U of T salutes top researchers

Recognized for their world-class research by institutions near and far, University of Toronto researchers were honoured Monday night by the university.

The U of T Salutes! event, held in a packed room at the Faculty Club, recognized more than 100 scholars across the university who received international and major national research accolades in 2016, from Killam Research Fellows to Orders of Canada, the Basser Global Prize to the Plutarch Award.

“A glance at today’s program or a tour around this room shows the sheer depth, breadth and diversity of the expertise and true research excellence that is here at this great institution, which is why I know I have the best job in the world,” said U of T President Meric Gertler.

U of T Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Professor Molly Shoichet (left) and Biochemistry Professor Reinhart Reithmeier (right) attended the event (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Hosting an event such as this gives U of T a chance to “bask in your reflected glory,” he said to the audience as he wished them continued success in their careers.

U of T only comprises seven per cent of the country’s professiorate, yet “our researchers continue to secure a dominant share of prestigious research honours” in Canada, and “we also punch well above our weight when it comes to the share of international awards won by our faculty,” he said.

Faculty of Nursing Professors Linda McGillis Hall (left) and Kelly Metcalfe (centre) with Astrophysicist Harald Pfeiffer, an associate professor in the Faculty of Arts & Science, at the event (photo by Johnny Guatto)

In closing, Professor Lorraine Ferris, U of T’s associate vice-president of research oversight and compliance, applauded the work of researchers and thanked the people behind them who helped them achieve success, from colleagues to friends and family.

Order of Canada recipient George Baird (seated), the former dean of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, and Elizabeth Baird (standing) also attended the event (photo by Johnny Guatto)