The York University Brief is the Office of the President’s monthly newsletter. It provides us with the opportunity to share stories about some of York’s best and brightest with our valued partners, so that you are able to celebrate our successes with us. If you don’t already receive The York University Brief, you can sign up for it here.
At York, we are curious and progressive by nature. These qualities fuel knowledge and discovery within our community and enable success and groundbreaking research in a wide range of subject areas.
We take pride in our innovative community, and look forward to sharing more about it with you.
Sincerely,
Ijade Maxwell Rodrigues
Chief of Government and Community Relations & Protocol
Current Issue: May 2026
Top Stories
YorkU welcomes Ontario’s investments in research and innovation
Interim President and Vice Chancellor, Lisa Philipps, and Associate Vice President, Research, Pina D’Agostino, represented York University as the Ontario Government announced their plans for protecting the province’s homegrown research and innovation. York University is one of 10 post-secondary institutions to receive Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON) funding for the recently launched Innovation Fellowship Program. The University will receive $575,000 in funding to support the Inventor to Founder Fellowship, a new collaboration at York between YSpace and the IP Innovation Clinic. Read more.
NASA award recognizes York scientists for wildfire air quality research
Two York University chemists are among the recipients of one of NASA's highest honours for their role in a major North American air quality campaign – work that could help improve how wildfire smoke risks are understood and communicated in Canada. Read more.
YorkU showcases research strengths in Ottawa
Interim President Lisa Philipps was in Ottawa this month for a series of meetings with government officials, including several YorkU alumni. This trip provided the opportunity to promote York’s new School of Medicine and showcase how York can support federal priorities through our research excellence in health and biotechnology, AI, defence/dual-use technologies, housing and infrastructure, and disaster and emergency management.