February 27, 2026
Strategies for Resistance Through Queer and Trans Joy and Solidarity
Thursday, March 5 5:00 PM Room 7-146, MacEwan University We invite you to join Strategies for Resistance Through Queer and Trans Joy and Solidarity on Thursday, March 5, at MacEwan University. The theme for Pride Week 2026 is Queer Realities. Exploring the duality of joy and rage in the modern queer experience by asking, “What […]
February 26, 2026
iSMART Director Dr. Vivian Mushahwar Receives Prestigious J. Gordin Kaplan Award for Excellence in Research
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, […]
February 4, 2026
February iSMART Talk
Online & In-Person Join us at 12:00 PM on February 13th online via Zoom or in-person at FAB 2-20 (Fine Arts Building) on the U of A campus. Registration is required for both virtual and in-person attendance. Zoom link available through registration. For accessibility information, click here. Free Lunch If you are attending in-person and […]
January 29, 2026
HealthTech Forward 2026
HealthTech Forward 2026 is a technology showcase hosted by ST Innovations, featuring live demos, client success stories, and networking with industry, ecosystem partners, and government representatives. Date: February 25, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM Location: Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation at the University of Alberta Join us to celebrate health technology innovation […]
January 28, 2026
Join the Smartwear Revolution
In 2024, a transdisciplinary team from the University of Alberta received an award from the Government of Canada’s New Frontiers in Research Fund to co-create a project titled “Co-designing a Smartwear Revolution,” a complex, transdisciplinary 6-year research project that involves an iterative co-design process engaging multiple stakeholders, from various disciplinary and methodological backgrounds, as well […]
November 26, 2025
Holiday iSMART Talk
Online & In-Person Join us at 12:00 PM on December 12th online via Zoom or in-person at HEB 302/305 (Human Ecology Building) on the U of A campus. Registration is required for both virtual and in-person attendance. Zoom link available through registration. Free Special Holiday Lunch If you are attending in person and would […]
November 20, 2025
Statement from iSMART Regarding Bill 9 and Related Legislation
On November 18, 2025, the Government of Alberta introduced Bill 9, invoking the notwithstanding clause to override and restrict the rights of trans and gender-diverse people throughout the province. iSMART is committed to advancing inclusion, accessibility, and the well-being of all people through evidence-based research and practice. In this context, we are deeply concerned by […]
October 29, 2025
Register for the November iSMART Talk
Online & In-Person Join us at 12:00 PM on November 14th online via Zoom or in-person at HEB 301/305 (Human Ecology Building) on the U of A campus. Registration is required for both virtual and in-person attendance. Zoom link available through registration. Free Lunch If you are attending in-person and would like to enjoy our […]
October 2, 2025
iSMART Talk – Brains, Minds, and Machines: Building Computational Models of Intelligence
Join us at 12:00 PM on October 10th online via Zoom or in-person at HEB 301/305 (Human Ecology Building) on the U of A campus. Registration is required for both virtual and in-person attendance. Zoom link available through registration. Dr. Brokoslaw Laschowski is a computational neuroscientist. He works as a Research Scientist and Principal Investigator […]
August 29, 2025
The Smartwear Revolution is here — and iSMART is at the forefront 🚀
iSMART director Dr. Vivian Mushahwar is leading an innovative team of engineers, designers, and clinicians in a bold mission: creating smartwear that helps people with mobility challenges live with greater independence and confidence. Thanks to funding from the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF), this multidisciplinary team is pushing the boundaries of wearable technology — […]
August 8, 2025
In Loving Memory of Dr. Greg Kawchuk
This month, we said goodbye to an incredible person. We take a moment to honour the life and legacy of Dr. Greg Kawchuk. Below, Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell shares a personal tribute to their years of friendship, discovery, and shared curiosity. “Greg and I Co-Directed the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Laboratory. Working with Greg in conceiving of the lab around 2010 and shaping it over the […]
July 23, 2025
Congrats to iSMART’s 2024 Summer Student Presentation Day Winner
Congratulations to Kirsten Krochat on winning Best Presentation during iSMART’s 2024 Summer Student Presentation Day with her presentation on “Arm and Leg Cycling with Electrical Stimulation for Walking Recovery After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.” We’d also like to give a special shout-out to this year’s honourable mentions: – Georgie Hidson – Tania Sharifi – Jooyoung […]
July 23, 2025
New Year, New Look
We’re excited to reveal iSMART’s fresh new branding, just in time for the start of the new school year. Our transformation into an institute called for a bold new look, and we couldn’t be more excited about it! A big shoutout to our incredible community of over 400 students, researchers and staff who make up […]
