Leading in creating solutions for a just and sustainable world

Connected Minds — a $318.4-million research program led by York University in partnership with Queen’s University and funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund — is advancing bold, interdisciplinary research to build a healthier and more just society through responsible and inclusive technologies. In its inaugural Team Grants competition, five interdisciplinary research teams were awarded up to $1.5 million each, supporting projects that span ethical digital engagement, personalized neurological care, Indigenous language revitalization and equitable access to technology.

Lassonde faculty are leading significant contributions to these transformative efforts. More than 40 Lassonde researchers are involved in Connected Minds, bringing deep expertise in engineering, computing, AI, vision science and human-centred design to accelerate solutions with real-world impact. Among the inaugural grant recipients are Professor James Elder, York Research Chair in Human and Computer Vision, who is co-leading a project to co-create intelligent neuro-technologies that support healthy aging, and Associate Professor Hossein Kassiri, who is leading the development of a clinically validated, socially responsible wearable EEG system to transform epilepsy care. Through Connected Minds, Lassonde continues to shape the future of technology that serves society — designed with people, not just for them.

Federal NSERC investment is driving research and training across Lassonde, supporting solutions that improve mobility, sustainability and community well-being. York University secured $1.65M through NSERC’s CREATE program for the Smart Mobility Advanced Research & Training (SMART) initiative, led by Associate Professor Gunho Sohn, where graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will advance innovations in AI-enabled mobility, digital twins, sustainable transportation and mobility analytics.

Lassonde researchers are also leading major contributions to York’s $12.1M in new NSERC Discovery Grant funding, supporting 23 faculty projects advancing breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, climate resilience, sustainable engineering, space technologies and next-generation manufacturing — research with real-world impact and community benefit.

Three researchers from Lassonde have received funding from the Canadian Space Agency’s FAST (Flights and Fieldwork for the Advancement of Science and Technology) program, supporting pioneering projects that push the boundaries of space science and technology while providing hands-on training opportunities for students preparing to lead Canada’s future space workforce.

The funded projects span critical areas of space innovation. Professor Regina Lee is advancing space situational awareness through the development of a low-cost optical system designed to detect and track space debris in challenging conditions, supporting safer and more sustainable space operations. Assistant Professor Marina Freire-Gormaly is exploring nanobubble technology to improve plant growth and food production in space-flight environments, addressing the challenge of sustaining long-duration missions. Professor Aleksander Czekanski is investigating bioprinting for rapid wound care in microgravity, supporting astronaut health through on-demand medical solutions that could shape the future of space medicine.

These initiatives offer students unparalleled experiential learning through space-like missions and applied research environments, equipping the next generation of engineers and scientists with the skills, insight and leadership needed to build a more sustainable future in space and beyond.