March 6, 2026
(L to R) Amref International University vice chancellor Joachim Osur and Western University provost and vice president Florentine Strzelczyk (Photo source: Teddy Loukas/Western International)
Western is expanding partnerships with universities in Kenya and Ethiopia through the Frugal Biomedical Innovations Program, where Western researchers and African collaborators are developing low‑cost medical technologies that address community needs in underserved regions.
A technician working in the Imaging Pathogens for Knowledge Translation facility (Photo source: Megan Morris/Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Western is leading IMMUNEQUITY, an international collaboration between academics and industry partners, to create an affordable, accessible HIV cure that is available around the world, regardless of a patient’s location or wealth.
Alice Boyle (Submitted photo)
A global study led by biology professor Alice Boyle revealed how rainfall patterns play a critical role in bird reproduction and survival, a factor often overlooked in climate change research.
Members of Canada’s wheelchair curling team (L to R) Jon Thurston and Mark Ideson (Submitted photo)
Three-time Paralympic medalist Mark Ideson, BSc’99, returns to the Paralympics in Milano-Cortina as skip of Canada’s wheelchair curling team, the next chapter of his remarkable but unexpected journey into the sport.
Also covered by: CBC London Morning
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Diane-Laure Arjaliès (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Diane-Laure Arjaliès: How to finance nature and equality.
Coming Up
March 10 (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
From Dachau, and Back to Life
This online talk, presented by the Faculty of Social Sciences, features Holocaust survivor and Order of Canada member L. Elly Gotz, who will share his story of survival and resilience. Register online.
March 11 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Dragons’ Den panel and auditions
Hear insights from past Dragons' Den participants during a panel discussion, then watch or take part in live auditions for season 21 of the CBC show. Schmeichel Building, Collaborator Space.
March 11 (2:30 to 4:30 p.m.)
Climate and Sustainability Awards
Celebrate Western community members advancing climate action and sustainability at the annual awards ceremony hosted by Western Sustainability. All are welcome to attend. Register online.
March 13 (12:30 p.m.)
Fridays at 12:30: Egbo-Egbo Trio
Spend your lunch hour with the Egbo-Egbo Trio, led by pianist and composer Thompson Egbo-Egbo. The trio fuses jazz, classical, soul and cinematic influences in a dynamic live performance. von Kuster Hall, Music Building.
Working at Western
Richmond Street gates (Photo source: Western Communications)
Nomination deadline: Western Pension Board
Volunteer to serve on the Western Pension Board and learn how your pension plan is administered while having a voice in its governance. Actively contributing members of their respective plan who can serve to the end of the term are eligible. Nominations are open until March 13. Visit the Pension webpage to submit a nomination.
Call for nominations: Senate committees
Interested in serving on a Senate committee? Nominations are open for faculty and staff positions in the coming year. Visit the Secretariat website to learn more about how to get involved.
Mental health resources
Escalating geopolitical events can cause uncertainty and be heavy to process. Western offers counselling, supportive services and programs, as well as self-directed learning for all faculty and staff year-round. Visit the Human Resources website for more information.
Photo of the Week
Western Advancement staff members (L to R) Gabriella Samuel and Tasha Blanco celebrate Western Day with coffee and conversation during the Employee Celebration on March 5 in the Grand Hall of the Schmeichel Building. The event brought colleagues together to connect and show their purple pride as the university marks 148 years since its founding. (Photo source: Rachel Lincoln)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
(L to R) Jennifer Robinson, Frank Schumacher, Dara Vandor, Pascal Michelberger, Lauren Newman and Finlay McFarlane (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
The New York Times
America has occupied Canada, in the creative mind of a Toronto artist
A new speculative public art exhibit by artist Dara Vandor opened this week at Weldon Library as part of the “Pax Americana” series. History professor and international relations program director Frank Schumacher explains how the exhibit, which imagines a future Canada annexed by the U.S., helps students think differently about international relations.
The Washington Post
Frontline leaders are disappearing. The Civil War shows why that’s a problem
Research done in collaboration with Ivey professor Christian Dippel uses the U.S. Civil War as a case study to understand how different levels of management influence success.
The London Free Press
Western food lab turns to local home cook for brain-health inspiration
This front-page feature highlights Western’s nootropics food lab, which explores how certain foods could help boost brain power.
