The Presidential Search Committee is responsible for the search for 91亚色鈥檚 ninth president and vice-chancellor.

As part of the process of developing the mandate and position profile for the University鈥檚 next president and vice-chancellor, the committee members would like to hear from as many members of the University community as possible.

We invite you to offer your perspectives. We have scheduled our third consultation for: Thursday, Sept. 17 on the Keele Campus at 10 a.m. to noon in the Dr. Robert Everett Senate Chamber, N940 Ross Building.

The session will be in-person with virtual available to those who are unable to join in-person.

Registration for the session:

The Search Committee has prepared questions to consider in advance of the sessions (or if you would like to prepare a written response). The questions can be found here.

If you prefer to write your response, please take a moment to comment in confidence to: yorkpvc@boyden.com or by completing the survey available at . Your comments will not be attributed to you, but will be shared with the committee.

Antonio Di Domenico
Chair Presidential Search Committee鈥�

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As cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have been shown to reduce mortality, lower hospital readmissions and improve quality of life.

Despite its proven value, significant gaps remain in who is referred to cardiac rehabilitation and who ultimately participates, particularly in parts of the world where cardiovascular disease places a disproportionate burden on health systems and patients.

"Even when CR programs are available, patients still face barriers to being referred, accessing programs and affording care," says Carson. "Understanding these gaps helps identify where changes in health care systems and policies could improve access, particularly in lower-resource settings.鈥�

Previous studies had tracked barriers to cardiac rehabilitation and identified disparities in participation across countries and health care systems. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted CR delivery and access worldwide, says Carson. As a result, the global cardiac rehabilitation landscape had not been comprehensively assessed in the years since, with little recent data available on referral practices, wait times, funding models and the costs individuals face when seeking care.

"An updated audit was therefore needed to understand what CR looks like globally today, where progress has been made, and where gaps in referral and access persist,鈥� says Carson.

Under the supervision of 91亚色 Professor Sherry L. Grace and Adjunct Professor Gabriela Ghisi, Carson conducted a global survey of CR programs in 2025 examining referral practices, limitations to participation, wait times, strategies to improve entry to treatment, funding models and patient costs.

The researchers ultimately received survey responses from 1,505 CR programs across 90 countries. Program leaders completed questionnaires about how care is delivered, how people utilize services and the financial challenges both patients and providers face. The researchers then analyzed the results by country income level.

Among the study's observations was the limited adoption of systematic referral systems, which automatically refer eligible individuals to cardiac rehabilitation rather than relying on a clinician to manually make the referral.

"It was striking that systematic referral, despite being an effective way to increase CR use, was implemented in only about one-fifth of programs globally," says Carson.

The finding also reflected one of the study's broader themes: inequity in access. Systematic referral was far more common in high-income countries than in middle- and low-income countries, with programs in high-income countries estimating that roughly 80 per cent of eligible patients were referred to rehabilitation compared with about 50 per cent in middle-income countries.

The study also found that access was shaped not only by referrals, but by whether patients could afford to participate.

"One finding that stood out to me was the magnitude of the financial barriers," says Carson. "Programs globally estimated that 50 per cent of indicated patients may forego CR because of out-of-pocket costs."

Nearly half of surveyed programs relied on direct patient payments as a source of funding. When patients were required to pay, they covered an average of about 60 per cent of rehabilitation costs themselves. In lower-middle-income countries, patients often paid the entire cost of care out of pocket.

Together, the findings point to a broader inequity. Many of the countries carrying the greatest burden of cardiovascular disease also face some of the greatest barriers to rehabilitation, meaning access to treatment known to improve survival and quality of life can depend on where patients live and what they can afford.

The study also highlighted efforts already underway to improve participation. Researchers found that many programs are taking steps to make cardiac rehabilitation more accessible, including by providing information in multiple formats, offering plain-language educational materials, tailoring services to diverse populations and making resources available in different languages with the support of multilingual staff or interpreters.

Building on this progress, the researchers say addressing the persistent inequities identified in the study will require broader policy action. They recommend stronger public investment in CR, expanded health care coverage to reduce out-of-pocket costs and wider use of systematic referral systems to help more who are eligible for care. Those changes could extend the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation to more patients who need it and ultimately help reduce cardiovascular illness and death.

