributions to online computing education.”

A long-standing leader in undergraduate computer science teaching at U of T, Campbell has played a key role in shaping how foundational courses are delivered at scale. Her work includes the development of massive open online courses (MOOCs) that helped broaden access to introductory computer science. In a 2022 reflection marking a decade of MOOCs at U of T, Campbell described how the shift to online platforms prompted a rethinking of course structure, assessment practices and student support.

Campbell has also been recognized within the university for her educational leadership. In 2021, she received the President’s Teaching Award, U of T’s highest honour for sustained excellence in teaching and pedagogical innovation. The award cited her contributions to curriculum design, her mentorship of teaching assistants and instructors, and her work to strengthen the learning experience in large first-year courses.

Marsha Chechik honoured with A&S Dean’s Research Excellence Award

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:26:28 +0000

Marsha Chechik (photo: Jeff Beardall)

, professor in the ��Ƶ of Computer Science, is one of the recipients of the Faculty of Arts and Science’s .

The Dean’s Research Excellence Awards celebrate distinguished scholars whose research has a sustained and substantive influence within their fields. These awards are designed to elevate the international profile of our faculty by showcasing exceptional contributions to knowledge, creativity and innovation.

“I extend my congratulations to these outstanding scholars. Their research reflects not only exceptional rigour and creativity, but also a deep commitment to advancing knowledge that shapes our world,” said Stephen Wright, interim dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Chechik is a leading figure in software engineering whose research tackles some of the toughest challenges in software safety and security. She has developed innovative methods that help developers work effectively even when information is incomplete. Her breakthroughs in software product line engineering have shaped practices at major companies worldwide.

“Marsha’s work has fundamentally changed how we think about building safe and secure software systems,” said Eyal de Lara, professor and chair of the ��Ƶ of Computer Science. “Her frameworks for reasoning about incomplete and uncertain models give developers tools to move forward with confidence, and her leadership in safety assurance has set new standards for critical systems.”

Sushant Sachdeva wins Connaught Fund’s McLean Award for work in fast algorithms and graph optimization

Lauren Bedwell, ��Ƶ of Computer Science — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:41:33 +0000

Sushant Sachdeva (photo: supplied)

, an associate professor in the ��Ƶ of Computer Science and University of Toronto Mississauga's ��Ƶ of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, is the 2024–25 recipient of the distinguished McLean Award.

The McLean Award, funded by the University of Toronto’s is given in support of basic research in physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, engineering sciences or statistical sciences. It is awarded to an outstanding researcher early in their career to assist in attracting and supporting graduate students and post-doctoral fellows as part of their research team.

“Professor Sachdeva’s research program and exceptional record of achievement stood out to the Connaught Committee,” said Leah Cowen, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “His breakthroughs in near-linear time algorithms for maximum flow and other complex problems are advancing computer science, and we’re proud to recognize his leadership.”

Modern computing systems, from transportation networks to AI applications, depend on algorithms that process massive datasets quickly and accurately. Sachdeva’s research delivers a rare breakthrough: algorithms that run in almost linear time, meaning the time to find a solution grows roughly in proportion to the size of the network being analyzed.

This efficiency makes solving complex problems on huge networks far more practical and supports advances in areas like machine learning, optimization and scientific computing.

His work has driven groundbreaking progress on some of the field’s biggest algorithmic challenges including maximum flow, linear programming and solving linear systems.

“The maximum flow problem is a foundational problem that has been studied for over 75 years, older than computer science itself,” Sachdeva said. “It provides a very flexible framework for solving various kinds of flow problems on networks — transportation, communication, energy grids, and friendship graphs.”

Sachdeva and his collaborators resolved a long-standing open question by proving the maximum flow problem can be solved in almost linear time.

The result marks the first proof that such an algorithm is possible.

“It is currently a very intricate construction,” he explained. “We know that subsequent research often ends up distilling the original result over the years — simplifying it and discovering new insights, which will one day result in a significant impact on the practical usage of this algorithm.”

His contributions have been recognized with the Infosys Prize, Sloan Research Fellowship, a Frontiers of Science Award, an IEEE FOCS Best Paper Award, an NSERC Discovery Grant, a Google Faculty Award and an Ontario Early Researcher Award.

“Sushant’s work exemplifies the kind of bold, foundational research that advances our field in profound ways,” said Eyal de Lara, professor and chair of the ��Ƶ of Computer Science. “His contributions to algorithm design are not only technically brilliant but also deeply impactful. We are proud to see his achievements recognized with the McLean Award.”

