The Applied Research in Action (ARIA) showcase featured computer science research and technological innovation, including research on malicious AI agents (Photo: Jeff Beardall)
On Nov. 10, Applied Research in Action (ARIA) returned for its 12th year, bringing together researchers, students and industry leaders to showcase bold ideas and explore how computer science can help solve real-world challenges.
Hosted by the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, the annual research and technology innovation event welcomed more than 1,000 attendees.
“ARIA is where you get to see computer science in action,” says Eyal de Lara, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science. “What makes the event especially exciting is seeing what happens when talented students connect with industry leaders and academic partners to work through challenging problems. It’s a bridge that turns promising concepts into innovations that could change how we work, live and interact with technology.”
Held at The Carlu in Toronto, Ontario, ARIA showcased more than 120 student-led projects spanning AI, robotics, health tech, data science and sustainability. Student researchers at the undergraduate, MScAC, MSc and PhD levels collaborated with partners from across industry, healthcare, government, non-profit and research to explore ideas with potential applications across a wide range of fields.
Arvind Gupta is a professor, academic director of professional programs and director for strategic initiatives in the Department of Computer Science. He says ARIA 2026 highlighted the value of applied research not only in the variety of ideas students develop, but in how they learn to put them to work.
“Working with external partners challenges students to think beyond the technical aspects of a problem,” Gupta says. “They have to consider how a solution would work in practice, what constraints they might encounter and how their research could address a partner’s needs. That experience helps prepare students to carry their expertise into their careers.”
MP Michael Ma and Professor and Chair Eyal de Lara tour the showcase (Photo: Matt Hintsa)
Professor Marsha Chechik and MP Michael Guglielmin tour the showcase (Photo: Jeff Beardall)
ARIA also brought policymakers and public-sector leaders into conversations about research and emerging technologies with implications for public policy. This year’s special guests included Maggie Chi, the Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Health; and MPs Michael Guglielmin and Michael Ma, who took part in the programming, delivering remarks and presenting awards during the MScAC Award Ceremony.
Award recipients included:
MScAC Student Innovation Award: Zahra Kagda, MScAC student
Industry Icon Award: Peter Zhukovsky, scientist with the Brain Health Imaging Centre and the Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics at CAMH and assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry
Faculty Recognition Award: Gerald Penn, assistant professor, Department of Computer Science, and Scott Sanner, professor, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
ARIA Spotlight Award: Mary Pugh, professor, chair and graduate chair, Department of Mathematics
ARIA 2026 featured the MScAC Award Ceremony recognizing the achievements and contributions of MScAC students, faculty and industry partners. From left to right: Professor Arvind Gupta, MP Michael Guglielmin, MP Maggi Chi, MP Michael Ma, Professor Gerald Penn, Professor Mary Pugh, Zahra Kagda, Peter Zhukovsky, Harsuminder Gill, Professor and Chair Eyal de Lara. (Photo: Matt Hintsa)
“ARIA showcases the remarkable research talent being developed here in Canada and the power of collaboration between academia, industry and government. From advances in artificial intelligence to innovations in health and healthcare, the projects on display demonstrate how research-driven innovation can address real-world challenges and improve lives,” says MP Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, who presented the Industry Icon Award. “It was inspiring to meet the students and researchers whose work is helping shape Canada’s future.”
Recognized as one of Toronto’s largest academic-led technology innovation showcases, ARIA 2026 put student research in the spotlight, bringing emerging researchers face-to-face with leaders from academia, industry, government and the alumni community. By sparking new connections and opening doors to collaboration, the event continued its tradition of laying the groundwork for breakthroughs that could shape the future of technology and tomorrow’s industries.