For Carson, the hope is that her work will help inform practical changes that improve access to care for patients around the world.

"I hope these findings help inform changes in policy and clinical practice that make CR more accessible and affordable," says Carson. "Ultimately, improving referral processes and reducing financial barriers could allow more patients to benefit from cardiac rehabilitation."

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鈥淐limate change is rapidly expanding habitats for ticks and mosquitoes across Canada, driving up rates of Lyme disease and introducing newer threats like anaplasmosis into regions where they weren't previously seen,鈥� says Tosato, who works through the Faculty of Science's Laboratory of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM).

As a result, researchers and public health officials are increasingly looking for ways to reduce tick populations and the diseases they spread.

One approach is the use of prescribed burns, also known as controlled fires. Previous research has shown they can reduce tick numbers, but whether those reductions translate into lower disease risk remains less clear. Researchers know less about how different fire regimes affect disease spread when accounting for the complex interactions between ticks, wildlife hosts and the pathogens they carry.

鈥淚f we want to predict disease risks down the line, we really need to understand how all these moving parts interact,鈥� says Tosato, whose previous work has evaluated different tick-control strategies such as acaricides and repellents.

Tosato and collaborator Kyeongah Nah, from the National Institute for Mathematical Sciences in South Korea, sought to address those questions. They wanted to better understand how controlled burns affect the spread of tick-borne diseases while accounting for factors that have received less attention in previous models, including the role of rodents and whether fire affects young and adult ticks differently.

, the study was supervised by Professor Jianhong Wu through the LIAM lab and used a mathematical model representing ticks, rodents and the diseases that can spread between them. The model simulated how tick populations change over time, how they interact with rodents and how infections move through those populations. It also distinguished between infected and uninfected ticks and rodents, allowing the team to track transmission under different conditions.

The researchers then introduced fire as a variable, simulating prescribed burns with different frequencies and effectiveness levels. This allowed them to test a wide range of hypothetical scenarios, including how disease spread might change if burns occurred more or less frequently, or removed larger or smaller proportions of tick and rodent populations. By running thousands of simulations, the team could compare different fire-management approaches and their potential effect on disease risk.

Before evaluating the effectiveness of controlled burns, the simulation revealed several factors that play an outsized role in disease spread.

One practical finding was that not all ticks contribute equally to transmission. The researchers found that adult ticks and rodents played especially important roles in driving disease transmission. That suggests control strategies targeting those populations may have the greatest impact on limiting transmission.

The model also highlighted the importance of a lesser-understood transmission pathway known as co-feeding. This occurs when infected and uninfected ticks feed close together on the same animal, allowing disease to spread directly between the ticks even if the host itself is not infected. When the researchers incorporated this process into their modelling approach, disease became considerably harder to control. Infections persisted under conditions where they otherwise would have disappeared.

With those transmission dynamics established, the researchers examined how prescribed burns influence disease risk.

The simulations suggested that prescribed fire can substantially reduce the spread of tick-borne diseases, particularly when carried out regularly. The modelling also highlighted the importance of burn frequency. Relatively modest reductions in tick populations achieved through annual burns produced effects comparable to much more aggressive interventions carried out less often.

At the same time, the model suggested that completely eliminating tick populations would be difficult. Doing so would require highly effective burns at frequent intervals, conditions that may be impractical or potentially harmful to natural ecosystems. Instead, reducing disease risk may be a more realistic goal.

The researchers conclude that prescribed fire could serve as a flexible management tool that supports both ecosystem stewardship and public health goals. However, they caution that its effectiveness depends on factors such as local ecological conditions, the characteristics of the disease being targeted and how frequently burns are conducted.

The team also recommends further research examining how prescribed burns compare with other tick-control strategies, including repellents and acaricides, as well as how longer-term environmental changes caused by burning, such as shifts in vegetation cover and humidity, affect tick survival and disease transmission.

For Tosato, the study demonstrates the importance of understanding the connection between environmental change and disease risk.