“With the AI revolution at our doorstep, I am excited to pursue a research agenda to explore how we will utilize large models to discover new knowledge,” Sachdeva said. “I am thrilled and deeply honoured by this recognition — it’s a powerful encouragement to keep tackling ambitious problems with my students and collaborators. The McLean Award will be a significant boost in helping me recruit top trainees to pursue these goals.”

University of Toronto launches Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario to accelerate advanced EV technologies

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:15:14 +0000

Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park, announced a $2.5-million contribution to Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario, led by the University of Toronto. (Photo: Matt Hintsa)

A new industry-academic partnership led by the University of Toronto will accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation electric vehicle (EV) and mobility technologies.

In collaboration with seven other southern Ontario universities, Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario (EVIO) will embed 37 highly skilled graduate researchers directly inside 20 Ontario EV and mobility companies.

Today, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced a $2.5-million contribution to EVIO. Matched by industry and academic partners for a total program value of $7.9 million, EVIO is expected to generate over $30 million in economic activity, expand firm-level research and development capacity and accelerate the creation of new Canadian intellectual property in EV.

“AI and clean technology are vital to helping build a strong economic future for Canada,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through this investment in University of Toronto’s Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario, we are backing Canadian ingenuity to grow a world-class EV supply chain, strengthen our competitive advantage, and create good, meaningful jobs. This is how we build Canada strong: with innovation, skills and a clean economy that works for everyone.”

The researchers will work on real-world challenges in battery chemistry, charging reliability, power electronics, mobility software, cold-weather performance and advanced manufacturing — areas critical to promoting EV adoption and strengthening Canada’s position in a rapidly evolving global EV market.

Karim Bardeesy with U of T graduate students following the announcement of the federal government's contribution to Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario. (Photo: Matt Hintsa)

“EVIO connects graduate researchers directly with industry, speeding up the development of advanced EV technologies while generating new IP and future economic growth for Canada,” said Arvind Gupta, professor in U of T’s ��Ƶ of Computer Science and scientific director of EVIO. “This is exactly the kind of partnership that positions Canadian innovators to lead globally.”

Industry partners contribute $45,000 towards a $90,000 project designed to enable companies to scale innovations while providing researchers with competitive compensation, hands-on experience and direct pathways into high-growth careers.

“EVIO is a strong example of what Canada can achieve when industry, academia, and government work together with purpose,” said Paul Slaby, managing director of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. Slaby noted that programs like EVIO help move ideas into the marketplace while strengthening the talent pipeline.

Beyond U of T, EVIO’s network of participating universities includes Queen’s University, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Ottawa, University of Waterloo, University of Windsor, Western University and York University.

“EVIO represents the kind of industry-research partnership Canada needs to meet our ambitions: agile, market-driven, and anchored in scientific excellence,” said Charmaine Dean, vice-president of research and international, and professor in the ��Ƶ of Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Waterloo and chair of the EVIO Steering Committee. “By embedding top researchers directly inside firms, we are closing the gap between discovery and deployment. This is how we accelerate commercialization, strengthen Ontario’s EV ecosystem and ensure Canada remains a competitive force in the global economy.”

EVIO is modeled on internationally proven approaches, including Germany’s Fraunhofer Institutes and DARPA-style applied innovation teams, which have catalyzed breakthrough technologies across G7 economies for decades.

Interested in getting involved?

If you’re an EV or mobility company looking to advance your innovation agenda, visit our website at or connect with us today: evio.dcs@utoronto.ca

ARIA Showcase 2025: scaling innovation and shaping Toronto’s tech ecosystem

Lauren Bedwell, ��Ƶ of Computer Science — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:24:33 +0000

The Applied Research in Action (ARIA) showcase featured computer science research and technological innovation, including live demonstrations of video games. (Photo: Matt Hintsa)

What began as a small event designed for Master of Science in Applied Computing (MScAC) students 10 years ago has grown into one of Toronto’s largest academic-led tech innovation showcases. The annual Applied Research in Action (ARIA) showcase now highlights cutting-edge research from across the University of Toronto’s ��Ƶ of Computer Science.

More than 1,000 students, alumni, faculty, staff, industry leaders and government officials attended this year’s event, which showcased the department’s growing impact in applied research.

“The rapid growth of ARIA attests to the importance of the event for Toronto’s tech space,” said Arvind Gupta, professor, academic director of professional programs and director for strategic initiatives in the ��Ƶ of Computer Science. “Many companies come out to see for themselves the amazing technologies being developed. This inspires even more companies to develop next-generation technologies.”

Sponsors included AMD, Mitacs, Vanguard, Cresta, Georgian, Geotab, Shopify, Qorsa, Next Pathway and Ubisoft. These partnerships go beyond sponsorship, Gupta said; they represent a shared commitment to mentorship, meaningful engagement and real-world impact.

