Sept. 5, 2025
(clockwise, from top left) Joel Faflak, John Meyer, Ying Zheng, Julie Aitken Schermer, Dr. Robert Hegele, Juan-Luis Suárez and Angela Roberts. (Image source: Rob Potter/Western Communications)
The Royal Society of Canada recognized seven Western scholars for their outstanding contributions to the arts, humanities and sciences. Six professors were elected Fellows and one was named a Member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.
The Pathogen Research Centre, part of Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, is set to open in 2027. (Image source: Architect rendering)
Western has begun building a $44-million Pathogen Research Centre, the first of its kind in Canada for infectious disease research. Supported by federal and provincial funding, the facility will unite advanced containment labs and manufacturing of therapeutics for clinical trials under one roof at Western Research Parks.
Also covered by: CTV London
President Alan Shepard and upper-year student Sophs help first-year students move in during OWeek 2025. (Photo source: Darryl Lahteenmaa/Western Communications)
More than 6,500 new students are starting their Western journeys this fall, beginning with Orientation Week activities, including concerts, games, faculty programming and community volunteering. Thanks to all those who help make the week a success.
Also covered by: The London Free Press, CBC London and CTV London
(Photo source: Western Communications)
Western is setting a national standard in gender-based and sexual violence prevention training with its Mustangs for Consent program, which has now reached all undergraduate students since it was launched in 2022.
Also covered by: Academica's Top Ten
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Abe Oudshoorn (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Abe Oudshoorn: How to address homelessness through global dialogue.
Coming Up
Sept. 11 (1 to 4 p.m.)
Art Thrive: Water | Fluidity
Visit McIntosh Gallery for the first in a series of free drop-in art sessions exploring the elements – earth, wind, fire and water. Experience moving images, try silkscreening and see works by local artists. Learn more.
Sept. 12 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Wellness Walk
Take a break and enjoy an hour-long walk exploring campus trails with biology graduate student Ben Souriol. Meet in front of the Biological and Geological Sciences Building. Dress for the weather. Email bsouriol@uwo.ca to register.
Working at Western
University College (Photo source: Western Communications)
Western’s Free Store opening Sept. 10
Starting Sept. 10, you can shop for gently used household items and academic supplies each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Arts and Humanities Building, Rm. 1B09. Donations continue to be accepted.
Photo of the Week
Western Sports and Recreation has introduced a new eco-friendly ice re-surfacer at Thompson Recreation Athletic Centre, supporting sustainability goals in Western’s strategic plan. (Photo source: Western Mustangs)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Gordon Osinski (Photo source: BBC)
BBC News
Canada's first lunar rover looks to future space exploration
Earth sciences professor Gordon Osinski is serving as chief scientist for Canada’s first lunar rover mission. His expertise is central to the mission’s goal of identifying water on the Moon.
National Post
Lawsuits allege AI chatbots have pushed kids to die by suicide. Is the technology safe for children?
A front-page story on the potential psychological harms of building relationships with AI chatbots included expertise from education professor Colin King, FIMS professor Luke Stark and computer science professor and chief AI officer Mark Daley.
CTV London
‘It’s been life-changing’: iHEAL program expands across southwestern Ontario
The iHEAL program, developed by Western researchers including nursing professor Marilyn Ford-Gilboe, is helping to bridge service gaps in rural areas for women experiencing intimate partner violence.
