Optimize health through innovation
The Institute of Biomedical Engineering brings together researchers in engineering, medicine and dentistry to develop novel solutions that address global challenges in human health.
People around the world face chronic diseases, disabilities, injuries and mobility limitations. At the same time, people are living longer—the world’s population of people aged 60 years or older is expected to nearly double and reach 2.1 billion by 2050. This rapid demographic shift will place greater pressure on health-care systems stretched beyond their limits. As demand grows, existing social inequities will continue to widen and vulnerable communities will face the greatest impact.
In the face of these health and health-care challenges, the Institute of Biomedical Engineering is taking a multidisciplinary approach to finding solutions and creating tools and approaches that support healthier lives, particularly as we age. The institute’s community of investigators collaborate on research that spans molecular engineering, cell and tissue engineering and clinical engineering. Its remarkable innovations include cultivating artificial organs for drug testing, deploying disease diagnostic tools in underprivileged regions and working with clinicians to design neuromodulation, assistive and rehabilitation technologies for people who are aging or living with disabilities.
The field of biomedical engineering holds tremendous potential for the future. Exciting developments across areas that include gene editing, synthetic biology and wearable technologies will lead to more personalized, effective and accessible care—care that helps people with their overall well-being and allows for aging in place while easing the strain on our overburdened health systems.
By harnessing expertise across disciplines and leveraging advancements such as AI, U of T’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering is helping to support the wide spectrum of health needs with its game-changing innovations.
Milos Popovic
Director, Institute of Biomedical Engineering
With your support, the institute can leverage the university’s strengths in relevant disciplines to solve complex health problems and build on U of T’s legacy of producing discoveries that improve lives.
