We are proud to celebrate Dr. Vivian Mushahwar on receiving the J. Gordin Kaplan Award for Excellence in Research, the most prestigious research award at the University of Alberta.
As Director of iSMART and ST Innovations, Dr. Mushahwar leads a large team of researchers, trainees, and collaborators working to develop innovative technologies that support mobility, recovery, and independence. Her research includes the development of advanced “smartwear” systems – integrated clothing technologies designed to assist with joint injury repair, posture, balance, arm movement, and even standing and walking.
The award caps an exceptional year of recognition for Dr. Mushahwar and her team. In 2025, she secured a $24-million federal grant to advance smartwear research and was named among the top 10 most productive authors in neuromodulation by the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. The same analysis also ranked the University of Alberta among the top 10 institutions globally in neuromodulation and spinal cord injury research.
The J. Gordin Kaplan Award for Excellence in Research recognizes faculty members whose work demonstrates significant academic and societal impact while embodying the University of Alberta’s values of access, community, and belonging. Two awards are presented annually across disciplines to honour outstanding researchers who set a standard of excellence for others.
