U of T Engineering Research Conference 2026
Program at a Glance
The University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering will be showcasing its research during the 6th annual University of Toronto Engineering Research Conference (UTERC) 2026.
UTERC 2026 will take place on August 21st, 2026 at the Myhal Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the St. George Campus of the University of Toronto
Program at a glance:
- Networking
- Keynote Talks
- Oral Presentations
- Poster Presentations
Description
The University of Toronto Engineering Research Conference (UTERC) is returning this summer for its 6th annual edition! UTERC provides students, researchers, and industry professionals with a unique opportunity to engage with the work of our graduate students. This year’s theme is 'Erasing Boundaries.'
The theme Erasing Boundaries is to encourage the showcase of how your research work moves towards erasing the boundaries that prevent society from interacting, benefiting, or understanding your work. Show us how your research erases the boundaries built around it at UTERC 2026.
This is a one-day conference where graduate students deliver either podium or poster presentations. We especially welcome presentations from MEng students on their course or internship projects!
As a leading research faculty, the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering is pushing the limits and pioneering initiatives in the field of engineering. UTERC embodies this spirit by providing a platform for students to showcase their research, share bold ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of engineering and technology.
If you would like to be notified when the conference registration and call for abstracts has opened, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/N63w21XZbnFTzxqw7 to be notified.
Sincerely,
The UTERC 2026 Team
Countdown to UTERC 2026
Friday, August 21st, 2026
Conference Registration
UTERC 2026 registration consists of two parts. BOTH PARTS MUST BE COMPLETED to be considered fully registered for podium or poster presentation. Individuals who only complete part 2 are considered registered to participate but not present at UTERC 2026. Part 1 of registration is the abstract submission detailed below. Part 2 is the registration form below.
Conference Registration closes on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026.
Abstract Submission Guidelines
#UTERC2026 – August 21st
Abstract submissions are now open from July 1st to July 31st 2026.
There are four submission categories for UTERC 2026:
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- Intelligent Systems and Data
- Health and Biomedical Engineering
- Sustainable Solutions and Engineering Education
- Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics
Below are the abstract submission guidelines for the UTERC 2026.
-
- Abstracts must not exceed 300 words.
- Abstracts should clearly outline the research/project objective, methodology, key findings, and significance.
- Abstract submissions should include all authors/co-authors for the presented research or project work.
- Authors should clarify their preference for oral/podium or poster presentation.
- All submissions will undergo a peer-review process
Abstract Booklet
Poster Presentation Guidelines
- Printed scientific poster with preferred sizes of 36" x 48" or 42" x 56".
- Give a 10 min Presentation + 5 min Q&A to visiting judges.
- Poster stands will be set in the Bahen Lobby.
- Open to the public.
Podium Presentation Guidelines
- 10 min Powerpoint Presentation + 5 min Q & A to a judging panel.
- Presentations will be conducted in the Bahen Tutorial rooms.
- Open to the public.
Presentation Schedule
Judges Rubric
UTERC Workshop Offerings
Level Up Your Layout: The Ultimate Poster Design Workshop
- Date: August 7th, 2026.
- Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12: 00 p.m. EST
- Hosted by: Professor Lydia Wilkinson from the engineering communications program
- What to Expect?
- Gain insights, learn best practices, and add practical tips for creating impactful academic posters to your graduate toolkit.
- Location: Online via Zoom
- Zoom Meeting Details:
- Meeting Link:https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/83430444036
- Meeting ID: 834 3044 4036
- Passcode: 123321
Publishing in the 21st Century: AI, Ethics and Evolving Editorial Process Publication Workshop
- Date: August 14th, 2026.
- Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST
- Hosted by: Professor Jinyang Liang and Professor Joao Soares
- What to Expect?
