Achievements and News

Congratulations to Our Graduates! November 20, 2025 We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our students—Julia Wakoli, Fatima Afkhami, Mahi Zakir, Nancy Garcia, and Amandeep Hira—on this important milestone! Julia, Fatima, and Mahi have earned their Master of Science degrees, Amandeep has completed a Bachelor of Science, and Nancy has achieved her PhD—now we can proudly call her Dr. Nancy! Recently, the University of Alberta held its convocation ceremony, and we are proud to see our students recognized for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance. As you step into the next chapter of your journey, whether in further studies, research, or professional endeavors, know that your TMIC community is cheering you on. Congratulations, and best wishes for continued success and impact in all that you pursue! (Photos courtesy: David Wishart and students)
Dr. David Wishart awarded prestigious ASTech Award for Transformative AI & Metabolomics Innovation November 7, 2025 We are thrilled to announce that Dr. David Wishart of the University of Alberta has been awarded the 2025 ASTech Award in the AI/ML & Quantum category for his pioneering work in combining metabolomics with advanced digital and AI-technologies (“Transforming metabolomics globally through AI and digital innovation”). ASTech Awards+1 This recognition highlights Dr. Wishart’s global-impact research that has redefined how small molecules in biology can be studied and applied through computational innovation, reaffirming Alberta’s role as a leader in scientific and technological advancement. Learn more here: https://astech.ca/2025-astech- award-finalists-collage (Photo courtesy: https://astech.ca/2025-astech-award-finalists-collage)
David Wishart Wins the Gerard Herzberg Gold Medal Award October 30, 2025 David Wishart has won the Gerard Herzberg Gold Medal Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to science and research leadership. As Distinguished University Professor in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Computing Science at the University of Alberta and leader of the TMIC Wishart Node, Dr. Wishart has spent over 30 years pioneering metabolomics, decoding the tiny molecules that flow through our bodies to reveal how we live, what we eat, and what diseases we may face. Under his guidance, the Wishart Node has developed groundbreaking tools such as the Human Metabolome Database, MetaboAnalyst, DrugBank, and FooDB, and founded The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC), Canada’s national hub for metabolomics research. His team has advanced exposomics and personalized medicine by applying machine learning to identify hidden environmental toxins and predict their effects on human health. We congratulate Dr. Wishart for his transformative leadership, mentorship, and commitment to open science, which continue to inspire researchers worldwide. Learn more here: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Prizes-Prix/Herzberg-Herzberg/Profiles-Profils/Wishart-Wishart_eng.asp (Photo courtesy: Debby Waldman)
Dr. David Wishart Awarded 2025 University Cup for Outstanding Contributions to Science and Education October 9, 2025 Congratulations to Dr. David Wishart, recipient of the 2025 University Cup, the University of Alberta’s highest honour for academic staff. A professor in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Computing Science, Dr. Wishart is internationally recognized as a pioneer in metabolomics, a field he helped establish through his visionary work connecting genes, environment, and health via small molecules. Over his 30+ year career, he has developed widely used open-access tools such as the Human Metabolome Database, DrugBank, and MetaboAnalyst, and played a key role in founding The Metabolomics Innovation Centre, helping position Canada as a global leader in the field. A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Wishart has authored influential textbooks and championed hands-on scientific training, and as a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, he advocates for open science and the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge, ensuring that research benefits all communities. Learn more here: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/the-quad/2025/10/celebrating-the-recipients-of-the-2025-faculty-excellence-awards.html (Photo courtesy: Debby Waldman)
Celebrating Amandeep Singh Hira and the UAlberta iGEM Team’s Eco-Friendly Fire Suppressant Innovation. Sept 15 2025 Congratulations to Amandeep Singh Hira on the University of Alberta iGEM team’s exciting development of *Ashbloom*, an eco-friendly fire suppressant designed to support healthier post-wildfire recovery. This innovative project addresses the urgent need for sustainable firefighting solutions, particularly in Alberta, where communities continue to face severe wildfire seasons, and demonstrates the team’s commitment to cutting-edge synthetic biology and environmentally conscious alternatives to traditional fire suppressants. As a member of the TMIC Wishart Node, Amandeep’s contributions reflect the strong scientific foundation, collaborative spirit, and research excellence fostered within the TMIC community. We are proud to celebrate his role in advancing a project with meaningful environmental impact and wish him continued success as the team prepares to present their work on the global stage at the 2025 iGEM Grand Jamboree—congratulations, Amandeep, your TMIC colleagues are cheering you on! (Photo taken from: https://thegatewayonline.ca/2025/09/ualberta-igem-student-researchers-develop-sustainable-fire-suppressant/)
TMIC Team Showcases Metabolomics Research at MANA 2025 in Banff September 2, 2025 Our laboratory had a strong presence at MANA 2025 in Banff, making it a highly successful event for our team. We participated through presentations, posters, and sharing the latest advances in metabolomics and database development. The venue could not have been more ideal—the Banff Conference Centre, which also recently hosted the G7 summit, provided an inspiring setting with stunning views of the Rockies and spectacular weather. It was an excellent opportunity to engage with peers, share our research, and highlight the impact of our work in the field of metabolomics.
TMIC Wishart Node Contributes to “Metabolomics in Food Science” Course in Cartagena, Colombia July 27, 2025 The TMIC Wishart Node proudly participated in the course Metabolomics in Food Science: From Food Resources to Industrial Processing and Food Intake, held in Cartagena, Colombia, organized by Mónica Patricia Cala Molina, Head of the Metabolomics Core Facility at Universidad de Los Andes, with the support of UNUBIOLAC. The course explored how the metabolic footprints of plants, animals, microorganisms, and human cells provide insights into food traceability, health, safety, and environmental impact. Dr. David Wishart, Dr. Yamile Lopez, and Dr. Kieran Tarazona shared their expertise in metabolomics and highlighted its wide-ranging applications in research and industry. The TMIC Wishart Node contributed alongside AGROSAVIA and Universidad EAFIT, supporting knowledge exchange and capacity-building, reflecting its commitment to advancing metabolomics in food science and its positive impact on communities, health, and sustainable food systems.