The event also featured the MScAC Award Ceremony. Special guests MP , MP and CEO presented the Industry Icon Award, the Student Innovation Award and the new MScAC-Mitacs Award.

Award recipients:

Industry Icon Award: Jithin Pradeep, director, head of enterprise AI & research, Vanguard
Student Innovation Award: Frank Bai, MScAC student
Faculty Recognition Award: Xiaofei Shi, assistant professor, ��Ƶ of Statistical Sciences
ARIA Spotlight Award: Alan Rosenthal, system administrator, MScAC
MScAC-Mitacs Award: Ashka Shah, MScAC student

After the ceremony, Stephen Lucas of Mitacs, Deidre Haskell, director of the , and Eyal de Lara, professor and chair of the ��Ƶ of Computer Science, signed a partnership agreement to raise awareness of Canadian computer science graduate programs in India.

“The department has a long track record of producing research that shapes Toronto’s tech ecosystem and global innovation. Our goal is to train top researchers and practitioners who will cement Canada’s place as a leading tech engine.”

— Eyal de Lara, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Computer Science

ARIA 2025 featured an impressive 140 student-led projects from undergraduate, MScAC, MSc and PhD researchers, many developed in collaboration with industry partners in sectors such as AI, health, finance and cybersecurity. Attendees explored emerging technologies, engaged directly with student researchers and learned innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Across all levels, students and researchers are applying their skills to meaningful, industry-relevant problems. Three projects stood out for their use of emerging technologies — these stories highlight how computer science researchers are making an impact.

From FTL to ARIA: students bridging leadership and research

The is an experiential learning program that prepares undergraduate students to lead in technology-driven industries. Industry partners present problems in class, and student teams design software solutions and business plans.

Carlos Solares and Tara Tandon (photo: supplied)

Carlos Solares, Tara Tandon and their team showcased their FTL project at ARIA 2025. Their work addresses a major fintech challenge: reducing bias in machine learning systems used for fraud detection.

In collaboration with Cash App, the team built a platform that helps executives see how bias in fraud detection affects users and business outcomes. The goal is to give companies the tools to spot and reduce unfair patterns, especially for groups that may be disproportionately targeted.

“Presenting at such a large, high-profile event was exhilarating and an honour,” said Solares and Tandon. “It will no doubt be a highlight of our undergraduate journeys.”

They credit the FTL program with providing industry exposure and helping them develop leadership, networking, presentation and collaboration skills.

“Being surrounded by hard-working peers and given the resources and guidance to grow our skills has led many of us to land internships, pursue leadership roles and present research at conferences like ARIA.”

Innovating for impact: student’s research highlights the future of cancer care

Ashka Shah (photo: Jeff Beardall)

Showcasing the impact of student-driven innovation, Ashka Shah presented at ARIA, detailing how her eight-month applied research internship at the advanced the use of data-science techniques to detect lymphoma from routine, non-invasive procedures.

Routine imaging tests such as PET scans can sometimes miss early signs of cancer. But biology offers another way to detect cancer. As Shah explains, tumour cells release tiny amounts of DNA into the bloodstream. Her research explores how these biological signals could lead to more sensitive and accurate detection methods.

Inspired by family tragedy, Shah focuses on identifying signatures that distinguish tumour-derived DNA fragments from the background in liquid biopsies, or blood draws.

"My grandfather was diagnosed with cancer at a late stage and passed away,” said Shah. “Things might have been different if we’d had sensitive, accessible and non-invasive early cancer detection techniques.”

On the day of ARIA, she discussed her work in a live radio interview on (at 21:43), calling the experience “a dream come true.”

“I never imagined explaining my project live on air to thousands of listeners,” she said. “My goal was to introduce the concept of liquid biopsies for cancer detection. I'd consider it a success if even one person felt hopeful about the future of cancer diagnostics.”

She said connecting with professionals who share her vision of advancing health tech was inspiring. “It gives us a chance to showcase our projects beyond academia to industry leaders who can help turn proofs of concept into real-world solutions.”

Looking ahead, Shah said her research is in its early stages — a proof-of-concept with a small cohort. Clinical applications will need further validation, but the potential impact is significant.

Researchers expose GPU flaw that threatens AI reliability

Joyce Qu (Photo: Matt Hintsa)

The PhD program trains researchers to tackle major challenges in computing and AI. One project featured at ARIA — GPUHammer — revealed a critical security flaw in widely used graphics processing units (GPUs).

