Dr. Tom Chau Wins the 2018 Governor General’s Innovation Award

“It’s exciting that innovations in the field of childhood disability are being recognized by the Governor General as important to Canada’s success and future,” said winner Tom Chau, who is not only RSI faculty but also a professor in the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering and vice-president of research at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Chau has won the award alongside fellow U of T recipient, Dr. Kamran Khan, an associate professor with the Faculty of Medicine and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and a scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital. Both recipients will receive their awards at a ceremony with Gov. Gen. Julie Payette on May 23 in Ottawa.

Chau and Khan were nominated by the MaRS Discovery District. Yung Wu, CEO of MaRS Discovery District, added: “MaRS is honoured to play a role in highlighting and celebrating Canada’s most talented and creative innovators. These awards provide an important platform for recognizing their outstanding contributions to Canada and the world.”

This achievement follows shortly after U of T was ranked by Reuters Top 100 as the most innovative university in Canada in 2017 for its contributions to advancing science, inventing new technologies, and powering new markets and industries.

“Indeed, this award affirms our vision of no boundaries for children and youth living with disabilities and their families, and the value of their voices in Canadian society.” - Dr. Tom Chau