July 23, 2025
In Loving Memory of Dr. Janet Fast
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the sudden passing of Dr. Janet Fast in the early morning of Monday, September 2nd, 2024. Dr. Fast was a deeply valued member of the iSMART community whose dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact on everyone she worked with and cared for. […]
July 23, 2025
BLINCdev Team Shines on the Global Stage at CYBATHLON 2024
BLINCdev recently represented Canada on the world stage at the 2024 CYBATHLON in Zürich. This groundbreaking event celebrates the intersection of human ingenuity and assistive technology, and BLINCdev made a remarkable impact in the ARM race category for upper-limb prosthetics. The BLINCdev team, led by pilot Chris Neilson, took on an extraordinary challenge at CYBATHLON […]
November 14, 2024
iSMART Member Aims to Help Women tip the Scales in Their Favour Against Cancer
Folio — Losing muscle mass is a common risk when battling cancer, but it can be extra challenging for women dealing with breast or gynecological cancers…
November 4, 2024
iSMART Members Recognized at the 2024 ASTech Awards
Medical, Health-Care and Pharmaceuticals Applications Martin Ferguson-Pell, principal investigator of the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab and a Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine professor, took home the ASTech Award for Medical, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals – Application (Academic Collaboration). Ferguson-Pell was recognized for his work on innovative technologies in telerehabilitation medicine to increase accessibility. Working with collaborators from Alberta […]
October 23, 2024
iSMART core lab, BLINC, to Compete in Global Cybathon Competition
Amii — Amii Fellow and Canada CIFAR AI Chair Patrick Pilarski is leading the BLINC Lab team to compete in the 2024 Cybathlon, an international competition advancing leading-edge…
October 15, 2024
iSMART student Somayeh Raiesdana is Putting her Innovative Idea to the Test
Folio — Anyone who’s ever done a breast self-exam knows how hard — and stressful — it can be to tell whether a lump is something to go to your doctor about or just part…
January 10, 2024
A Momentous Milestone: iSMART’s Official Institute Status
The SMART Network is Officially iSMART! 🎉 Letter from Dr. Vivian Mushahwar, Director: I am thrilled to share with you the remarkable news that iSMART has officially attained the status of an institute. This momentous achievement is a testament to the unwavering support and dedication from individuals like yourself who have been instrumental in realizing our vision, purpose, […]
January 4, 2024
ST Innovations & Alberta Innovates Ecosystem Development Partnerships Program Now Open
ERIN — We are delighted to announce the opening of applications for the 2024 Health Technology Innovation Program, a collaborative effort between ST Innovations…
January 4, 2024
iSMART Member, Dr. Hossein Rouhani, Will Lead Discoveries in BCI Technology for Children as New Rese
Glenrose Hospital Foundation — In partnership with the University of ALberta, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital has announced Alberta’s first-ever research chair in…
May 31, 2023
SMART Network’s Rehabilitation Robotics Lab Featured on Global News at Inventures 2023
Global News —Emily Armstrong of University of Alberta’s Rehabilitation Robotics Lab showcased some of the projects the lab is working at Inventures 2023 in Calgary…
November 23, 2021
Invention is designed to switch thoughts into action
University of Alberta, Folio—Imagine children with severe mobility issues being able to move their wheelchairs with their minds. Imagine children with severe mobility issues being able…
September 1, 2021
Neurorobotic fusion of prosthetic touch, kinesthesia, and movement in bionic upper limbs
Science Robotics— Bionic prostheses have restorative potential. However, the complex interplay between intuitive motor control, proprioception, and touch that represents the hallmark…
August 9, 2021
Sensors can help detect when firefighters’ protective clothing is no longer safe
University of Alberta, Folio — Firefighters risk their lives battling blazes, and aging protective gear can put them at even greater risk. Textiles scientist works with industry to…
August 3, 2021
Laser-based microfabrication equipment at U of A gives medical device developers a boost
University of Alberta, Folio — In the world of precision medicine, really, really small is a really big deal. That’s certainly the case for western Canadian entrepreneurs who have…
August 3, 2021
New laser microfabrication suite at U of A offers researchers sharper lab equipment
CTV Edmonton — New microfabrication tools will give medical technology developers at the University of Alberta a boost. he laser equipment will allow inventors across Western Canada…
April 28, 2021
Brain Canada Awards Dr. Mushahwar $3.14M to Support the SMART Network Platform
Brain Canada — Together with the University of Alberta, Brain Canada is awarding $3.14M to support the SMART Platform, a state-of-the-art platform to advance foundational…