鈥淚 hope it highlights how fire dynamics and land management can influence these systems, encouraging a broader perspective on how environmental changes and disease transmission connect,鈥� he says.

The work also underscores the role mathematics can play in addressing emerging public-health challenges. By simulating complex ecological interactions that are difficult to study directly, mathematical models can help researchers anticipate future risks and evaluate potential responses.

鈥淎s changing environmental conditions allow ticks and new pathogens to establish themselves in regions where they previously couldn't survive, a close collaboration between mathematics and public health is essential to generate actionable insights that allow us to stay ahead of emerging threats,鈥� Tosato says.

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Thakur is the founding engineer and chief technology officer (CTO) of Tally Rewards, a platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses create customer loyalty programs. The platform allows customers to automatically earn rewards through linked payment cards, while providing businesses with data on customer visits, spending and engagement.

Building a company is demanding in its own right, but while helping lead the company's product development and technical strategy, he is also completing a software engineering degree at 91亚色.

Balancing those responsibilities hasn鈥檛 always been easy.

"There have been periods where assignments, exams, product deadlines and company responsibilities have all happened at the same time," he says.

The challenge has grown alongside the company, as his role has expanded beyond engineering to include leadership, team development and long-term planning.

For Thakur, balancing a startup while completing an engineering degree has become an education in itself.

"It has forced me to become much more intentional with how I manage my time and prioritize what actually needs my attention,鈥� he says.

The opportunity to gain that kind of hands-on learning while studying was one of the reasons he chose 91亚色.

"91亚色 stood out to me not only because of the engineering program, but also because of the entrepreneurial support and pathways available to students," he says.

Thakur says the overlap between classroom learning and real-world experience has accelerated his growth. Concepts introduced through his coursework, including software design, testing and large-scale software development, often influence how he approaches challenges at Tally Rewards.

Classroom learning was only part of the experience. 91亚色鈥檚 entrepreneurship programs have also shaped his approach to building a business. In addition to his software engineering coursework, Thakur has pursued opportunities through Lassonde's BEST (Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology) program and entrepreneurship courses available through .

Designed to help students develop the skills and understanding needed to launch a startup, these learning opportunities encouraged him to think beyond technology and focus on understanding users, validating ideas and building sustainable businesses.

As a result, Thakur has gained new insights into his role as CTO at Tally Rewards.

"Being a CTO isn't only about being a strong engineer. It's also about helping a team make good decisions and ensuring that what we build actually supports the direction of the business,鈥� he says. 鈥淪ome of the most important work happens before you write any code.鈥�

The combination of technical and venture creation education has been one of the most valuable aspects of Thakur's 91亚色 experience.

"My engineering courses at Lassonde have given me the technical foundation to build reliable systems, while the entrepreneurship experiences have helped me understand why those systems should be built and who they should be built for," he says.

Looking ahead, Thakur hopes to continue growing as both an engineer and entrepreneur while completing his degree.

"University is actually a unique environment to experiment because you're surrounded by people who are learning, building and willing to help," he says.

Despite the challenges of juggling both, Thakur believes students interested in entrepreneurship should take advantage of the opportunities available at 91亚色 and not wait until they feel fully prepared before pursuing an idea.

"A lot of students assume they need to have the perfect idea, a complete skill set or a detailed plan before they can build something," he says. "In reality, a huge part of entrepreneurship is learning as you go."

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The , published in Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, shows that municipalities may not need new infrastructure to become 鈥渟marter鈥� and explores how to use the city itself as the sensor.

Urban planners depend on data to support decisions ranging from parking management and road maintenance to traffic operations and environmental monitoring, explains Elham Heydari-Gharaei, the study鈥檚 first author and 91亚色 PhD alum. Collecting that information across an entire city, however, can require expensive networks of fixed sensors.

鈥淚t struck me that while municipalities spend millions installing and maintaining fixed sensors, thousands of vehicles are already travelling through urban streets every day,鈥� says Heydari-Gharaei, who is now an assistant professor at Toronto Metropolitan University. 鈥淭hat made me wonder: What if the city itself could become the sensor?鈥�

By strategically coordinating vehicles equipped as mobile sensors, bicycles, maintenance vehicles, municipal fleets and shared mobility services could gather and share information as they move through urban areas.