GPUs power AI systems, video games and data analysis. U of T researchers showed these chips are vulnerable to Rowhammer, an attack that repeatedly accesses specific memory locations to corrupt nearby data. This means someone using a shared GPU could potentially corrupt information or interfere with how an AI system works.

Assistant Professor , second-year PhD student Chris (Shaopeng) Lin and fourth-year undergrad Joyce Qu developed the proof-of-concept attack against GDDR6 memory on an NVIDIA RTX A6000, a GPU widely used for high-performance computing.

“More investigation will probably reveal more issues,” says Saileshwar. “And that’s important, because we’re running incredibly valuable workloads on GPUs. AI models are being used in real-world settings such as healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity. If there are vulnerabilities that allow attackers to tamper with those models at the hardware level, we need to find them before they’re exploited.”

ARIA 2025 showed the ��Ƶ of Computer Science is a hub for transformative ideas, where students and researchers at every level apply emerging technologies to real-world challenges. The projects highlighted trends shaping the future of tech, from responsible AI and cybersecurity to health innovation and large-scale data systems.

Industry exhibitors spanning sectors such as finance, gaming, health and enterprise AI showed how academic research and industry needs increasingly intersect. These collaborations underscored both the depth and diversity of work across the department and reaffirmed U of T’s role in shaping Toronto’s tech landscape and beyond.

U of T establishes new Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence thanks to generous support from Google

University of Toronto — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 01:35:08 +0000

Geoffrey Hinton at U of T’s St. George campus. Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn.

The University of Toronto is proud to announce that it has established the Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence, made possible by $10 million in funding from Google.

This new chair will honour the extraordinary legacy of University Professor Emeritus and Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton at U of T and Google by enabling the university to recruit and retain another brilliant, internationally recognized AI expert to make profound contributions to the field.

“On behalf of the university, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Google for this wonderful investment,” said Melanie A. Woodin, University of Toronto president. “This new chair will enable us to build on Geoff Hinton’s historic contributions in artificial intelligence and to advance our record of transformational research in fields of crucial importance to the world.”

U of T is matching Google’s support with an additional $10 million in funding. This historic $20-million investment makes the Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence one of the University of Toronto’s most prestigious and generously supported advanced research roles, with substantial endowed support for a leading-edge AI researcher and additional funds to drive fundamental discoveries and insights — creating the intellectual underpinnings necessary to take AI to the next level.

“Google is proud to partner with the University of Toronto in establishing this endowed chair, recognizing the extraordinary impact of Geoff Hinton, whose Nobel Prize-winning work laid the foundation for modern artificial intelligence,” said Jeff Dean, chief scientist at Google DeepMind and Google Research. “On a personal level, it was a delight to have Geoff as a colleague for more than a decade. This chair will empower world-class academic scholars to accelerate breakthrough innovations and drive responsible research that shapes a future where AI serves a common good.”

The Hinton Chair is the first in the university’s newly developed Third-Century Chairs program, a strategic effort established on the cusp of U of T’s bicentennial to attract and retain visionary scholars who can transform disciplines, shape global discussions, improve lives and strengthen Canada’s capacity to prosper. With competition for talent at an all-time high, the program will help the university amass critical expertise in areas essential to the country’s future — a key priority shared by the Canadian government, which recently announced a $1.7-billion commitment to attract top global research talent.

The Hinton Chair will also help U of T recruit, teach and train some of the world’s most talented students in the field, fuelling innovation in AI applications across medicine, engineering, discovery science, the humanities and more, expanding the university’s AI networks and international partnerships and sparking a new wave of promising AI startups.

Building on Hinton’s revolutionary research

The Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence aims to support the same brilliant, exploratory research that its namesake has pursued during his time at the University of Toronto and at Google.

After receiving his PhD in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh in 1978 and completing several years of postdoctoral work in the United Kingdom and the United States, Geoffrey Hinton came to the University of Toronto in 1987 as a fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). There, along with several graduate students, he accelerated his expansive work on artificial neural networks as a potential pathway for advancing AI, developing core concepts such as: backpropagation algorithms; distributed representations; time-delay neural nets; mixtures of experts, variational learning and deep learning; and, most famously, Boltzmann machines.

In the 2000s, Hinton’s ideas began to yield extremely promising results. In March 2013, as more tech companies recognized the promise of artificial neural networks, Hinton joined Google as a vice president and engineering fellow, where he would stay for the next decade, splitting his time between the company and U of T.

Although many people have contributed to the current state of AI, arguably none was more important than Hinton, whose decades-long research forms the foundation of modern artificial intelligence and its myriad applications across nearly every discipline and sector. He is also responsible for the “Hinton effect,” which saw many of his students go on to lead AI advances in universities and companies across the globe.

