Edge - Summer 2008

ew media,digital media,web2.0—how do you define it?“It”is the phenomena of e-mail,the Internet,technological innovation,social networks and interactive digital content—our electronic world and all the possibilities and questions it generates. However defined,it’s an area of research in which U of T scholars have been shaking things up for the better part of the last century.From Harold Innis in the 1940s to Marshall McLuhan in the 1960s to today’s scholars in virtually every discipline,U ofT is a hub of digital media-related research.That’s why we’ve devoted this issue of Edge to “it.”

Inside,you’ll read about some of the scholars who are not only developing innovative applied research,technology and tools in new media,you’ll also find those who are examining the social and philosophical context of new media.The University of Toronto and its affiliated institutions comprise an interdisciplinary team of researchers who are working on all facets of both the platform and content of new media.They are also examining the intersection of new media and culture,consumer and social behaviour.

The scholars profiled in this issue represent just a handful of the hundreds working across departments and faculties,on all our campuses and throughout our partner hospitals and institutes. There is no question about it—at UofT innovation in new media is everywhere.

I also encourage you to take a look at our new research website at www.research.utoronto.ca to explore more projects and people engaged in new media and other research at UofT.The site provides a new level of accessibility to information about UofT research to both the public and the internal research community.It is yet another example of the power of new media.And,in the spirit of web 2.0,please post a comment and let us know what you think!

R. Paul Young, PhD, FRSC
Vice-President, Research

TOP

www.research.utoronto.ca homepage

Research 2.0

U ofT has a new way to tell the world about its world-class research and scholarship—www.research.utoronto.ca.The site was launched this past fall.

“The key attribute of this new site is accessibility to information aboutU of T research to both the public and the internal research community,”says Professor Paul Young,Vice-President,Research.“There is very littlethat goes on in the world that isn’t influenced by university research orthat can’t be explained by our professors.So it’s incumbent on universi-ties to make our work as accessible as possible to the public.New media,and especially the Internet,has revolutionized our ability to do that.”

A research-specific website has unique advantages in communicat-ing the strengths of U ofT research to external audiences,says Paul Fraumeni,Director,Research Communications.“First,we are changingthe stories and information on our website weekly,which enables us to profile more U ofT research and faculty members than ever before.Secondly,the great thing about a website is that it is accessibleby anyone on the planet who has a computer.It’s the best way we have to reach the widest audience possible.”

Six portals focus on research in health,science and technology,business,arts and culture,society and environment.“The traditional way to look at university research is by way of academic divisions and departments,”says Young.“But this approach is hard for the public to understand.So we have,in effect,reorganized the universityand are focusing on six subject areas that resonate with the public and into which we can fit any story about U ofT research.”

Other features include “Behind the Headlines,”where UofT professors comment on current issues and news stories,“Featured Researcher,”a weekly look at individual scholars and their work,links to stories about U ofT research featured in the external press,and the “Cool Videos”section.Content is changed for all features at least weekly.

The site also embraces the latest in web 2.0 technology—whichencourages feedback from visitors.Users can leave comments on almosteverything they see on the site.They can also share content throughapplications like Facebook and del.icio.us.The site will be developed inthe future to contain more web 2.0 features such as blogs and wikis.

Visit us at www.research.utoronto.ca.

TOP