Canada Foundation for Innovation research grants awarded to five TMU researchers
Five Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) researchers have received funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) to acquire essential research infrastructure. Their projects will explore how innovative technologies and interdisciplinary research can help monitor climate change, improve health and care, advance intelligent autonomous systems, create healthier housing and deepen our understanding of early learning.
The funding will support research led by Faculty of Arts professors Cheryl Rogers and Moriah Sokolowski, and Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science professors Robin Chhabra, Naimul Khan and Helen Stopps.
“Congratulations to professors Chhabra, Khan, Rogers, Sokolowski and Stopps for securing this important investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure needed to advance their research,” said Steven N. Liss, TMU’s vice-president, research and innovation. “The Canada Foundation for Innovation plays an important role in ensuring researchers have access to the tools and resources they need to pursue bold ideas and make discoveries that benefit Canadians. These innovative projects reflect the breadth, ambition and real-world impact of research at TMU.”
Five projects advancing health and sustainability
Space robots could soon learn to work together on their own. Mechanical, industrial and mechatronics professor Robin Chhabra is developing intelligent robotic systems that can coordinate their actions, adapt to changing conditions and respond to challenges such as communication delays or equipment damage. The research from his project, “Embodied artificial intelligence for decentralized guidance, navigation, and control of collaborative space manipulators,” could enable more autonomous space missions, including satellite servicing, assembly and construction.
Can AI recognize when someone needs support? Electrical, computer and biomedical engineering professor Naimul Khan is developing AI that can detect signs of stress through physiological and behavioural signals and provide personalized support in real time. His project, “Real-time AI for compassionate care,” could help children with autism, older adults with dementia and youth in crisis. It will also advance responsible AI for health and well-being while training the next generation of researchers.
How are plants responding to climate change? Geography and environmental studies professor Cheryl Rogers will use ground-based sensors and satellite data to better understand how plants absorb carbon dioxide and respond to changing conditions. Her project, “Monitoring the response of terrestrial photosynthesis to climate change through remote sensing of plant physiology,” will help improve our ability to monitor photosynthesis and track how ecosystems are affected by climate stress and conservation efforts.
What happens in a child’s brain while learning math? Psychology professor Moriah Sokolowski will use portable brain-imaging technology to explore how young children develop early math skills in everyday settings, including through interactions with educators. Her project, “Building brain-based insights into early math learning: A portable fNIRS approach,” could provide new insights to help educators and families better support children’s learning, particularly those at risk of experiencing difficulties with math.
Architectural science professor Helen Stopps’ project, “Community-centered building science,” will explore how to create healthier, more resilient housing in underserved and remote communities across Canada. By combining building assessments, real-time environmental monitoring and community-led research, the project will examine how housing conditions and environmental factors affect health. The research will also develop practical, scalable tools and community-led approaches to help identify and address housing challenges in communities that have often been left out.
Read the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) announcement. (external link, opens in new window)
Learn more about the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). (external link, opens in new window)
Related links:
Five TMU researchers receive Canada Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund infrastructure grants (October 2025)
Canada Foundation for Innovation infrastructure grants awarded to TMU researchers (September 2024)