Six Western researchers win 2026 Research Excellence Awards, from AI to nuclear waste
The winners include Yalda Mohsenzadeh on brain-inspired AI, Marlys Koschinsky on lipoprotein(a) and adam patrick bell on accessible music instruments.
Western has named six faculty members as recipients of the 2026 Western Research Excellence Awards, in AI, cardiovascular disease, music education, accessibility, nuclear waste management and gender-based violence prevention. Awards are given in three categories: Outstanding Emerging Scholar, Outstanding Scholar and the Hellmuth Prize for Achievement in Research.
Yalda Mohsenzadeh builds brain-inspired AI systems and received the 2025 Ontario Early Researcher Award. Danielle Sirek studies how culture shapes arts education and sings with the JUNO-nominated Canadian Chamber Choir. adam patrick bell, Canada Research Chair in Music, Inclusion and Accessibility, directs the Canadian Accessible Musical Instruments Network.
Jamie Noël leads a corrosion research program that supports the safety of nuclear waste storage. Marlys Koschinsky has made foundational discoveries about lipoprotein(a), a cholesterol-carrying particle linked to heart attack and stroke, and her work is informing therapies in advanced clinical trials. Nadine Wathen leads the EQUIP Healthcare program, which offers free tools for trauma- and violence-informed care.
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