Welcome to the March 2020 issue of ‘Brainstorm’

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“Brainstorm,” a special edition of YFile publishing on the first Friday of every month, showcases research and innovation at York University. It offers compelling and accessible feature-length stories about the world-leading and policy-relevant work of York’s academics and researchers across all disciplines and Faculties and encompasses both pure and applied research.

Virtual Reality assists those with dementia, original research proves – bonus video
A health researcher and expert in innovation and technology has led a study that showed how Virtual Reality can help older adults living with dementia. This groundbreaking research could have application in palliative care settings, during lengthy dialysis treatments and for those with autism. Read full story.

Four Indigenous scholars gauge progress in respecting culture, scholarship
Indigenous research and scholarship is about infusing higher education institutions with eons of wisdom that was dismissed and discarded through colonization. “Brainstorm” guest contributor Paul Fraumeni discusses the profusion of Indigenous wisdom at York University with four prominent thought leaders. Read full story.

Blending art and science, bioart project infuses poetry into plant’s genome
A compelling bioart project leverages climate geoengineering in an unlikely way: It introduces poetry into a plant’s biology through dew and in the process makes a profound statement about climate change, biodiversity and the interconnectedness of humans and the environment. Read full story.

Vision researchers undertake cutting-edge work on perception, orientation
VISTA and the Centre for Vision Research at York U are breaking new ground on fundamental and applied research in the vision sciences. Professor Robert Allison and York alumna Pearl Guterman recently published compelling new research on perception and balance. Read full story.

Books illustrate thought leadership in Indigenous-formed and -led research
Two new books from Osgoode Hall Law School, on Indigenous research and the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada, illustrate York’s thought leadership in this field. Professors Deborah McGregor and Karen Drake have produced edited collections that will make lasting contributions. Read full story.

Catching up with David Phipps, international leader in knowledge mobilization
At the helm of Research Impact Canada, David Phipps travels the world to share best practices in knowledge mobilization (KMb). He chats with “Brainstorm” about the outcomes and impact of this high-profile work. Read full story.

Launched in January 2017, “Brainstorm” is produced out of the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation in partnership with Communications & Public Affairs; overseen by Megan Mueller, senior manager, research communications; and edited by Jenny Pitt-Clark, YFile editor.