“I am grateful for having been able to pursue my research at the University of Toronto, which afforded me the time and resources to develop the ideas that would eventually grow into the success of neural nets,” said Geoffrey Hinton. “I am encouraged that the Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence will support the next generation of AI research in the same vein, allowing ideas of great promise to germinate for the benefit of all humanity.”

Together with John J. Hopfield, Hinton won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2024 for his foundational work in enabling deep learning and propelling the field to its current peak.

University of Toronto — a world leader in AI

Based at the Faculty of Arts & Science’s ��Ƶ of Computer Science — ranked 12th in the world according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject and a global leader in deep learning and generative AI — the Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence will leverage U of T’s and Toronto’s substantial and widely recognized strengths in AI.

“It’s thrilling to consider the astonishing possibilities of welcoming a globally leading AI researcher into this setting,” said Interim Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science Stephen Wright. “At the ��Ƶ of Computer Science, the chair-holder will be surrounded by a remarkable concentration of scientific knowledge and creative skills, and a deep, proven track record of research excellence. It’s an ideal platform for charting new pathways and pursuing breakthrough discoveries in our shared goal of a brighter technological future for all.”

The University of Toronto is home to CIFAR AI Chairs and Canada Research Chairs in AI and has spurred several cutting-edge AI startups such as BlueDot (infectious disease intelligence), Waabi (autonomous trucks) and Deep Genomics (RNA-focused AI for disease detection). In addition to Hinton’s Nobel Prize, U of T’s faculty members and graduates have earned many other distinctions, including two Turing Awards, two of the three Herzberg Gold Medals ever awarded to computer scientists, and 15 Sloan Research Fellowships.

The university also consistently attracts and trains the best and most diverse cohort of undergraduate and graduate students from around the world, with hundreds pursuing AI-related studies across the university.

In addition, U of T is home to an array of AI-focused research initiatives such as the Acceleration Consortium, the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, the Data Sciences Institute and the Temerty Centre for AI Research and Education in Medicine. The university also maintains a close partnership with the Vector Institute, a globally renowned organization co-founded by Geoffrey Hinton that empowers researchers, businesses and governments to develop and adopt AI responsibly.

An impactful partnership: Google and U of T

Establishing the Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence is the latest instance of U of T and Google’s longtime partnership in supporting discovery-based research. Over the years, Google has engaged many AI-focused U of T alumni and academic leaders, including Hinton, and the two organizations are founding partners in Toronto’s Vector Institute. Previous funding from Google has helped position the University of Toronto as a preeminent centre for advanced research in AI, and this new chair will greatly expand this impact.

“We are extremely grateful to Google for partnering with us to establish a chair dedicated to cutting-edge research on the defining technology of our time, which will help generate societal and economic benefits for communities across the planet,” said David Palmer, U of T vice-president, advancement. “Hinton himself once said that real breakthroughs come from people focusing on what they’re excited about, and the Hinton Chair will honour this example by providing unprecedented support for the next era of elemental, curiosity-driven work in artificial intelligence.”

— Original story by the

Sushant Sachdeva awarded Infosys Prize in Engineering and Computer Science

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:35:58 +0000

Sushant Sachdeva
(photo: Pushkarini Agharkar)

University of Toronto theoretical computer scientist has been awarded the for his pioneering contributions that have impacted algorithmic challenges underlying modern society.

Presented annually by the Infosys Science Foundation across six categories, the prize recognizes outstanding early-career researchers and scientists of Indian origin or whose work impacts India. It comes with a gold medal, formal citation and US$100,000.

In his research, Sachdeva focuses on the design of fast algorithms for graph problems, as well as mathematical machine learning.

The prize citation highlights Sachdeva’s “deep insights into mathematical optimization and the resolution of longstanding open questions in algorithmic theory.”

“His work has established new standards on achievable performance in computational problems affecting information flows across societal lifelines, including the internet, transportation and communication networks,” the citation reads.

Sachdeva is an associate professor in the ��Ƶ of Mathematical and Computational Sciences at the University of Toronto Mississauga and the tri-campus graduate ��Ƶ of Computer Science.

He has been recognized by fellow researchers for developing “absurdly fast” algorithms that have created true breakthroughs in the foundational methods of computer science — a rare occurrence for computational challenges that have persisted for decades.

Jury chair Jayathri Murthy notes Sachdeva’s work “will influence fields as diverse as healthcare, transportation and education for years to come.”

A&S alumni mentor students and recent grads at latest backpack 2 Briefcase industry night

Arts & Science News — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Computer Science alumna Julie Chan delivers her keynote address at the latest b2B career night.
(Photo credit: Bilal Khan)

Arts & Science students and recent graduates met alumni mentors for an evening of casual conversation and networking at the latest industry night — and they came away with great advice.

