Inside Western – a news digest for staff and faculty

Dec. 12, 2025

Tech transfer office drives innovation

A photo of Saumik Biswas

Saumik Biswas, co-founder of Tenomix, developed a robotic imaging device for improving colon cancer diagnostics with the support of the Technology Transfer Office. (Photo source: Colleen MacDonald/Western Communications)

Western’s Technology Transfer Office is translating discoveries to real-world solutions by supporting researchers through commercialization, licensing and strategically bringing their ideas to market.

Winter reads from the Western community

A photo of books on a table

(Photo source: Rob Potter/Western Communications)

From poetry and pets to business, basketball and architectural history, Western News highlights eight new books written by alumni, faculty and a current student for you to enjoy over the holidays and into the new year.

Western launches Centre for Bioethics

An image of Maxwell smith and Françoise Baylis,

(L to R) Maxwell Smith, inaugural chair of the centre, introduces internationally renowned bioethicist Françoise Baylis, BA’83, MA’84, PhD’89, at a launch event on Dec. 4. (Photo source: Iulia Costache/Western Health Sciences)

Western’s new Centre for Bioethics will foster and grow research on ethical challenges in the field of health. Led by health sciences professor Maxwell Smith, the centre will connect faculty, students and local health-care partners to advance collaborative work.

Western, LHSC advance first cardiac radiation treatment

George Westerik prepares for radiation to treat a heart condition.

George Westerik prepares for radiation to treat a heart condition. (Photo source: LHSC Communications)

Western researchers, in partnership with London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), have delivered the hospital’s first radiation treatment for a cardiac arrhythmia, a milestone for the new joint cardiac research program. The non-invasive approach offers a promising new option for patients with ventricular tachycardia. 

Also covered by: The London Free Press

The Impact Project 

Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.

photo of Sheri Molnar

Sheri Molnar (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)

Sheri Molnar: How to prepare for earthquakes with seismology mapping.

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Coming Up

Dec. 15 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.) 
Circuit Training
Participate in a 40-minute Living Well @ Western strength-based training class led by activity instructor Emily Downs. Register today. Arts & Humanities Building, Rm. 2B15.

Dec. 16 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.)
Yoga with Tracy
Join instructor Tracy Ishmael for a Living Well @ Western yoga class focused on improving posture, coordination and strength. Register online. Arts & Humanities Building, Rm. 2B15.

Working at Western

a photo of campus

(Photo source: Darryl Lahteenmaa/Western Communications)

Temporary road closure: Philip Aziz Avenue
The City of London will close Philip Aziz Avenue at Western Road from Dec. 15 to 18 to prepare for their planned reconstruction in 2026. Drivers can access campus via Lambton Drive and should expect delays when traveling in the area.

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.

Preparing campus buildings for the holiday break
Please remember to close office and classroom windows before you leave campus for the holiday break. This helps conserve energy and prevent pipes from freezing, which can lead to flooding. Visit the Facilities Management website for details. 

Photo of the Week

an image of community members with hot chocolate

Dozens of community members enjoyed music, holiday shopping, festive treats and a visit from Santa during the Holiday Market at the top of UC Hill on Dec. 9 and 10. (L to R) Jessie Karn, sales floor manager at the Dellelce Family Bookstore, and Santa Clause. (Photo source: Housing and Ancillary Services)

two coffee cups near fair trade sign

Western in the News

In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.

A photo of professor Geraint Harvey

Geraint Harvey (Photo source: Faculty of Social Science)

CBC The National
Air Transat strike looms

DAN management and organizational studies professor Geraint Harvey explained what was at stake for Air Transat pilots who were poised to strike this week. 

CNN
The Vatican returns sacred artifacts held for a century to their Indigenous owners

As artifacts long held at the Vatican were returned to Indigenous communities in Canada this week, history and Indigenous Studies professor Cody Groat said he was encouraged to see meaningful action early in Pope Leo’s papacy.

Reuters
Canadian universities aim to attract top global scholars with funding boost
Western initiatives to attract PhD students and expand postdoctoral fellowships were mentioned in an article exploring how Canadian universities are securing top global talent.

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