U of T grieves the loss of Professor Jeremy Schofield

BYLINE: Prekshaa Surana, Assistant News Editor

U of T’s Department of Chemistry is grieving the loss of Professor Jeremy Schofield, who died on June 20. 

Schofield joined U of T in 1997 after completing his PhD in theoretical chemical physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and postdoctoral work at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

His research focused on theoretical physical chemistry, including the structure, phases, and dynamics of complex liquid and biological systems. Schofield’s best known contribution to his field provided early experimental insight into cooperative motion in complex liquids. 

Colleagues remembered Schofield as a dedicated scientist, mentor, and warm presence in the department.

U of T faculty awarded salary increase and benefit improvements

BYLINE: Celesta Maniatogianni, News Editor

The University of Toronto Faculty Association (UTFA) has been awarded a three per cent increase to base salaries and salary floors by Arbitrator Jasbir Parmar. This resolved all outstanding salary and benefits disputes between UTFA and the university for the term of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Moving forward, no full-time faculty member will receive a salary less than $113,300, bringing salary floors up from as low as $64,922. These floors will be subject to an increase each year. 

The arbitrator also awarded improvements to benefits, including an increase to the Child Care Benefit Plan, raising it to $1.25 million a year collectively for all employees from $1 million. 

Indigenous health research at U of T supported with $6 million donation

BYLINE: Sebastian De Simone, Varsity Contributor

U of T’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH) received a $6 million donation to support Indigenous health research, the university announced on June 18. 

This donation creates two endowed professorships to address public health challenges facing Indigenous people across Canada by boosting research capacity and exploring better approaches to health policy. These include the Ozhaawashkobinesiik Professorship in Indigenous Health Systems Research, and a second professorship which has yet to be officially named.

Benefactors Dr. Michael Dan (MD 1984, Hon LLD 2018) and Amira Dan (MA 2004) previously helped establish the Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health at DLSPH with a $10 million gift in 2014. 

UTSC opens new Indigenous House 

BYLINE: Vanya Tahir, Varsity Contributor

On May 25, UTSC hosted the grand opening of its new Indigenous House, with the facility committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment dedicated to Indigenous students’ learning. 

The establishment merges cultural and academic opportunities, creating a sense of belonging for the Indigenous community. Director of Indigenous Initiatives Tanya Senk described the hub as “a home away from home.” 

The building is consistent with the university’s 34 Calls to Action, particularly Calls 1 and 3 pertaining to the creation of Indigenous spaces, and reflects a “visible commitment to reconciliation.”

The U of T has fallen from 29th to 32nd in the latest QS World University Rankings

BYLINE: Claire Liu, Varsity Contributor

Every year, QS evaluates universities on a set of criteria, assigning scores out of 100 to obtain an overall score, which determines the school’s ranking.

This year, U of T’s overall score fell from 88.5 to 86.8.

Between 2026–2027, U of T’s “Faculty Student Ratio” score fell from 45.7 to 38. Its “Citations per Faculty” score — how much impactful research is being published — also dropped from 68.8 to 64.5.

These two categories make up 10 per cent and 20 per cent of U of T’s overall score, respectively. 

Ontario needs more than one million university grads over the next decade 

BYLINE: Harman Banga, Varsity Contributor

According to a June 18 report from the Council of Ontario Universities, Ontario needs over one million university graduates over the next decade to meet labour market demands and ensure that the province’s economy grows and becomes more competitive. The greatest demand will be for graduates from STEM fields.

The report found that from 2026–2035, STEM fields are predicted to need more than 200,000 workers, while health sciences, the second-highest area of demand, is projected to need nearly 150,000 workers. 

To meet labour market demands, Ontario’s universities will need to launch new STEM-oriented programs and increase the number of seats for in-demand programs such as engineering.