鈥淭he key challenge is coordinating those vehicles efficiently, so the data remains reliable while keeping costs manageable,鈥� says Heydari-Gharaei. 鈥淏y solving that coordination problem, cities can collect reliable, up-to-date information while making better use of existing resources.鈥�

In response, the research team developed algorithms to help planners evaluate operational scenarios. They assessed factors such as sensing frequency, fleet size and service routes, while scaling solutions for large urban networks.

One finding that stood out emerged from a Toronto case study. Researchers found that only about one-quarter of Toronto鈥檚 Bike Share fleet could monitor the entire permit parking network if equipped with sensors and strategically routed. The result highlights how optimization can significantly reduce the resources needed for city-wide monitoring.

Mehdi Nourinejad, associate professor at the and Heydari-Gharaei's doctoral supervisor, says the implications for mobile sensing systems could enhance data retrieval for infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, traffic management and other smart-city applications.

鈥淐ities already have thousands of vehicles moving through their streets every day and the key is to develop optimization methods that determine how those vehicles should be routed and deployed to collect reliable data,鈥� says Nourinejad. 鈥淚f cities can collect reliable information using resources they already operate, they may be able to improve services without major new expenditures.鈥�

The findings could also help address financial barriers experienced by municipalities seeking to expand data collection without making large investments in smart-city infrastructure.

Reliable urban data, says Heydari-Gharaei, supports everyday decisions, from helping drivers find parking to monitoring road conditions, air quality and public infrastructure. Better data, says Heydari-Gharaei, can support better planning, reduced congestion, improved sustainability and more responsive public services.

鈥淎s sensing technologies continue to improve, there is enormous potential to rethink how cities gather information without continuously investing in new infrastructure,鈥� says Heydari-Gharaei.

During the project, 91亚色 researchers collaborated with Professor Matthew Roorda from the University of Toronto, who contributed expertise in freight transportation and urban mobility.

With files from Alex Huls

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91亚色鈥檚 has launched a new to prepare learners for careers in the field.

Designed for professionals working in human resources, health care, insurance, rehabilitation, occupational health and safety or related fields, the three-month, part-time program is delivered through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online learning. It includes three courses focused on the theory, applied knowledge and workplace skills needed to support employees through disability-related transitions.

The first cohort begins in Winter 2027.

"With an aging workforce and rising disability claims, particularly related to mental health, there is a high demand across the province of Ontario and Canada for disability management professionals to help employers reduce workplace absences and facilitate safe returns to work," says Francis Fung, program advisory committee member.

Disability management efforts, says Fung, must address issues beyond legal compliance and duty to accommodate and give more consideration to inclusive workplace practices.

鈥淚 am excited that the 91亚色鈥檚 School of Continuing Studies is launching a program that will prepare learners in recognizing disability as a human diversity and focus on a person-centred approach in disability management," he says.

The certificate covers functional interviewing, job-demand analysis, workplace accommodation, case co-ordination, professional documentation and communication for sensitive workplace conversations. Learners will also develop graduated return-to-work plans that balance employee needs with workplace and operational realities.

鈥淐reating learning and working environments where everyone can participate and succeed is a core value of 91亚色鈥檚 School of Continuing Studies and mine,鈥� says Christine Brooks-Cappadocia, assistant vice-president of continuing studies at 91亚色.

"By learning from industry professionals and engaging with real-world cases, students gain the knowledge and experience to help organizations create more inclusive workplaces and ensure people have the support they need to succeed."

Graduates will be prepared to pursue roles such as disability case manager, return-to-work co-ordinator, accommodation specialist, accessibility adviser and disability management consultant.

for the inaugural Winter 2027 cohort.

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Traditionally, spacecraft components such as satellites, antennas and solar arrays are built on Earth and launched fully assembled. That approach limits their size because everything must fit inside a rocket before launch.

Those constraints, coupled with advances in 3D-printing technology, have fuelled interest in in-space additive manufacturing (ISAM), a process that uses 3D printing to create infrastructure in space rather than on Earth.