“As you move from backpack to briefcase, the one thing that can really set you apart is being willing to step outside, meet people and connect in real life,” says Julie Chan, the keynote speaker and ��Ƶ of Computer Science alumna.

The b2B program connects A&S alumni with students to help them make the transition from university to a rewarding career. Industry nights include a keynote address and casual conversations that give students the opportunity to explore their next career steps.

Chan, who earned her bachelor of science degree in 1982 as a member of , has made mentoring a top priority throughout her career and stayed connected to the ��Ƶ of Computer Science. At b2B, she shared a story about coaching a mentee through a job interview, which led him to land a role at his dream company.

“Mentors are a gateway to wider networks; they will know other experts who can help you,” Chan says. “Don’t hesitate to ask for introductions as I did when I was looking for work.”

The keynote address resonated with attendees of the event.

“I really liked Julie’s advice about stepping out and meeting people in person,” says Christina Sun, a second-year studying political science, sociology and environmental studies as a member of . “It’s good to build those human connections.”

U of T ��Ƶ of Computer Science, Mitacs and Fields Institute announce new student mobility collaboration

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:45:50 +0000

From left to right: Stephen Lucas (CEO, Mitacs), Deirdre Haskell (Director, Fields Institute) and Eyal de Lara (Professor and Chair, U of T ��Ƶ of Computer Science) at the signing ceremony on November 13, 2025. (photo: Jeff Beardall)

The ��Ƶ of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, and the have announced a new collaboration to build stronger research ties with some of the best universities in India. Leveraging the success of Mitacs Globalink Research Internship program and the Fields Undergraduate Summer Research Program, the three organizations have joined forces to establish the Fields-Mitacs Summer Research Program. 

The Fields-Mitacs Summer Research Program will bring top senior undergraduate students from select institutions in India to participate simultaneously in the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship program and the Fields Undergraduate Summer Research Program. The University of Toronto ��Ƶ of Computer Science is recruiting professors to put forward projects and host students, as well as soliciting participation from top institutions in India.

Students will be invited by their home institutions to apply to the program, with nominated students undergoing a matching process in early 2026. The first cohort of students will come to Canada during Summer 2026. 

This new initiative will provide increased visibility for higher education institutions in Southern Ontario and attract top talent to contribute to research projects under the supervision of Canadian faculty. Program participants will receive mentorship, training and exposure to future opportunities for industry collaboration.

Up to 12 students will participate in the initial cohort, with students coming from select partner institutions in India.

Quotes

“At the University of Toronto’s ��Ƶ of Computer Science, we’re committed to giving undergraduates the opportunity to engage directly in innovative research with real-world impact. Through collaborations like this, promising students gain hands-on experience working alongside leading faculty while discovering pathways for future graduate study. By partnering with organizations like Mitacs and the Fields Institute, we’re proud to help strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in technology and research, fostering connections between academia, industry and government to innovate together.”

— Eyal de Lara, Professor and Chair, ��Ƶ

“Mitacs is proud to partner with our colleagues at the University of Toronto and the Fields Institute on this new offering.  The Fields-Mitacs Summer Research Program will create important new opportunities for Canadian researchers to partner with elite talent from India’s top academic institutions. Strengthening international collaboration through strategic investment, like this new program, is essential to attract world-class talent and keep Canada competitive.”

— Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“We’re excited to work with Mitacs to build connections with India, bring excellent students to Canada and further international collaborations in mathematics research. Our FUSRP program is one of the most popular programs at the Fields Institute, welcoming competitive young mathematicians from all over the world for what are often career-defining opportunities and the chance to make lifelong connections.”

— Deirdre Haskell, Director, Fields Institute

About the University of Toronto ��Ƶ of Computer Science

The ��Ƶ of Computer Science at the University of Toronto is a global leader in computing research and education, consistently ranked among the top computer science departments worldwide. Known for its pioneering contributions to areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction and systems, the department fosters a vibrant academic community that brings together world-renowned faculty, innovative researchers, and ambitious students. With strong ties to industry and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, U of T’s ��Ƶ of Computer Science drives technological advancement and prepares graduates to become leaders in academia, industry and beyond.

The University of Toronto, founded in 1827, is Canada’s leading public research university, recognized globally for its academic excellence and innovation. Across its three campuses, the university offers over 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. U of T is home to world-changing discoveries and continues to shape a better future through research, teaching and public impact.

