University of Toronto Faculty of Arts & Science

Robert McGill’s debut short story collection ‘Simple Creatures’ explores the joys and heartaches of people desperate to simplify their complicated lives, and features stories like “Your ASMR Boyfriend Addresses the Climate Crisis.”

Department of English, University of Toronto

Robert McGill's debut short story collection examines the need to simplify October 16, 2024 by Sean McNeely - A&S News October 16, 2024 Robert McGill's Simple Creatures In today's fast-paced and complicated world, who hasn't thought about making efforts to make life simpler? Robert McGill Department of English Sim...

Acting Dean Antoinette Handley welcomed community members at the first A&S Faculty Council of the year.

Read her remarks here:

Acting Dean Antoinette Handley addresses Arts & Science Faculty Council at the first meeting of the 2024–25 Academic Year October 16, 2024 by A&S News October 16, 2024 Read Professor Antoinette Handley's remarks from the October 16, 2024, Arts & Science Faculty Council meeting, where she congratulated University Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Hinton on winning th...

Astronomers and aerospace engineers are continuously driven to design and build better tools to monitor and explore outer space. Recent breakthroughs have resulted in new billion-dollar telescopes (ie. Euclid and Rubin) that can provide reams of detailed photographs from distant reaches of the universe.

But with each breakthrough arrive new problems; for instance, how can astronomers accurately organize, label, measure, catalogue and eventually make use of this seemingly infinite cache of images?

Enter Zoobot3D, a cutting-edge new Data Sciences Institute-funded software development project that connects AI industry with human ingenuity, efficiently measuring, labelling, annotating and cataloguing images of deep space.

Cataloguing Deep Space: Data Sciences Institute research software development support office seeds Zoobot project October 16, 2024 by Cormac Rea - Data Sciences Institute October 16, 2024 Astronomers and aerospace engineers are continuously driven to design and build better tools with which to monitor and explore outer space. Recent breakthroughs have ...

“Since I was a kid, four years old, U of T was the goal. Now it’s under my belt.”

Ashenafee Mandefro, a grad from University of St. Michael's College recently joined Pytri, an AI-powered microbiology startup. He is now pursuing a masters of science in applied computing, with a concentration in data science for biology.

“I learned that to succeed, you have to plan. Time management was key to balancing everything,” says Mandefro.

Read the latest LinkedIn article to learn more about his journey:

bit.ly/45vJIVe

In the 1990s, astronomers discovered two distant, massive galaxies that had completely stopped, or quenched, their star formation. The discovery marked a complete shift in everything astronomers thought they knew about how galaxies formed.

Massive galaxies like the Milky Way took several billion years to form. But those newly discovered galaxies did so in just a fraction of that time.

“The discovery meant that these galaxies were older than the age of the universe, which is physically impossible,” says Jacqueline Antwi-Danso, the NSERC Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at the David A. Dunlap Department for Astronomy & Astrophysics.

NSERC Banting Postdoctoral Fellow explores puzzling questions of how the earliest galaxies came to be October 15, 2024 by Tina Adamopoulos - U of T Black Research Network October 15, 2024 Jacqueline Antwi-Danso is tackling one of astronomy's biggest challenges in her search to find the earliest distant quenched galaxies in the universe. Pho...

When it comes to hot topics like immigration and gender roles in the workplace, popular rhetoric doesn’t always separate common sense from shared fallacies. Xiner Xu wants the evidence to help her make that distinction.

Economic PhD candidate Xiner Xu's research examines hot topics in Canada's labour market October 15, 2024 by Kate Baggott - Department of Economics October 15, 2024 Xiner Xu, Labour Economist & PhD Candidate. When it comes to hot topics like immigration and gender roles in the workplace, popular rhetoric doesn't always separate...

This summer, international criminology students had the chance to travel to Italy to research, explore policy debates, and study crime in a global context.

Learn more about their experience abroad:

Students explore crime and punishment in Italy, the ‘cradle of criminology' October 15, 2024 by Cynthia Macdonald - A&S News October 15, 2024 Italy is the centre of much foundational thinking on criminology -- thus the perfect place for a summer course. Photo credit: Supplied. From eyeglasses to banks to newspapers...

From the Nobel Prize in Physics to international student success, scholars from across are sharing their expertise on a variety of issues in the media.

