Jan. 30, 2026
Jayshri Sabarinathan standing with the latest version of Western’s Dual Sensor Multispectral Imager instrument. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
The Canadian Space Agency awarded a Western team of researchers, led by engineering professor Jayshri Sabarinathan, a contract to advance a made-in-Canada imaging instrument for a future lunar rover, supporting Moon exploration and resource analysis.
Also covered by: SpaceQ
Schulich professor Saman Maleki holds up a so-called 'poop pill' used for fecal microbiota transplants. (Photo source: London Health Sciences Centre)
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry researchers and their collaborators are using fecal microbiota transplant capsules to improve cancer care. Two Canadian clinical trials published in Nature Medicine show the capsules reduce toxic side effects in kidney cancer treatment and increase patient response to immunotherapy for lung cancer and melanoma.
Also covered by: Toronto Star, Global News, CTV London and The London Free Press
Miranda Goode (Submitted photo)
Ivey professor Miranda Goode unpacks how instalment payment platforms work and what consumers should consider, including research showing it can increase spending and financial risk.
Helen He (Photo source: Colleen MacDonald/Western Communications)
Biomedical engineering master's student Helen He is using artificial intelligence in Western’s Advanced Pulmonary Imaging Lab, under the supervision of Schulich professor Grace Parraga, to develop tools that help researchers better understand how asthma patients respond to therapy and move towards more personalized care.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Marie Savundranayagam (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Marie Savundranayagam: How to improve care for people living with dementia.
Coming Up
Month of February
Black History Month
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with campus partners, is hosting events across campus to celebrate Black excellence. This year’s theme is Black joy, glory and reclamation.
Feb. 5 (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Info session: Fellowship in Teaching Innovation award
Faculty members are invited to learn more about the Fellowship in Teaching Innovation award, which supports faculty pursuing innovative approaches to teaching and learning at Western. Register online.
Feb. 5 (5 to 7 p.m.)
2026 Clissold Lecture
Listen to CBC News foreign correspondent Katie Simpson, BA’06, as she shares her on-the-ground perspective from Washington, D.C. and explores emerging challenges for Canadian journalism. UCC, McKellar Room.
Feb. 5 (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Let’s talk collections
Get an inside look at notable and challenging artworks uncovered during the collections audit at McIntosh Gallery, as collections assistant Emily Henry and curator Rachel Deiterding share behind-the-scenes insights from the process.
Working at Western
Main campus (Photo source: Western Communications)
Have your say on Western’s draft Responsible Investing Policy
Faculty and staff are invited to share their feedback on a new draft Responsible Investing Policy. Visit the Responsible Investing Consultation webpage to learn more.
Weather siren testing
Live testing of Western’s emergency weather siren will take place Feb. 4 at noon. Unless otherwise notified, this is only a test. No action is required. Testing occurs the first Wednesday of every month.
Photo of the Week
(L to R) Chris van den Berg, director, research security; David Muir, associate vice-president, innovation and strategic partnerships; Penny Pexman, vice-president (research) and Bryan Neff, associate vice-president (research) visited McMaster University on Jan. 20 to advance the McMaster–Western strategic partnership, strengthening collaboration around shared research priorities and complementary infrastructure. (Photo source: LinkedIn)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Angela Roberts (Photo source: Western Communications)
CBC’s The Current
This 101-year-old superager’s secret to living well
Health sciences and computer science professor Angela Roberts discusses her work with older adults and explains the importance of physical activity, purpose and social connection for healthy aging.
Globe and Mail
Are Trump’s threats making you anxious? Here are six ways to cope
Political science professor Amanda Friesen suggests getting involved in local causes to help combat feelings of helplessness in the face of political stress.
Toronto Star via Canadian Press
Trump's latest tariff threats will hurt U.S. just as much as Canada, experts say
Amidst Trump’s criticisms of Canada’s trade deal with China, Ivey professor Romel Mostafa says it was odd to pick on Canada over what he sees as a balanced deal.
