From advances in arthritis treatment to transformative accessibility solutions for vulnerable populations, York University researchers are driving real-world impact.
These innovations in critical and groundbreaking work were recognized during the University's annual Research Awards Reception on April 30. The event celebrated the work of more than 70 faculty members.
"Across a broad array of disciplines, York researchers have been driving progress, pushing boundaries, shaping policy, sparking innovation and changing the way we understand and engage with the world," says David Peters, interim provost and vice-president academic.
Driving positive change in their respective fields, the research undertaken at York demonstrates the University's commitment to knowledge mobilization and research excellence across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, humanities and the arts.
Amir Asif, York's vice-president research and innovation, says York researchers have "played pivotal roles in many important discoveries and influential scholarship."
From extracting DNA from the air, to studying biodiversity to develop cutting-edge pharmaceutical technology, innovations from York researcher's help to shape the future.
"Our faculty are fundamental to the core mission of York University - the steadfast pursuit, preservation and dissemination of knowledge," says Asif.
Awards
The President's Emerging Research Leadership Award (PERLA) in STEM
Ali Abdul-Sater, associate professor in the Faculty of Health and York Research Chair in Regulatory Mechanisms of Inflammation, is the recipient of this award that recognizes a faculty member within 10 years of their first academic appointment who has made a notable impact on their field. His groundbreaking work on inflammatory diseases, particularly autoimmune conditions like arthritis, was recognized as one of the Top 10 Research Advances in Arthritis by the Arthritis Society in 2024.
The President's Emerging Research Leadership Award (PERLA) in Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
Shital Desai, associate professor in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and York Research Chair in Accessible Interaction Design is the 2025 recipient of this award, which recognizes a faculty member within 10 years of their first academic appointment who has made a notable contribution in their field. Desai's work at the intersection of design and health has transformed accessibility solutions for seniors, dementia patients and people with disabilities, with notable community impact through collaborations with the Jane and Finch Centre and Toronto Public Library.
The President's Research Excellence Award (PREA)
Professor Kean Birch from the Faculty of Science is the recipient of this award that recognizes senior established, full-time, active faculty members with distinguished scholarly achievements, who have had a notable impact on their field. As Ontario Research Chair in Science Policy, Birch's work connects science and technology studies with political economy. His extensive publication record includes four books, 52 peer-reviewed articles and 27 book chapters, with significant citation impact.
The President's Research Impact Award (PRIA)
Professor Carmela Murdocca from the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, earned this award for her work examining socio-legal legacies of racial injustice and incorporating reparative justice practices in law and policy. The award recognizes full-time, active faculty members whose body of research or scholarship has made a notable impact on communities, individuals, public policies and more. Her advocacy has directly influenced constitutional jurisprudence and discrimination law.
Asif emphasizes the University's pride in its research community, saying: "As brilliant scholars, gifted artists and innovators, (our faculty members) have all demonstrated a level of excellence and creativity that they should take great pride in."
The awards ceremony also highlighted faculty in other categories.
There are 12 honourees recognized with:
- Outstanding Research Honours, which recognizes outstanding contributions to research; and
- Fellows to the Royal Society of Canada, which recognizes faculty who have made remarkable contributions in their research pursuits related to science, humanities and the arts.
There are 13 honourees recognized with:
- Significant Knowledge Mobilization & Impact Awards, which recognizes knowledge mobilization and impact outside of academia; and
- Book Awards, Literary and Artistic Achievements, which honours York scholars who produced outstanding publications recognized by their peers.
There are 17 honourees recognized with:
- Outstanding Early Career Awards, which recognizes the notable successes of York's early career researchers who are the future of their field; and
- Major Grants, which recognizes researchers leading major research initiatives that can advance our understanding of the world and address societal challenges.
There are 37 honourees recognized with:
- Other Learned Societies, Fellowships and Awards, which reflects York scholars whose leadership in the field has earned them election to academic societies; and
- York Research Chairs, Canada Research Chairs and Distinguished Research Professors, appointments that support research excellence and scholarship at the highest level in their respective fields.
Visit the Research & Innovation website to learn more about the University's research excellence.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
