Oct. 2, 2026
(Top row, L to R) Professors adam bell, Marlys Koschinsky, Yalda Mohsenzadeh; (bottom row, L to R) Jamie Noël, Danielle Sirek and Nadine Wathen (Image design: Colleen MacDonald/Western Communications)
Six faculty members have received the 2026 Western Research Excellence Awards for impactful research, from advancing artificial intelligence and treatments for cardiovascular health to improving accessibility and supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
Dr. George Klein (Photo source: Megan Morris/Schulich Communications)
A combined $4-million gift from the Shah Family Foundation and the Gloria Baylis Foundation, matched by Western, will establish a new chair to advance the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. The chair is named in honour of Dr. George Klein, a pioneering electrophysiologist and professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
(L to R) Kolbi Williams and Mikayla Antone-Gregory (Photo source: Housing and Ancillary Services)
English and creative writing student Kolbi Williams drew on a Haudenosaunee creation story about recognizing the unique strengths and gifts of every community member to create an orange shirt design for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Also covered by: Academica’s Top Ten and CBC Info (French)
Betsy Reilly (centre), along with several teaching candidates and a lifesize Dolly Parton figure, hold books that will be mailed to local children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (Photo source: Kaleigh Rodgers/Western Education)
Education instructor Betsy Reilly brings her early literacy expertise to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of London, helping deliver more than 27,000 free books to children in the region.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Peter Brown: (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Peter Brown: How to prepare for meteor strikes.
Coming Up
Month of October
EDIDA Awareness Month
Take part in events throughout the fall that bring the Western community together to learn, connect and advance equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization and accessibility. Explore the events and register to participate.
Oct. 6 to 8 (2:30 to 4 p.m.)
Joanne Goodman Lectures
Join University of New Hampshire professor Eliga Gould to explore international consequences of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and its influence around the world. Great Hall, Somerville House, Rm. 3326.
Oct. 6 (4 p.m.)
Western Angels’ Demo Day
Watch as budding Western entrepreneurs pitch their ventures in Toronto and network with founders and investors. Faculty and staff investors can receive 50 per cent off the $20 ticket with code DISCOUNT50. Register online.
Oct. 8 (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Western United Way Campaign Kickoff
Enjoy a chili lunch on concrete beach and support the local community through United Way Elgin Middlesex. A $10 donation includes chili, a fresh roll and soft drink.
Oct. 8 (4:30 to 6 p.m.)
Insight Out
Explore the Three Dimensions exhibit and hear from social science professor Jameelah Morris, Ivey professor Hubert Pun and Alexandra Rizkallah from the Grand Theatre. The McIntosh Gallery event is the first in a series of exhibition walkthroughs featuring perspectives from across the community.
Oct. 14 (9:30 to 11 a.m.)
Staff and Leader Learning Day
Hear Canadian astronaut, fighter pilot and Artemis II crew member Colonel Jeremy Hansen share what it takes to pursue ambitious goals, prepare for uncertainty and turn bold ideas into meaningful action. While the main room is sold out, space remains in the livestream and calm (low-sensory) rooms. Register online to receive location details.
Working at Western
Physics and Astronomy building (Photo source: Western Communications)
Help celebrate the Class of 2026
Autumn convocation is Oct. 21 and 22. You’re invited to participate and honour the academic journeys of our students. Join the Academic Procession by Oct. 14 or volunteer in one of 11 essential roles. Visit the convocation website to learn more.
Google Gemini Enterprise pilot
Try Google Gemini Enterprise, available free to faculty and eligible staff on Western’s main campus as part of a one-year pilot program from Western Technology Services. The secure, institutionally supported AI tool can help brainstorm ideas, summarize information, draft content and analyze documents. Request a license and complete the required Responsible AI Use video and terms and conditions before applying.
New pathway to anti-racism
certificate
Employees now have two ways to complete Western’s Anti-Racism Foundations Certificate Program. Beginning Oct. 5, the new structured path offers a more scheduled approach to learning, while the existing flex path allows employees to learn at their own pace. Learn more and register online.
Photo of the Week
Community members gathered at Concrete Beach for the Survivors’ Flag Raising ceremony on Sept. 28, ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Chris Guglielmo (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
CBC The Current
What a $1M donation from Margaret Atwood means for bird research
Biology professor Chris Guglielmo discusses the significance of Margaret Atwood’s $1-million gift to establish the Graeme Gibson Chair in Avian Biology at Western and explains how it will advance our understanding of bird movement, behaviour and adaptation in a changing environment.
Global News
Feds’ tariff response requires a ‘Team Canada’ approach, expert says
A report released by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, in partnership with Ivey Business School and the City of London, finds impacts of the U.S.-Canada trade war are felt in communities across Canada.
CTV Your Morning
Reading “Made in Canada” labels
DAN management and organizational studies professor Bonnie Simpson explains how to read labels to determine if a product is made in Canada.
