Inside Western – a news digest for staff and faculty

Oct. 16, 2026

Neuroscientists map brains through video games

Jörn Diedrichsen and Jody Culham

Neuroscientists Jörn Diedrichsen and Jody Culham (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky)

Western researchers are partnering on a large international research project supported by social media giant Meta to better understand how the brain works by mapping its activity during different tasks – including playing video games.

Mustangs win OUA tennis title

Men’s tennis team at OUA Championship in Toronto

Men’s tennis team at OUA Championship in Toronto (Photo source: Aimee Dalla Rosa)

The Western Mustangs men’s tennis team earned their 25th provincial championship in program history, picking up the 2026 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) title. The women's team earned bronze and its head coaches were awarded Coach of the Year.

Grad student advocates for hearing loss awareness

Jana Bataineh

Jana Bataineh (Photo source: Iulia Costache/Faculty of Health Sciences)

Faculty of Health Sciences researcher Jana Bataineh has developed an awareness campaign for primary care clinics to better understand hearing loss and help connect physicians with audiologists.

Students design diverse stories to illuminate science

Bahareh Rahimi Shahmirzadi and Nadith Ranasinghe holding story books

(L to R) Bahareh Rahimi Shahmirzadi and Nadith Ranasinghe (Photo source: Megan Morris/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)

Schulich Medicine & Dentistry students are creating storybooks featuring diverse characters and experiences to make health-related concepts accessible to children. Kids Health Shelf has produced four stories so far, donating copies to local children's hospitals.

The Impact Project 

Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.

Arun Jentrick

Arun Jentrick (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)

Arun Jentrick: How to shine a light on women-led households.

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Coming Up

Oct. 19 (7:30 to 9 p.m.)
Concert: Time for Three
Hear Grammy- and Emmy-winning ensemble Time For Three blend classical, Americana and singer-songwriter traditions in a genre-defying performance at von Kuster Hall. Free admission, with support from the Moscovich Fund for Innovation in Music.

Oct. 19 (12:15 to 1 p.m.)
Mindful Mondays
Slow down, relax and experience the many ways art can support personal wellness during a guided mindfulness session held monthly at McIntosh Gallery. This 30-minute session includes an optional 15-minutes for reflection and discussion. Register today.

Oct. 20 (10 a.m. to noon)
Staff OWL Brightspace Listening Session
Staff who use OWL Brightspace can share their experiences and help shape future enhancements and support resources. This is the first of several listening sessions tailored to different user groups. Register online.

Oct. 21 (1 to 2 p.m.)
CyberSmart: Staying Safer Online 
Learn practical tips to recognize cyber threats, strengthen your online security and build safer online habits. Join chief information and security officer Brent Fowles for this virtual session. Registration required.

Working at Western

Lawson Hall

Lawson Hall (Photo source: Western Communications)

Road closure: University Drive
From Oct. 19 to 21, University Drive will be closed to motor vehicles and cyclists between Richmond and Sunset Streets to complete work related to the new residence building. London Transit routes will be detoured and delays are expected. Learn more.

Building sustainable habits
Looking for simple ways to make a difference? The Sustainable Workplace Ambassadors Program (SWAP) connects Western employees with sustainability topics, practical actions and colleagues across campus. All faculty and staff are welcome to join the Teams site.

Photo of the Week

Jeremy Hansen, Sarah Gallagher and Jackie Brook standing with the staff audience behind them

Canadian astronaut and Artemis II crew member Colonel Jeremy Hansen (centre) shared lessons from his journey to space with about 1,000 employees at Staff and Leader Learning Day on Oct. 14. (L to R) Sarah Gallagher, director of the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration and professor of physics and astronomy; Jeremy Hansen; and Jackie Book, director of the Commercial Aviation Management program. (Photo source: Nicole Osborne/NEO Image Creations)

two coffee cups near fair trade sign

Western in the News

Jamie Seabrook

Jamie Seabrook (Photo source: Jason Jones)

Global News
Food banks forced to turn away people due to demand: survey
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Jamie Seabrook offers insight on recent survey results that break down stereotypes about people who turn to food banks for support.

CBC News Network
Indigenous reaction to Alberta separatism referendum
History and Indigenous studies professor Cody Groat discusses Indigenous communities’ reactions to the Alberta referendum, while cautioning against pan-Indigenizing the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples. 

CTV Your Morning
Republicans break with Trump over Canada tariffs
Political science professor Matt Lebo explains why some Republican candidates are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

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