- Learning about the editorial and publication process
- AI, research integrity, and data visualization in modern scientific papers
- Common pitfalls to avoid when submitting manuscripts
- Key tips on how researchers can make their submissions stand out to reviewers
- Location: Online via Zoom
- Zoom Meeting Details:
- Meeting Link: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/84464903819
- Meeting ID: 844 6490 3819
- Passcode: 616721
Conference Program
Friday, August 21st, 2026
| Time | Event Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM | Registration | SF1011 |
| 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Opening Ceremony | SF1011 |
| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Breakfast & Poster Set-Up | Bahen Atrium |
| 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Morning Podium & Poster Presentation Sessions | BA2185, BA2139, BA2155, BA2165, Bahen Atrium | View full presentation schedule |
| 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | Lunch & Alumni Workshop | BA2185 |
| 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Evening Podium & Poster Presentation Sessions | BA2185, BA2139, BA2155, BA2165, Bahen Atrium | View full presentation schedule |
| 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Engineering Leadership Workshop Publication Workshop | SF1101 Online Session: Join Zoom Meeting https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/83641699231Meeting ID: 836 4169 9231 Passcode: 751407 --- |
| 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Closing Ceremony | SF1101 |
| 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Evening Networking | Bahen Atrium |
Keynote Speakers
Introducing Our Faculty Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cindy Rottmann
Cindy Rottmann is an Assistant Professor of Engineering Education at the Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering Education and Practice (ISTEP), University of Toronto. Her research examines engineering ethics, equity, leadership, and policy in professional practice. She currently serves as the Director of the Collaborative Specialization in Engineering Education and chair of the Developing Engineering Education Research SIG of the Canadian Engineering Education Association. Over the past few years, she has taught courses on engineering leadership, social justice, the power of story, educational policy, and program evaluation. As Director of the U of T Collaborative Specialization in Engineering Education, she also facilitates the engineering education graduate seminar.
Read more about her amazing experiences here
Introducing Our Industry Keynote Speaker: Karen Wonders
Karen Wonders is an engineer turned executive coach who spent two decades leading teams, managing departments, and optimizing technical systems as a director in the technology industry. Today she coaches technical professionals at pivotal points in their careers, helping them grow their influence and presence, find clarity on what comes next, and step into leadership with or without the title. She is also an experienced keynote speaker on how people connect and lead through the way they show up. Karen’s path runs through the University of Toronto: she earned her degree in Engineering Science, Manufacturing option (OT1 + PEY), then returned for an Executive MBA and her executive coaching certification, both from the Rotman School of Management. Follow her biweekly Leadership Spark newsletter on LinkedIn to keep the conversation going.
Awards List
Health and Biomedical Engineering Track
- Best Podium - Aryan Singh
- Best Podium Runner-Up - Rojin Anbarafshan
- Best Poster - Victor Mitea
- Best Poster Runner-Up - Lauren Toy
Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Track
- Best Podium - Paola Driza
- Best Podium Runner-Up - Niher Ranjan Sarker
- Best Poster - Amine Mazouzi
- Best Poster Runner-Up - Chun Yin Au
Sustainable Solutions and Engineering Education Track
- Best Podium - Shashwat A. Parlkh
- Best Podium Runner-Up - Sima Zeinali Danalou
- Best Poster - Victoria Ivey
- Best Poster Runner-Up - Amanda Teunissen
Intelligent Systems and Data Track
- Best Podium - Iman Jebellat
- Best Podium Runner-Up - Kalana Abeywardena
- Best Poster - Nazanin Allzadeh
- Best Poster Runner-Up - Kenny Ponto
Award for Excellence in Master of Engineering Program - Kenny Ponto
UTERC 2026 Photographs
Stay Connected with Us
- uterc2026@gmail.com
- Instagram: @uterc_grad
FAQs
UTERC Archives
Below is UTERC 2025 details. For past UTERC events please see here.
About the Organizers
This conference is organized by a committee of graduate students and professors from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and the Graduate Engineering Council of Students (GECoS). The event is being supported by additional professors, staff, and members of the Dean’s Office.
Sambea Cochrane
Co-chair
Zayneb Hussain
Co-chair
Samira Mehrabi
Scheduling
Siddhartha Challa
Scheduling
Anmol Mistry
Scheduling
Alex Lau
Logistics
Hasibul Hasan
Logistics
Paige McFarlane
Communications
Shashwat Parikh
Industry Outreach Team
Avinav Gupta
Industry Outreach
Patricia Watanabe
Faculty Outreach
Logo Design by Amy Petrov
Jainish Solanki
Industry Outreach
Yvonne Yang
Faculty Outreach
Prathona Paul
Faculty Outreach