However, turning that vision into reality comes with a little-studied engineering challenge.

鈥淢ost existing research focuses on whether materials and components could be manufactured in space,鈥� says Yao. 鈥淢uch less attention had been paid to what happens dynamically as a large flexible structure is continuously printed from a free-floating spacecraft.鈥�

As an object grows during construction, it can begin to move and vibrate in unexpected ways. In space, even small disturbances caused by the printing process can affect both the structure being built and the manufacturing platform building it. Those dynamics could make it harder to manufacture accurately, damage the structure itself or disrupt the spacecraft's position and orientation.

Seeking to better understand those risks, Yao and supervisor Professor George Z.H. Zhu, set out to examine how a growing structure interacts with the spacecraft building it and to identify conditions that could threaten mission stability. The pair say understanding and controlling these vibrations is essential if future missions are to successfully manufacture on a large-scale in space.

To do that, in results , Yao developed two computer models that simulated what happens during the building process. One allowed the team to quickly test different scenarios, while the other provided a more detailed simulation of how the structure and spacecraft interact.

鈥淥ur guiding goal was to develop a model that was detailed enough to capture the changing geometry and rigid鈥揻lexible interaction of the system, while still being practical enough to support engineering analysis and future control-system design,鈥� says Yao.

The team approached the challenge using two complementary computer models. The first allowed them to quickly test how factors such as a structure's size, the spacecraft's mass and different printing conditions affected vibrations. The second provided a more detailed simulation of the ISAM process, continuously updating the project as it grew and allowing the team to study how the structure and spacecraft influenced one another over time.

Using the models, the researchers tested a range of scenarios involving different designs, materials and building conditions. They also explored whether measures such as damping or changes in printing speed could help reduce potential problems.

The simulations suggested that vibration could become a significant challenge for future space-ISAM missions. As a construct expands, the Yao found there are certain points during the manufacturing process when disturbances can become much stronger. When that happened, both the structure and the spacecraft could begin moving more dramatically. In some simulations, those movements became large enough to affect the stability of the entire system.

The team also found that the timing and severity of those vibrations depended on factors such as the size of the structure, the manufacturing process and the spacecraft itself. While some measures helped reduce the vibrations, they did not solve the problem entirely, suggesting that future operations will need additional ways to keep spacecraft stable while large structures are being built.

Together, the findings suggest that managing dynamic motion may become a critical part of future space-manufacturing efforts. As engineers look to build larger and more complex projects in orbit, they will need reliable ways to predict and control how those structures move during construction.

Without effective safeguards, vibrations could affect ISAM accuracy, interfere with spacecraft operations or even threaten the success of a mission. The researchers conclude that future systems will likely need active controls to help keep vehicles stable while construction is underway, along with mission plans that account for vibration-related risks from the outset.

鈥淎s manufactured structures become larger, lighter and more flexible, their vibration and their interaction with the spacecraft will become increasingly important,鈥� says Yao. 鈥淭he spacecraft and the structure being manufactured must be treated as one continuously evolving system rather than as two separate components.鈥�

While the study highlights challenges that future space-manufacturing systems will need to overcome, it also gives engineers a better understanding of when those challenges are likely to arise and how they might be addressed.

Looking ahead, Yao says further research will be needed to combine dynamic modelling, active control systems and experimental testing. Future studies will also need to account for factors such as three-dimensional motion, orbital conditions and more realistic ISAM processes. The team's findings further suggest that future systems may need to monitor vibrations during construction and temporarily pause building when potentially problematic conditions arise.

鈥淲e hope this work will provide a foundation for designing safer and more reliable in-space manufacturing missions,鈥� says Yao.

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Emancipation Day is a time for remembrance and for learning together. It invites us to sit with the enduring impacts of slavery and anti-Black racism, while honouring the leadership, creativity, knowledge and community-building that Black people have sustained across generations.

It reminds us that advancing equity asks for ongoing commitment, thoughtful and shared action, and an openness to learning from histories that continue to shape our present.