About Mitacs

For over 25 years, Mitacs has helped grow the economy and develop the workforce of tomorrow, connecting industry with academia and global partners to solve real-world challenges. We support business-academic research collaboration through internships, co-funded with businesses, for undergraduate to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. As a national innovation connector, Mitacs takes a talent-first approach to strengthen innovation capacity and drive global competitiveness. We serve as an essential research-commercialization bridge, accelerating market entry and growth for new products and services. This is a critical time for Canada to think big and take bold action. Mitacs is ready to help build a strong and resilient Canadian economy, powered by ideas, talent and innovation.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

About the Fields Institute

At the Fields Institute, mathematics research, innovation and education flourish. We foster an inclusive, equitable and collaborative culture where everyone can discover mathematics, and where mathematicians can make meaningful contributions to the world. Our mission is simple: we seek to bring together mathematicians from across sectors and the globe to develop the mathematics that will shape our future.

The Fields Institute is primarily funded by the Federal and Provincial governments, nine Principal Sponsoring Universities from across Ontario, and 15 Affiliate Sponsoring Universities. We are also supported by numerous other Institutions and Centres across Canada and internationally.

Alán Aspuru-Guzik and Sheila McIlraith awarded AI2050 fellowships to advance research on beneficial AI

Matt Hintsa, ��Ƶ of Computer Science — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:01:52 +0000

Professors Alán Aspuru-Guzik and Sheila McIlraith have been named AI2050 Senior Fellows by Schmidt Sciences. (photos: Aaron Wynia; supplied)

Renowned artificial intelligence researchers and University of Toronto computer science professors and have been by Schmidt Sciences.

The AI2050 program supports researchers whose projects use artificial intelligence to create ‘immense benefits’ for humanity by 2050. This year’s 21 early career fellows and seven senior fellows are eligible to receive more than $18 million in fellowships.

Alán Aspuru-Guzik, a professor jointly appointed to the U of T departments of chemistry and computer science, conducts research in the interfaces of quantum information, machine learning and chemistry.

He is the Canada 150 Laureate in Theoretical Chemistry and a Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Vector Institute. He is also a CIFAR Fellow co-directing the Accelerated Decarbonization program.

Apuru-Guzik leads U of T’s , a strategic initiative that gathers researchers from industry, government and academia to envision and create the lab of the future.

His AI2050 project involves developing an “AI chemist," an artificial intelligence system designed to work alongside human chemists to accelerate scientific discoveries in chemistry.

Sheila McIlraith is a professor in the ��Ƶ of Computer Science and an associate director and research lead for the at U of T. She is also a Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Vector Institute. Her research focuses on AI sequential decision making through the lens of human-compatible AI.

McIlraith co-leads U of T’s , which teaches students how to incorporate ethical considerations into the design and deployment of technology.

In her AI2050 project, McIlraith aims to endow AI with purposeful theory of mind capabilities — the ability not only to better understand the beliefs, desires, and intentions of others, but also to be incentivized to make decisions and to act in consideration of the welfare and agency of others.

“The AI2050 fellows are ambitious yet collaborative researchers who focus on AI innovation and the opportunities and challenges in our AI2050 motivating question,” said James Manyika, co-chair of AI2050 and a senior vice president at Google. “This technology can and will bring about an epochal shift in our society — and the AI2050 fellows are shaping that change so it is a benefit for all people.”

is a non-profit organization founded in 2024 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt that works to accelerate scientific knowledge and breakthroughs with the most promising, advanced tools to support a thriving planet. The organization prioritizes research in areas poised for impact including AI and advanced computing, astrophysics, biosciences, climate, and space—as well as supporting researchers in a variety of disciplines through its science systems program.

With files from Schmidt Sciences.

Generous RBC gift creates transformative scholarships, sets students up for careers in tech

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:30:00 +0000

Milos Stojadinovic explains how banks safeguard themselves and their customers from cyber threats at the inaugural Tech@RBC Insider session. (Photo by Neil Ta)

Students from across the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and the Faculty of Arts & Science are acquiring industry-ready skills and making meaningful industry connections, thanks to a $1.38 million gift from the Royal Bank of Canada.

The visionary support will enable students to delve deeper into topics the tech industry is confronting today with the Tech@RBC Insider Series, which features 12 learning sessions over the next three years. The gift will also create two powerful scholarships: the RBC Tech Scholars in AI Engineering and RBC Tech Scholars in Computer Science. Each valued at approximately $25,480, the awards will alleviate financial burden and transform the lives of 30 promising third-year undergraduate students over the next three years.

“At RBC, we know students are critical to our future, forming the next generation of tech leaders and innovators,” says Martin Wildberger, executive vice-president of innovation & technology at RBC.

