May 15, 2026
Brett Buchanan (Photo source: Submitted)
Brett Buchanan, MA’99, will serve as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, beginning a five-year term on Aug. 15. Currently dean of arts and interim dean of science at Concordia University of Edmonton, he brings a strong commitment to community-building, interdisciplinary research and arts education.
New Canada Research Chairs (L to R) Alice Boyle and Amir Mirzaei (Photo source: Submitted)
Two Western researchers have been named Canada Research Chairs. Biology professor Alice Boyle will advance research on bird migration and physics and astronomy professor Amir Mirzaei will investigate durable protective coatings designed to resist material degradation.
A delegation from Western at the 2026 NeurotechEU Neuroinnovation Summit and General Assembly, including (L to R) Western President Alan Shepard, Rotman Institute of Philosophy director Dan Lizotte, vice-president (research) Penny Pexman, Centre for Functional and Metabolic Mapping director and Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Ravi Menon, Western Institute for Neuroscience director Shawn Whitehead and NeurotechEU Secretary General Mark Vlek de Coningh (Photo source: Submitted)
Western is the first non-European partner in NeurotechEU, an alliance of 10 universities advancing neurotechnology education and research. The new strategic partnership drive impactful research collaborations and student education opportunities.
Lecturers (L to R) Aleccia Hofstetter and Amy Horton in the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing lead the programs (Photo source: Iulia Costache/Faculty of Health Sciences)
With the help of new provincial funding, Western is expanding its nurse practitioner master’s program and has launched a new Primary Health Care Registered Nurse Certificate to help nurses strengthen their clinical knowledge and develop primary care expertise.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Susana Caxaj (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Susana Caxaj: How to improve housing for migrant farm workers.
Coming Up
May 20 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Employee Health Fair
Tour dozens of health-related displays, discover ways to improve your overall wellness and enjoy giveaways and refreshments. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
May 25 (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Africa Day at Western
Join the Africa Institute for a celebration highlighting the university’s research, partnerships and engagement across Africa. International and Graduate Affairs Building. Register by May 19.
Working at Western
UC Tower (Photo source: Iulia Costache/Faculty of Health Sciences)
Road closure – Philip Aziz Avenue
The City of London will begin construction on Philip Aziz Avenue on May 19. The road will be closed from May 25 until July 2027. Drivers are asked to proceed with care and allow extra time when traveling around campus.
Summer courses open for registration
Make the most of your summer with flexible, online courses through Western Continuing Studies. All courses are advance-funded for eligible employees through Western's educational assistance plan.
Victoria Day
Western is observing Victoria Day on Monday, May 18.
Photo of the Week
Schulich professor Andrew Pruszynski (left) celebrates with John Yoo, dean of Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, after receiving the Schulich Researcher of the Year Award at the 2026 London Campus Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 13. (Photo source: Megan Morris/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Western in the News
Samira Jeimy (Photo source: Megan Morris/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
CTV News Toronto
Toronto is seeing an ‘explosion of pollen’ this allergy season. Here’s why
As another allergy season is in full swing, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Samira Jeimy explains why symptoms may be especially severe this year.
CBC As it Happens
A Toronto man could become the 1st Canadian cured of HIV thanks to rare bone marrow treatment
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Eric Arts discusses what is still needed to ensure HIV treatment solutions are available around the world.
CBC News
These students are limiting their own smartphone, social media and tech use. Here's why
Education professor Emma Duerden explains why students are limiting their smartphone, social media and technology use amid digital exhaustion.
