Research – Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)

@researchtmu.bsky.social

News about research and innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada's comprehensive innovation university. https://www.torontomu.ca/research/

Aerospace research that launched at Toronto Metropolitan University is now powering one of Canada’s leading drone companies. Co-founded by five TMU grads who once worked in the same Applied Aerodynamics lab, Superwake has become a leader in long-endurance, solar-electric drone technology. Read more:

TMU grads are building one of Canada's top aerospace companies

Five TMU aerospace graduates turned a bar-room question about solar-powered flight into Superwake, one of Canada's most innovative drone companies.

magazine.torontomu.ca

First, they were damaged by a flood. Then they sat in a freezer for two decades. Now, a set of rare historical film reels depicting the history of Peterborough, Ontario, have been restored by @torontomet.bsky.social film preservation student Bo Pickett. Read more in the @ptboexaminer.bsky.social:

Historic flood-damaged Peterborough films finally restored after 2 decades in a freezer

Historic film footage of Peterborough restored after 20 years, celebrated with gala premiere and exhibit at Peterborough Museum.

thepeterboroughexaminer.com

What hidden factors are causing more older Canadians to visit emergency departments? Dr. Samir Sinha of the National Institute on Ageing at Toronto Metropolitan University says gaps in primary care, home care and community supports are contributing to ED overcrowding. Read more:

Which Factors Are Driving Older Canadians to the ED?

In Canada, ED overcrowding, particularly with older adults, is a healthcare system failure that must be addressed across disciplines, and with government support, experts say.

medscape.com

Local elections across Canada are facing growing threats from foreign interference. Madeleine Case of Toronto Metropolitan University's Democratic Engagement Exchange co-authored this article in The Globe and Mail that explains how to better protect democratic integrity on the ground. Read more:

Opinion: How Ottawa can help local elections officials defend against foreign interference

As long as there are contentious issues like separatism in Canadian politics, there will be opportunities for foreign meddling

theglobeandmail.com

Who really pays to train skilled workers? Across the OECD, immigrants account for up to 35% of the highly skilled workforce. @bridgdivides.bsky.social researcher Hari KC looks at where these workers come from, and the cost of their training on global equality. Read more in @policyoptions.irpp.org:

Canada must face the Global South cost of skilled immigration

Canada relies on skilled immigrants trained elsewhere. A fairer approach would invest at home and share gains with countries of origin.

policyoptions.irpp.org

For many immigrant women, home-based businesses aren't a side hustle, they're a launchpad. Toronto Metropolitan University researcher Marshia Akbar explains how some newcomers are able to turn their skills into thriving, home-based businesses that offer flexibility and independence. Read more:

Immigrant women turn skills and passions into businesses run from home - New Canadian Media

Immigrant women in Canada are building businesses from home for income, flexibility and independence, while facing barriers to financing, childcare and support.

newcanadianmedia.ca

Amid shifting conversations around workplace EDI, how do Canadians feel? Research by the Diversity Institute and @fsc-ccf.bsky.social at @torontomet.bsky.social has shown a majority of Canadians still support EDI initiatives. Their work also demonstrates the business case for inclusive hiring.More:

Canadian employers hold firm on DEI as US crackdown intensifies

Canadian HR leaders are staying committed to DEI – but some organizations have given in to the pressure

hcamag.com

What if parks paid for themselves? Toronto Metropolitan University professor Nina-Marie Lister co-authored an article for The Globe and Mail that says Canada should invest in nature as infrastructure. Such investments appreciate over time, reducing costs while generating long-term returns. More:

Opinion: Canada needs to invest in nature as infrastructure

There’s a direct value relationship between biodiversity, public building projects and private assets

theglobeandmail.com

As toxic wildfire smoke darkens the skies above, how can we stay safe? Dr. Farhan Asrar of @tmu-medicine.bsky.social says the smoke is a dangerous mixture of gases, fine particles and chemicals. He recommends staying informed about warnings, and adjusting behaviour to reduce exposure. Read more:

How to stay safe from the triple threat of wildfires, smoke and extreme heat

As climate-related hazards become more frequent and severe, protecting our health will require moving beyond warnings toward prevention.

theconversation.com

🌍 Global displacement numbers just dropped for the first time in a decade, but researcher Kushan Azadah warns the root causes haven't gone anywhere, they're intensifying. With 7 in 10 refugees displaced 5+ years, this isn't a temporary crisis, it's becoming the norm. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3RtIYxZ

Mississauga Afghan student fights for girls’ right to learn

UNHCR estimates that global forced displacement has declined slightly but remains at about 117 to 118 million people by end of April 2026.

bit.ly