Find this week's round-up below:

A&S scholars sharing their expertise in the media this week October 11, 2024 by A&S News October 11, 2024 From the Nobel Prize in Physics to international student success, experts from a range of disciplines across the Faculty of Arts & Science are sharing their expertise on a variety of issues in t...

Empower curiosity-driven research. Follow your convictions. Think not just about how to advance technology, but how to direct its use for good.

These were among the key messages delivered by Geoffrey Hinton, University Professor Emeritus of the U of T - Department of Computer Science and winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, during an Oct. 8 press conference held by the university to mark his historic award.

In his words: Geoffrey Hinton reflects on his Nobel Prize win October 11, 2024 by Rahul Kalvapalle - U of T News October 11, 2024 Geoffrey Hinton, University Professor Emeritus of computer science at the University of Toronto and winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, takes questions during a virt...

Geoffrey Hinton, a University Professor Emeritus of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Geoffrey Hinton wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics October 9, 2024 by U of T Celebrates October 09, 2024 University Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Hinton. Photo credit: Lisa Lightbourn. Geoffrey Hinton, a University Professor Department of Computer Science 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded s...

The 2024 TIME 100 Next lineup was announced this week and among the individuals who are shaping the future of their fields was Associate Professor Maria Drout of the David A. Dunlap Department for Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, and associated faculty at the Dunlap Institute.

Professor Maria Drout Named to the 2024 TIME100 Next List October 6, 2024 by Ilana MacDonald - Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics October 06, 2024 Maria Drout's research focuses on understanding the evolution, influence, and ultimate fate of massive stars. The 2024 TIME 100 Next lineup ...

From diary entries, burial records and newspaper ads, the Dictionary of Canadian Biography/Dictionnaire biographique du Canada is piecing together the untold stories of Black lives in Canada.

Dictionary of Canadian Biography reveals untold stories of Black lives in Canada October 7, 2024 by Josslyn Johnstone - A&S News October 07, 2024 Shelburne, Nova Scotia was the site of the largest population of free and enslaved Black people in Canada in the 1700s. “Part of the town of Shelburne in Nova Scotia with the ...

student Ryan Yu and his teammates have been crowned the new world champions of Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel, a strategy card game competition based on the Japanese manga and anime series.

Victoria College in the University of Toronto

A&S student duels to win Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship October 7, 2024 by Josslyn Johnstone - A&S News October 07, 2024 Ryan Yu and his teammates Jesse Kotton (left) and Raymond Dai (right) have won the Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel World Championship. Photo credit: Courtesy Ryan Yu via Yu-Gi-Oh! Maste...

Reactions to Geoffrey Hinton’s Nobel Prize win began almost immediately after it was announced Tuesday morning.

Known as the “godfather of AI,” the University Professor Emeritus of the U of T - Department of Computer Science shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with John J. Hopfield of Princeton University for groundbreaking work that laid the foundation for machine learning using artificial neural networks.

Congratulations pour in for Geoffrey Hinton after Nobel win October 9, 2024 by Mariam Matti - U of T News October 09, 2024 Photo credit: Johnny Guatto/University of Toronto. Reactions to Geoffrey Hinton's Nobel Prize win Known as the “godfather of AI,” the University Professor At U of T, students, f...

Geoffrey Hinton, a University Professor Emeritus of the U of T - Department of Computer Science, has won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Geoffrey Hinton wins Nobel Prize in Physics October 8, 2024 by Rahul Kalvapalle - U of T News October 08, 2024 Photo credit: Johnny Guatto/University of Toronto. Geoffrey Hinton, a University Professor won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics Widely regarded as the “godfather of AI,” Hint...

TODAY at 6 PM ET – Join us virtually for a press conference with University Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Hinton, laureate of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics. 🎥

Watch live: https://bit.ly/4eAuPFs

Professor Emeritus Geoffrey Hinton has won the 2024 Nobel Prize for Physics.

Hinton shares the prize with John J. Hopfield of Princeton University “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.” http://uoft.me/aXz

What does safe artificial intelligence look like? Could AI go rogue and pose an existential threat to humanity? How have media portrayals of AI influenced people’s perceptions of the technology’s benefits and risks?

These were among the pressing questions tackled by four experts at and its partner institutions — in disciplines ranging from computer science to philosophy — during a recent panel discussion on AI safety.

U of T experts tackle questions about AI safety, ethics during panel discussion October 2, 2024 by Kyle Coulter and Jovana Jankovic - Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society October 02, 2024 U of T's Roger Grosse, Sedef Kocak, Sheila McIlraith and Karina Vold take part in a panel discussion on AI safety. ...

