Feb. 6, 2026
Students gathered at tables on Western’s campus. (Photo source: Western Communications)
Western has launched a new Climate and Sustainability Strategy, shifting the university toward a regenerative future. Developed with broad campus input, the plan sets clear priorities, timelines and accountability to embed planetary health across education, research and campus operations.
Vanessa Stratton coaching officials on the ice. (Photo source: Hockey Canada)
Vanessa Stratton, manager of business operations with Western Sports and Recreation, will coach women’s hockey officials at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, leading preparation and assignments to ensure fairness and consistency.
Maria Mathews (Photo source: Mac Lai/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Western researchers secured $10.7 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to support 14 projects, including a study led by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Maria Mathews examining how family physician payment models shape workforce capacity and access to care in Canada.
An aerial view of Western’s campus. (Photo source: Western Communications)
Western has partnered with TKMS to advance defence research and commercialize dual-use technologies. The agreement positions Western as a core academic partner in TKMS’s new Canadian Defence and Dual-Use Innovation Ecosystem, linking universities, Indigenous businesses and industry partners across Canada, Germany and Norway.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Chantelle Richmond (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Chantelle Richmond: How to keep Indigenous cultures alive.
Coming Up
Feb. 9 (11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Grand opening: Founders Café
Drop by the Schmeichel Building to celebrate the grand opening of Founders Café. Enjoy signature drinks like ube and strawberry matcha and sample beverages and baked goods from alumni-owned businesses.
Feb. 9 and 10 (various times)
A space of cloud/not cloud
Explore wind and weather through art with artists Andrew Maize and Lisa Hirmer. Watch or help with outdoor wind experiments, then join the artists at McIntosh Gallery to create a photo collage.
Feb. 11 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Are the Olympics still relevant?
Kinesiology professor and director Laura Misener discusses how Olympic mega-events reflect and shape societal values. This virtual event is open to faculty, staff and alumni. Register online.
Feb. 11 (noon to 1 p.m.)
In conversation with…
Join history professor Marta Dyczok for a discussion about her book Ukraine, not the Ukraine. Bring your lunch and drop in for a casual conversation in the Scholars Lab at Weldon Library. All are welcome.
Working at Western
Students walking on campus during a snowy day. (Photo source: Darryl Lahteenmaa/Western Communications)
Winter wellness weeks: Feb. 16 to 27
Enjoy a variety of activities, workshops and webinars to stay active, manage stress and build healthy habits during the winter months. Visit the winter wellness weeks webpage for more details.
Photo of the Week
Erica Lawson, professor in the department of gender, sexuality and women’s studies, addresses the audience at Western’s inaugural Black Legacy Conference. The Jan. 30 event, part of Black History Month, welcomed more than 150 attendees for a day of powerful conversation, meaningful connection and community-building. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Western in the News
Kelly Anderson (Photo source: Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
The Toronto Star
This Hamilton woman isn’t hiding her schizophrenia. Here’s what she wants you to know, with psychotic disorders hitting earlier ages
In light of a new study exploring increased risk of psychotic disorders for those in urban areas, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Kelly Anderson explains how social segmentation, overcrowding, pollution or a lack of social cohesion could be factors at play.
CTV London
Researchers work to recover London’s forgotten Black history
English and writing studies professor Alyssa MacLean discusses the importance of Londoners rediscovering stories and understanding the city’s Black history, an effort supported by The Black Londoners Project.
CBC's Hanomansing Tonight
Artemis II: Humanity’s return to the Moon
Earth sciences professor Gordon Osinski says the delay of the Artemis II launch until March was the right decision after a hydrogen leak was discovered during the launch dress rehearsal.