At 91亚色, we are deeply fortunate to learn from and work alongside Black faculty, staff, retirees, students, alumni and community partners whose contributions enliven our campuses and strengthen our collective identities. Their work helps us deepen understanding, preserve vital histories, expand opportunities for positive social change and create welcoming spaces for new ideas, perspectives and possibilities to emerge.

Recent 91亚色 initiatives offer meaningful examples of this impact. Through Renaissance, a video series developed in partnership between Glendon College and SHIFTER, participants share rich conversations about Black life, culture and identity in Canada, creating opportunities for learning that reach beyond the University and into the broader community.

91亚色 community members are also advancing supports and knowledge that respond to the experiences and needs of Black communities. Black Excellence at 91亚色 () supports Black students from their transition to university through graduation and beyond by providing mentorship, professional development, scholarships, financial literacy, community connections and programs that foster academic, personal and career success. And earlier this year, Professor Carl E. James joined a national research initiative focused on improving health outcomes for Black Canadians through more inclusive health research and community engagement. Meanwhile, 91亚色 Libraries expanded access to Caribbean cultural history through the Heritage Singers Canada collection, preserving stories, traditions and artistic expressions that will support learning and research for generations to come.

91亚色鈥檚 commitment to supporting Black communities extends beyond teaching and research. Through the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, 91亚色 and its community partners help create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and innovators, fostering economic inclusion and community prosperity.

These examples highlight some of the many ways members of our community are advancing scholarship, celebrating culture, preserving history and opening doors for others. They also show how learning unfolds through research, storytelling, creativity, partnership and community engagement.

As we mark Emancipation Day, I invite all to take time to learn more about the histories, experiences and contributions of Black communities. I also encourage you to participate in local commemorative events and celebrations that honour this important day. Through reflection, education and meaningful engagement, we can deepen our understanding of our shared histories in our pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable future together.

Thank you, Merci, Miigwech,

Parissa Safai
Interim Vice-President Equity, People and Culture

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Each Faculty will receive $5,000 a year over five years for the scholarship, reflecting a total gift amount of $75,000.

The donor, an engineer by training, understands that many university students are finding it increasingly difficult to fund their education given challenging economic times, changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and the uncertainty of clear career paths after graduation.

鈥淭his scholarship represents an important opportunity to give back to the community and to support the next generation of students and leaders,鈥� he said in an interview. 鈥淢y desire is to provide funding for three programs which are socially critical but are often economically undervalued.鈥�

The donor believes that increasing access to education is essential and warrants support.

鈥淚鈥檝e benefited a lot from great teachers,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 value what a great teacher can do for a class or even for one student. 鈥楾o teach is to touch鈥� and the impact a teacher can have on someone is enduring and profound.鈥�

Professor Robert Savage, dean of the Faculty of Education at 91亚色, said, 鈥淚 salute our donor鈥檚 generosity, as well as his deep understanding that good educators have a foundational impact on student success at all levels.

鈥淚n helping to remove financial barriers for talented students, he is creating opportunities for not only those students, but also the generations of others who will be influenced by these future teachers鈥� skills, knowledge and values. The ripple effect will touch people far beyond the Faculty of Education.鈥�

The donor also aims to help students in the arts and in psychology. As a patron and supporter of the arts, he believes art can challenge people to think deeply about themselves and society. In addition, mental health support should extend to everyone, he said, because 鈥渁 great mental health practitioner can make a real and lasting impact on someone鈥檚 life.鈥�

鈥淏eginning University is a significant milestone, and support during this important transition can have a lasting impact on a student鈥檚 confidence, success and academic journey,鈥� says Faculty of Health Dean David Peters. 鈥淭his generous gift recognizes the value of psychology education and will help our students thrive at 91亚色."

Brandon Vickerd, dean of AMPD, says the donor鈥檚 investment in student success across multiple disciplines reflects a deep commitment to the transformative power of education.

鈥淏y supporting students at a pivotal stage in their academic journeys, this gift will help foster creativity, leadership and meaningful community impact. We are grateful for the donor鈥檚 vision and generosity,鈥� he says.