“Our partnership with the University of Toronto is focused on helping motivate and encourage early talent to grow their skills beyond the classroom and learn from RBC’s technology leaders. Canada is home to some of the best and brightest students, and we aim to inspire and empower them to shape the future of technology for all of us.”

Senior leaders at both faculties reflected on the significance of the gift and expressed gratitude.

“It’s reassuring to know RBC shares our passion for ensuring brilliant students grow their skills to make an impact,” says Professor Deepa Kundur, chair of the Edward S. Rogers Sr. ��Ƶ of Electrical & Computer Engineering.

“Thank you for your vision and dedication to empowering the next generation of tech talent right here at the University of Toronto.”

“We are deeply grateful to RBC for this generous investment in our students and community,” says Professor Eyal de Lara, chair of the ��Ƶ of Computer Science.

“By supporting the Tech@RBC Insider Series and new scholarships, this gift will open doors for our students to connect with leading voices in technology while reducing financial barriers to their education. It’s a powerful way to help our students thrive and contribute to the future of innovation.”

In October, U of T Engineering and Arts & Science students packed the second-floor event space at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus for the inaugural Tech@RBC Insider session, Cybersecurity: Defend the Digital Fortress. Milos Stojadinovic, senior director of advanced threat operations and distinguished engineer at RBC, kicked off the evening with a behind-the-scenes look at how banks tackle cybersecurity. Following a networking session, workshop participants rolled up their sleeves to tackle hands-on threat modelling and threat response simulation exercises.

Chloe Kentebe (Year 2 CompE) at the inaugural Tech@RBC Insider session. (Photo by Neil Ta)

Many students, including Chloe Kentebe (Year 2 CompE), gained valuable insights from the session.

She was drawn to the lecture and workshop by her strong interest in cybersecurity mechanisms, and how they are designed and implemented in the financial space. Last summer, under the supervision of Kundur’s lab, she took on a research project aimed at understanding the cyber-physical security of autonomous vehicles.

She says this experience, as well as navigating her classes, participating in extracurriculars — including contributing to U of T Formula Racing as a deep learning team member — and attending events like the Tech@RBC session, have deepened her interest and broadened her understanding of cybersecurity and safety.

“To ensure the strength and resilience of a system, one needs to have a certain level of technical knowledge surrounding the dynamics of its environment, but it’s even more essential to have a mindset that can consider the unique complexities and edge cases related to the ways that the system can be infiltrated,” she says.

“The art and science of developing innovative and applicable solutions is a skill I commit to continuously improving through my education and extracurriculars.”

Meanwhile, fellow attendee Tuğra Canbaz felt a personal connection to the lecture and workshop.

from Türkiye and first-year student hoping to pursue a double major in computer science and economics, has seen the devastating effects of cybersecurity breaches in his home country.

“I can’t help but be interested in cyber security and regulations surrounding it,” says Canbaz, who is aiming for a career in tech, perhaps in financial technologies or cybersecurity.

“It’s also important to consider potential interactions with AI. Imagine if an AI algorithm was trained on leaked data and how invasive that would be. That’s something I want to work on safeguarding against in the future.”

The Tech@RBC hands-on lecture, workshop and networking session also put him in the proper frame of mind to consider future trajectories.

“I like solving problems creatively and I also like the social aspects of the job — working with people, putting humans at the centre of computer problem solving,” he says. “That’s what inspires me to do more.”

— Original story by Rebecca Cheung for

Interested in attending the next Tech@RBC Insider Session, co-hosted by Tech@RBC, the Faculty of Arts & Science and U of T Engineering?

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information about sessions:

: November 26, 2025

Product ownership: February 3, 2026

Technical careers: March 19, 2026

Anwar Hithnawi recognized by Google and Intel for research excellence

��Ƶ of Computer Science — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:05:29 +0000

Anwar Hithnawi

Assistant Professor , who joined the ��Ƶ of Computer Science in January, has received funding and a for her work in privacy-preserving cryptographic systems.

Hithnawi leads the , where she develops technologies that protect sensitive data without sacrificing usability or performance. Her research explores ways to keep data private and secure while still allowing people and systems to use it effectively.

She designs compliers and frameworks that make advanced cryptographic techniques more efficient and accessible, demonstrating how rigorous privacy protections can be integrated into real-world systems.

The Google Research Scholar Program supports early-career faculty conducting research in areas relevant to Google. The Intel Outstanding Researcher Award recognizes academic researchers whose work significantly advances the future of technology.

Before joining the University of Toronto, Hithnawi was a faculty member at ETH Zürich, where she founded the PPS Lab. She has supervised graduate students, published extensively in top venues and helped shape the global conversation around secure, privacy-aware computation.

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