From the role of Indigenous youth in reconciliation to the escalating crisis in the Middle East, scholars from across are sharing their expertise on a variety of issues in the media.

Find this week's round-up below:

A&S scholars sharing their expertise in the media this week October 4, 2024 by A&S News October 04, 2024 From the role of Indigenous youth in reconciliation to the escalating crisis in the Middle East, experts from a range of disciplines across the Faculty of Arts & Science are sharing their experti...

The goal of the University of Toronto’s Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship is to accelerate the next scientific revolution by applying AI to research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Two of its fellows and remarkable rising stars in science, Felix Strieth-Kalthoff and Tianyuan Lu, have harnessed the power of AI to make groundbreaking strides in their research. Now, as they prepare to step into new academic roles, they reflect on the transformative impact of the Schmidt Fellowship on their work.

Meet the rising stars of the Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship October 2, 2024 by Division of University Advancement October 02, 2024 Photography by Paul Terefenko. The goal of the University of Toronto's Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship Felix Strieth-Kalthoff: pioneering su...

The Dean’s Advisory Committee on Indigenous Research, Teaching and Learning gathered to share and reflect on progress made at in Indigenous-led, divisional approaches to reconciliation.

Centre for Indigenous Studies | U of T - Indigenous Research Network

‘Gathering our little shoes': Panel discussion reflects on Indigenous-led, divisional approaches to reconciliation October 4, 2024 by A&S News October 04, 2024 Guests filled the Paul Cadario Conference Centre at University College to learn about the work of the Dean's Advisory Committee on Indigenous Research, Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Art...

The impressionistic painting of Van Gogh is not just an artist’s rendition of a summer night’s sky. As it turns out, the scrutiny of an artist’s gaze is akin to that of a scientist observing natural phenomena. What the former expresses in colours and brushstrokes, the later describes in mathematical formulas.

Van Gogh's depiction of the starry night closely resembles the turbulence found between the stars in our Galaxy October 2, 2024 by Lyuba Encheva - Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics October 02, 2024 “Van Gogh's depiction of the starry night closely resembles the turbulence found in between the stars in our Galaxy”, explains CITA/Princeto...

Students in Anthropology, University of Toronto 's Italian Regional Foodways and Culture course learned how timeless Italian culinary traditions are being impacted by climate change, economics and politics.

Learn more about their University of Toronto Summer Abroad Program experience:

Summer Abroad course gives students a taste of culinary tradition in modern Italian culture October 2, 2024 by Sean McNeely - A&S News October 02, 2024 Students immerse in Italy's cheese-making traditions, savoring the craft and culture. Photo credit: Julia Kozlowski. There's an old Italian proverb: A tavola non si invecchia mai A...

Gordon Anderson, a professor emeritus in the Department of Economics, University of Toronto, has received the Kendrick Prize from the International Association for Research in Income and Wealth (IARIW).

The annual award recognizes a paper published in The Review of Income and Wealth during the previous calendar year.

Gordon Anderson honoured by International Association for Research in Income and Wealth October 2, 2024 by U of T Celebrates October 02, 2024 Gordon Anderson. Photo credit: Supplied image. Gordon Anderson, a professor emeritus in the Department of Economics Kendrick Prize The annual award recognizes a paper published in The Re...

Professor Andrei Yudin of the Department of Chemistry has been recognized by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in its 2025 awards announcement as one of the 2025 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Awards recipients.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of organic chemistry, specifically results — according to the ACS site — that have become apparent within the half decade preceding the year in which the awards are presented.

Andrei Yudin wins Cope Scholar Award October 2, 2024 by Alyx Dellamonica - Department of Chemistry October 02, 2024 Andrei Yudin, Department of Chemistry. Professor Andrei Yudin 2025 awards announcement The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the field of organic chemi...

As part of an experiential learning project for a UofT Department of Geography & Planning course, students turned the campus into a living lab using standard household thermometers.

A&S students turn campus into living lab for GIS learning October 2, 2024 by David Goldberg - A&S News October 02, 2024 Caitlin Cunningham reviews her students' lab results during an experiential learning project for her Advanced GIS course. Photo credit: All photos Diana Tyszko. On a warm Septemb...

undergraduate and graduate students: Last chance to register for Backpack to Briefcase!