The scholarships, named the Wild Rose Awards after the donor鈥檚 native Alberta, are open to first-year undergraduates in each field. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a strong dedication to leadership through volunteer work, student leadership roles or other community involvement, as well as a demonstrated commitment to advancing women in their field or community through leadership, advocacy or engagement.

Those interested are asked to submit a brief statement about themselves with their application.

鈥淭hese scholarships are intended to enable students to pursue leadership opportunities, refine their craft and access training that they are passionate about,鈥� the donor said. 鈥淚 hope that this scholarship allows recipients to create something beautiful, whether through understanding, insight, creativity or by paying it forward to others.鈥�

For additional information about the Wild Rose Awards, visit .

With files from Elaine Smith

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鈥淲hen we think of environmental sustainability, we often immediately think about newer energy-efficient technologies. Organic waste treatment becomes rather an afterthought,鈥� says Reema Kumar, a PhD candidate at 91亚色's and lead author of the study.

That perspective is beginning to change as researchers look for new ways to recover value from organic waste. Instead of sending food waste to landfill 鈥� where it can contribute to greenhouse gases and other forms of pollution 鈥� scientists are exploring how it can be converted into useful resources.

One promising approach uses microorganisms to break down discarded food and produce chemicals that are typically made from petroleum-based sources, creating an alternative to landfill disposal and fossil-based production.

While researchers have tested adding microorganisms to increase the production of useful compounds from discarded food, most of that research has focused on systems that operate at relatively warm temperatures. Much less is known about whether the same process can selectively produce compounds under colder, lower-energy conditions.

According to Kumar, maintaining warmer operating conditions can require significant energy input, particularly in colder climates. Seeking a more energy-efficient approach, Kumar and her colleagues turned their attention to lower-temperature systems.

鈥淲e were inspired to optimize this natural system of microorganisms using food waste to produce volatile fatty acids under lower temperature conditions to make it more energy efficient as well as provide a targeted approach for production,鈥� says Kumar.

They honed in on Clostridium butyricum, a bacterium known for generating butyric acid and a commercially valuable chemical commonly used in food, pharmaceutical and industrial products. Yielding such chemicals from organic waste could provide a more sustainable alternative to conventional manufacturing methods that rely on fossil-fuel-derived raw materials.

Their work questioned whether introducing the bacterium into a low-temperature food-waste fermentation system could increase production of butyric acid.

In a study published in , Kumar and her collaborators tested the idea using food waste and wastewater sludge. The research was co-supervised by Lassonde Professor Satinder Kaur Brar, along with Guneet Kaur, associate professor at the University of Guelph.

The team created a series of small-scale experiments using food waste collected from restaurants in 91亚色 Lanes and sludge sourced from the Humber Wastewater Treatment Facility. Together, the food waste and sludge created conditions that allowed naturally occurring microorganisms to break down the waste.

Clostridium butyricum was then introduced into some of the samples to see if the bacterium could steer the process toward producing more butyric acid.

鈥淲e wanted to show that you can 鈥榞uide鈥� a complex microbial community, made up of many different bacteria naturally found in wastewater sludge, toward a specific, useful outcome just by introducing one well-chosen microorganism,鈥� says Kumar. 鈥淚t's a bit like steering a crowd by adding a few people who know where they're going.鈥�

The approach worked even better than the researchers expected. The system that received the bacterium produced more than twice as many acids overall and more than five times as much butyric acid compared to the control.

鈥淲e didn't expect such a strong response at a temperature of 17 C," says Kumar. "That was a genuinely exciting result."

The findings, she adds, point to a future where discarded food can be viewed as a resource rather than waste.

Increasing the production of commercially valuable compouds at lower temperatures could pave the way for more energy-efficient waste-treatment systems that recover greater value from discarded food. Over time, it may help keep organic waste out of landfills while creating renewable alternatives to some petroleum-derived chemicals.

鈥淲e hope it helps move the needle toward low-cost, low-energy ways of recovering value from food waste, especially in colder countries,鈥� says Kumar. 鈥淥nce this approach can eventually be scaled up, it could support local biorefinery systems that turn organic waste into useful chemicals without requiring expensive heating infrastructure. That has real implications for both sustainability and economics.鈥�

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