York is committed to research and innovation excellence in areas that will have a global impact on people and the planet – from the deployment of artificial intelligence in society and emerging digital technologies, to addressing challenges in global health and preserving the language and culture of Indigenous Peoples.
Our top stories of the year include research breakthroughs in health and the environment, major investments that will drive future growth and prosperity in research excellence, and extraordinary research that is dedicated to advancing knowledge while fostering a more equitable and prosperous society.
From Dec. 14 to 23, we’ll launch a new story each day to celebrate the ten best #YUResearch stories of 2021. Follow us on Twitter @YUResearch.
The world-class ORU, VISTA, is driving interdisciplinary collaboration at York, attracting top tier research talent and developing undergraduate and graduate opportunities in revolutionary vision science.
York University Canada Research Chairs to study Indigenous History and Black studies
In June 2021, with support from the Government of Canada, two new Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) were announced and two existing were renewed. The CRCs are undertaking research into "re-righting" and "re-writing" the Indigenous history of North America and investigating Black life in Canada.
York University announces 14 Research Chair appointments
The YRCs are conducting research in areas including: Black Canadian studies, applied algebra, visuomotor neuroscience, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), women’s reproductive health and Indigenous health policy.
York announces launch of Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages
The Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages is advancing Indigenous scholarship, research, methodologies and practices that protect, preserve and celebrate Indigenous knowledge & culture.
Lassonde professor advances research in predicting cancer treatment outcomes
Lassonde School of Engineering Professor Ali Sadeghi-Naini made headlines for his ground-breaking research collaboration with Sunnybrook Hospital. Using a quantitative MRI biomarker, his team is able to predict how patients will respond to SRT, a radiotherapy treatment for cancer.
Voxcell Bioinnovation wins first place at the YSpace Technology Accelerator Day
Voxcell Bioinnovation won a top award at YSpace. The biotech startup earned $15K for creating 3D vascularized cancer tissue models with its unique 3D bioprinter.
Researchers at York receive $9 million in CFI funding
York University received the largest CFI grant in the institution's history - $9M was awarded to researchers advancing knowledge in the areas of space exploration, drug manufacturing and the Universe.
LA & PS researchers receive more than $2.3 million in SSHRC funding
The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional studies received more than $2.3 million to fund 20 projects investigating topics such as the social implications of COVID-19, connections between language and community in Canada, and overlooked demographics in social policies.
Engineering team addresses flood management, urban planning and sustainable development
Three researchers at the Lassonde School of Engineering, with funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, are investigating Low Impact Development on managing urban flooding.
York University drives interdisciplinary with $3.5M investment
The CIRC fund will support research excellence for interdisciplinary projects in areas including artificial intelligence and society, digital cultures and financial technologies (fintech), disaster and risk governance, as well as York’s new Markham Campus and the proposed Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct.