July 31, 2026
Music history professor Emily Abrams Ansari (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Western researchers received $9.8 million in new federal funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to advance 74 projects exploring topics from Canadian identity and international law to loneliness, democratic participation and feminist history.
(L to R) President Alan Shepard; Michelle Campbell, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation; Marlene McGrath, chair of Western's Board of Governors; Graham Porter, Western alum; Roy Butler, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Dean John Yoo (Photo source: Frank Neufeld)
A $1.3-million gift from Marlene McGrath, LLB’86, and Graham Porter, BA’86, LLB’89, will help researchers develop more targeted cancer treatments. The investment supports advanced imaging technology and trainee recruitment through a partnership with St. Joseph's Health Care London.
Jessie McDonald with a module that held bentonite clay and copper samples underground (Photo source: Colleen MacDonald/Western Communications)
Chemistry PhD student Jessie McDonald is conducting field research in northwestern Ontario to investigate corrosion-resistant materials for Canada's proposed deep geological repository, contributing to long-term research on the safe storage of used nuclear fuel.
Older adults and members of Oasis Communities for Aging Well participate in a flower arranging workshop (Photo source: Submitted)
Health sciences professor Carri Hand is co-leading a $2.5-million national research partnership to strengthen Oasis Communities for Aging Well, supporting older adults to stay active, build social connections and age in the communities they call home.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Ravi Menon, Kaitlynn Mendes and Sachindri Wijekoon (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Never has a discussion of impact been more important. If you have an impact story, we would love to hear it. Whether it is something you are working on, or the efforts of a colleague, drop us a note. Together, we will make a difference by inspiring others.
Coming Up
Aug. 4 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.)
Yoga Tuesdays with Tracy
Join instructor Tracy Ishmael for a Living Well @ Western yoga class focused on improving posture, coordination and strength, and earn points through Western’s Wellness Rewards program. Arts & Humanities Building, Rm. 2B15.
Aug. 5 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Western Farmers Market
Stop by the top of UC Hill every Wednesday to support local businesses and shop for fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and soft-serve creations. Follow @westernufood on Instagram to stay informed.
Working at Western
University College (Photo source: Western Communications)
Weather siren testing
Live testing of Western’s emergency weather siren will take place Aug. 5 at noon. Unless otherwise notified, this is only a test. No action is required. Testing occurs the first Wednesday of every month.
Civic Holiday
Western is observing the Civic Holiday on Monday, Aug. 3.
Photo of the Week
McIntosh Gallery curator Rachel Deiterding takes a turn at the giant playable claw machine in Balancing Act, one of two interactive installations in the exhibition Three Dimensions by Jennifer Marman, BA’88, and Daniel Borins. Experience these exhibitions through Dec. 5. (Photo source: McIntosh Gallery)
Western in the News
Dr. Sheena Belisle (Photo source: Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Global News
E-scooters driving ‘huge’ number of child injuries
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Sheena Belisle discusses why the risk of injury is much higher for children than for adults.
CBC The National
Powerful earthquake hits southern Japan
Earth sciences professor Katsu Goda offers expertise on the second powerful earthquake to strike the region in the last decade.
National Post
Immigrants adopt Canada's low fertility rates, study finds
Research led by sociology professors Rachel Margolis and Howard Ramos explores fertility rates among newcomers to Canada.
