About
Biomedical Engineering
The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a joint department between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. With faculty drawn from diverse areas — engineering, surgery, rehabilitation science, dentistry and kinesiology — we tackle real-world health challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Our work spans cutting-edge technologies such as medical robotics, advanced imaging systems, smart materials and wearable health devices. We also harness artificial intelligence to analyze health data, accelerate drug discovery and enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Graduate students in our course-based and thesis-based programs gain deep scientific and engineering knowledge, along with hands-on experience in advanced research. We also offer unique training pathways for medical students who wish to combine clinical knowledge with engineering innovation.
At its heart, our department is dedicated to improving lives: creating tools and technologies that help people walk again, enable earlier disease detection and make surgeries safer and more precise. We are committed to shaping the future of health care through engineering.
History
Biomedical engineering at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ has grown from its roots in the 1960s into a vibrant, interdisciplinary department. Officially established as a division in 1974 and later as a department in 1982, it has led major innovations, from launching Canada’s first in-vivo MRI facility to securing multimillion-dollar research grants. In 2009, the department became jointly housed in the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, reflecting its dual commitment to science and clinical application. Today, with more than 80 graduate students and 47 faculty members and cross-appointees, our work spans four research areas: bionics and biorobotics, imaging, biomechanics and precision health design.
Mission, Vision + Values
Mission
To lead biomedical engineering research and education through interdisciplinary innovation, impactful technologies and collaborative partnerships that improve human and animal health.
Vision
To revolutionize health outcomes by uniting engineering, medicine and health sciences in breakthrough research, fostering innovation and training ethical, forward-thinking biomedical engineers for a rapidly evolving world.
Values
We value interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, ethical responsibility and real-world impact. Our work is guided by a commitment to excellence in research, education, inclusivity and advancing health for individuals and communities.
Department Priorities
Our department’s priorities focus on advancing interdisciplinary research that leads to tangible health innovations. We strive to foster partnerships with industry, hospitals and clinical researchers to translate discoveries into practice. Supporting graduate student success through providing mentorship and hands-on training is central to our mission. We emphasize ethical innovation, global impact and equity in health-care outcomes. As technology evolves, we prioritize staying ahead through continued investment in AI, regenerative medicine, imaging and wearable technologies, ensuring our graduates are equipped to shape the future of biomedical engineering.
Awards + Recognition
100+
Research + Teaching Excellence awards
Our faculty consistently earn competitive grants, scholarships and national prizes for their groundbreaking biomedical engineering discoveries and academic achievements including the Sorensen Chair for the Commercialization of Biomedical Technology and the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital – Â鶹ÊÓƵ Engineering Research Chair in Neurorehabilitation.