Connect with industry professionals, explore career paths, gain insights from A&S graduates and more.

Registration closes October 6:

Backpack to Briefcase (b2B) The Backpack to Briefcase (b2B) program is a great way for Faculty of Arts & Science students and recent grads to connect with experienced A&S alumni.

From a proposed tunnel under Highway 401 to the housing affordability crisis, scholars from across are sharing their expertise on a variety of issues in the media.

Find this week's round-up below:

A&S scholars sharing their expertise in the media this week September 27, 2024 by A&S News September 27, 2024 From a proposed tunnel under Highway 401 to the housing affordability crisis, experts from a range of disciplines across the Faculty of Arts & Science are sharing their expertise on a variet...

In ’s new Sandbox program, students collaborated on providing solutions to challenges facing partners at UNICEF Canada, Access Alliance and the TDSB.

UNSW

Sandbox program pairs students with organizations outside U of T in solution-seeking collaboration September 25, 2024 by Sean Bettam - A&S News September 25, 2024 Peace, Conflict & Justice and Human Biology students were among the more than 1,300 participants in the inaugural offering of the Faculty of Arts & Science's Sandbox program. P...

alum Aileen Burns has fashioned a global career in the contemporary art world since earning a degree from Victoria College in the University of Toronto. Her latest pursuit? Overseeing Remai Modern’s transformation into an international destination.

International art superstar and U of T alum Aileen Burns discusses her role as co-executive director the Remai Modern September 26, 2024 by Adam Elliott Segal - A&S News September 26, 2024 Aileen Burns, co-executive director & CEO of Remai Modern. Photo credit: Carey Shaw. After years abroad building an international reputation as a curator and institution...

Hugh Considine got a crash course in discussing polarizing topics almost immediately upon arriving at the University of Toronto.

The second-year student studies religion — a subject, he says, that can be about as controversial as it gets.

“People have an unimaginable amount of investment in it,” says Considine, 19, a member of Innis College. “Depending on who you ask, it’s literally your soul at hand — the ultimate thing that could be risked.”

He credits his professors for creating an environment where students feel unafraid to speak their minds, encouraging them to comment, ask questions and generally “poke and prod” one another so we “would actually think about what’s being said.”

‘Think against yourself': Panel discussion on civil discourse draws students to U of T's Hart House September 25, 2024 by Chris Sorensen - U of T News September 25, 2024 Students ask questions during a recent panel discussion about civil discourse on university campuses that was hosted by Professor Randy Boyagoda. Photo credit: Johnny Gua...

Florian Dendorfer, an assistant professor, teaching stream in the Department of Economics won the Best PhD Thesis in Economics Prize from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The university awarded Dendorfer its Doctoral Programme in economics, Econometrics and Finance Prize for "Essays in Industrial Organization" during its PhD graduation ceremonies in September of this year.

Florian Dendorfer of economics wins best thesis prize September 25, 2024 by Kate Baggott - Department of Economics September 25, 2024 Assistant Professor Florian Dendorfer. Photo credit: A. Macedo. Florian Dendorfer, an assistant professor, teaching stream in the Department of Economics won th...

This summer, students gained firsthand experience at archaeological excavation sites in Austria, uncovering and handling artifacts from the Pleistocene epoch.

Students explore a career in anthropology and archaeology as they investigate the last ice age September 24, 2024 by Chris Sasaki - A&S News September 24, 2024 Ferreira (r.) and Paré (l.) logging data into their excavation diaries. Photo credit: Courtesy of Claire Ferreira. Tens of thousands of years ago, during the late Pleistocene ...

The University of Toronto climbed one spot to fourth place globally in the latest National Taiwan University ranking, which evaluates universities based on their research output and impact.

U of T ranked fourth in the world in research-focused NTU World University Rankings September 23, 2024 by Mariam Matti - U of T News September 23, 2024 Photo credit: Matt Volpe. The National Taiwan University ranking evaluates universities based on research output and impact. The University of Toronto climbed one spot to f...

From an archaeological mystery in Greece to the probability of winning the lottery, scholars from across are sharing their expertise on a variety of issues in the media.

Find this week's round-up below:

A&S scholars sharing their expertise in the media this week September 20, 2024 by A&S News September 20, 2024 From an archaeological mystery in Greece to the probability of winning the lottery, experts from a range of disciplines across the Faculty of Arts & Science are sharing their expertise on a ...