From: Barbara Fallon, Associate Vice-President, Research
Date: April 17, 2026
Re: 2026 Recipients of the President’s Impact Awards and Carolyn Tuohy Impact on Public Policy Award
(PDAD&C #34)

I am delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 President’s Impact Awards and the Carolyn Tuohy Impact on Public Policy Award.  

The President’s Impact Awards (PIA) celebrate and honour faculty members and teams of faculty whose research has led to significant impact beyond academia. They recognize contributions that emerge from academic scholarship and have fully realized, demonstrable impacts on any domain of society, whether through a single influential contribution or through an ongoing commitment to research translation. The Carolyn Tuohy Impact on Public Policy Award, presented annually under the banner of the U of T Awards of Excellence (AWEX) and adjudicated alongside the PIAs, similarly recognizes a faculty member whose scholarship has had a significant impact on public policy. 

Recipients of the PIA are designated as members of the President’s Impact Academy for a period of five years, during which they receive an award of $10,000 per year to be used toward their research. The Academy meets to discuss matters relevant to research impact, offers advice to the Vice President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, and advocates for sustained excellence in research and innovation impact within and outside of the University. 

I want to thank all the nominators for their support and care in preparing the dossiers. I also want to extend appreciation to the members of the Selection Committee for their time and dedication to the process. Thank you all for your commitment to recognizing excellence in research impact at U of T. 

2026 President’s Impact Award Laureates  

Robert Inman 
Temerty Faculty of Medicine 
University Health Network 
For contributions that have transformed autoimmune disease research into improved patient care, influenced health policy, and built global clinical capacity beyond academia. 

Ontario Drug Policy Research Network 
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy 
Unity Health Toronto 

For transforming real-world evidence into drug policy that improves medication access, safety, and system sustainability, shaping public decisions and health outcomes across Canada and internationally. 

Tara Gomes
Program Director

Mina Tadrous 
Director, Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Policy 

Sean B. Rourke 
Temerty Faculty of Medicine 
Unity Health Toronto 
For outstanding leadership in advancing HIV/STI testing accessibility and care for underserved populations, including influential work reshaping Canada’s approach to prevention, diagnosis, and equitable healthcare. 

Mohini Sain 
Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering 
For developing advanced low-carbon materials and sustainable energy and manufacturing technologies, resulting in greater sustainability in several industries, including transportation, healthcare, and energy. 

2026 Carolyn Tuohy Impact on Public Policy Award Laureate 

Brenda Cossman 
Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law 
For lasting impact on public policy debates concerning the legal regulation of gay and lesbian couples, the reform of child custody and access laws, legal aid in family law, the regulation of adult personal relationships and freedom of expression. 

Profiles of this year’s recipients and further information about the awards are available online and on U of T Celebrates.