A&S research project aims to rewrite histories of Blackness and technology

A team of A&S researchers is examining the history of Black androids created between the mid-18th and late 20th centuries. The team hopes to better understand how the androids may have contributed to racial mythologies — particularly the most prominent and harmful myth that technology is opposed to Blackness.

A&S recognizes Black History Month with film screenings, discussions and more

From film screenings to conferences and thought–provoking discussions, we’re celebrating Black History Month with virtual events across the three campuses. Weekly events culminate on Feb. 28 with U of T’s Black History Month Luncheon, featuring six- time Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse.

Alumni offer career tips to eager students and new grads at Next Steps Conference

More than 800 students and new grads registered for the Next Steps Conference to learn from A&S alumni who were once where they are now: deciding on their next move post-graduation. No matter the industry or situation — including a return to the classroom — alumni had the inside scoop.

A new home for digital scholarship in Iranian poetry and cinema

An innovative multiyear partnership between U of T and the Encyclopedia Iranica Foundation will enable researchers to gather and share information on projects around Iranian women poets and Iranian cinema. The first project, Iranian Women Poets, will shine a bright light on writers whose work has often been overshadowed by that of better-known males.

Help us connect with you: take the A&S Digital Communications Survey

Attention, alumni: we want to know more about your social media and digital usage preferences so that we can better connect with you! Please take our five-minute survey. (Some added incentive: after completing the survey, you’ll be able to enter a draw to win a $25 gift certificate to the U of T Bookstore.)

U of T welcomes world-leading expert in machine learning and physical chemistry

Anatole von Lilienfeld has been named the inaugural Clark Chair in Advanced Materials at the Vector Institute and the University of Toronto, becoming a pivotal faculty member of the Acceleration Consortium at U of T. A leading expert in designing novel approaches for rapidly predicting chemical compound behaviour, von Lilienfeld will support the Consortium’s goal of revolutionizing the field of materials science.

Defy Gravity: U of T launches powerhouse campaign with a global impact

U of T has launched Defy Gravity, the largest university fundraising and alumni engagement campaign in Canadian history. The campaign includes a target of inspiring 225,000 alumni to volunteer, mentor, give and lead, and has set a fundraising target of $4 billion for the University’s highest priorities.

Course teaches artificial intelligence through a philosophical lens

An Institute for the History & Philosophy of Science & Technology course is challenging the notion that artificial intelligence (AI) can already exhibit human-level thinking or self-awareness. “Hey, AI is not there yet. But here’s why,” says assistant professor Karina Vold, speaking in the latest Canadian university rankings issue from Maclean’s magazine.

A&S community mourns loss of former dean

The A&S community is mourning the loss of former Dean Robin Louis Armstrong, who passed away on December 17 at 86. Professor Armstrong was a distinguished researcher in condensed matter physics, earned multiple degrees from U of T, and was the first associate chair for undergraduate studies of U of T’s Department of Physics.

Congratulations to our 2021 Year in Review Crossword winners!

Once again, our A&S alumni proved they were up for the challenge with our latest crossword. Congratulations to Megan Jones-Smith, Amanda Ceniti, and Carolyn Laidlaw and Leah Henrickson (who tied for third place).