Nov. 21, 2025
(Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Western remains among the top universities in the world, ranking fourth in Canada and 24th overall for social and environmental sustainability in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026.
Also covered by: Academica's Top Ten
(L to R) Western professors Pingzhao Hu, Xiao Zhen Zhou, Kun Ping Lu and Boyu Wang (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Biochemistry and computer science professor Pingzhao Hu has received funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, as part of the Canada-France artificial intelligence program, to lead an international team using AI to discover new drugs to fight cancer and infectious disease.
(L to R) Stephanos Horvers and Franco Berruti (Photo source: Colleen MacDonald/Western Communications)
Postdoctoral researcher Stephanos Horvers and chemical engineering professor Franco Berruti have launched ITER Technologies, a startup turning farm waste into biochar that reduces greenhouse gases while enriching soil and supporting plant growth. The idea grew from their work at Western’s Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources.
(Image source: Elenir De Oliveira Teixeira)
Visual arts professor Alena Robin co-curated Tropi-X: Brazilian Art in Canada, 1970s–Now, a new Museum London exhibition built around a rare 1970s Brazilian art collection. The show, which features 44 artists and pairs historical pieces with contemporary works by Brazilian-Canadian artists, runs Nov. 22 to April 19.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Sachindri Wijekoon (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Sachindri Wijekoon: How collaboration with older adults drives change.
Coming Up
Nov. 25 (11 a.m. to noon)
2025 Taylor Prize Laureate Lecture
Dr. Carl June, internationally recognized for pioneering CAR T-cell therapy, will deliver a lecture as this year's recipient of the J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine. Keeley Lecture Hall, DSB 1002. Register online.
Nov. 26 (2 to 4 p.m.)
Holiday maker workshop
Create personalized wooden or laser-cut ornaments, coasters or décor during this relaxed, hands-on session at the Maker Space in the Schmeichel Building. This workshop is open to students, faculty and community members. Register online.
Nov. 26 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Coffee day for United Way
Enjoy your favourite brew and make a difference. Support Western's United Way Campaign by purchasing a large or extra-large coffee at these on-campus locations: Tim Horton's, Einstein's, DaVinci's, Chambers Café, Talbot Café and all residence dining halls. Learn more.
Nov. 27 (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Biodiversity walk
Join biology professor Tim Hain to discover the incredible species living right here at Western. Binoculars will be provided and participants are encouraged to download the iNaturalist and Merlin apps to enhance observations. Register online.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Darryl Lahteenmaa/Western Communications)
Course feedback now open
Instructors are encouraged to let students know they can provide course feedback until Dec. 10. Learn more.
Call for nominations: Awards for Excellence in Teaching
Nominations are open for the 2025-26 Western Awards for Excellence in Teaching, celebrating outstanding contributions to student learning across campus. Faculty, staff and students are invited to submit nominations by Jan. 15. Visit the University Secretariat website for more information.
Survey: Western Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (WIDE)
Take five minutes to complete the WIDE Survey. Your input will help inform university policies and decision-making processes moving forward.
Video of the Week
Western researchers are helping communities around the world respond to climate change by understanding its impact on extreme weather. Through world-class facilities, international partnerships and advanced simulation and field research, this work is leading to safer homes, climate-resilient cities and coastlines protected against tsunamis. Watch the video to join President Alan Shepard as he goes behind the research to see how Western experts are all in on building stronger, safer and more sustainable communities, today. (Image source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
(L to R) Master of public health student Laura Martinez, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Ava Johnson-Baptiste and master’s student Sam Lam. (Photo source: Cynthia Fazio/Western Communications)
The Globe and Mail
Public-health students train as measles detectives during real-world outbreak
Master of public health students at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry are being trained to address measles outbreaks through a case-based workshop emphasizing data analysis and strategies to address vaccine hesitancy.
The New York Times
Vatican to return Indigenous cultural items to Canada taken a century ago
While acknowledging the return of the items as a significant step toward reconciliation, history and Indigenous studies professor Cody Groat questions the Vatican’s decision to transfer Indigenous artifacts through the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, rather than directly to Indigenous communities.
TVO’s Big If True
What risks does PCOS misinformation pose?
FIMS and sociology professor Anabel Quan-Haase and master of health information science alum Vanessa Trocchi shared their research exploring how influencers are building credibility and trust while sharing misinformation about polycystic ovary syndrome online.
