From the Nominator

Brokoslaw Laschowski is a researcher at the University of Toronto (U of T) who is using artificial intelligence (AI) to help people with disabilities. Known to his students as the “bionic professor,” Laschowski focuses on integrating humans with robotics and using AI for medical applications such as prosthetics and exoskeletons. He is also committed to aiding Ukrainian students whose studies were disrupted by Russia’s invasion. He is an example of the university’s leadership in technology, pushing the boundaries of innovation and improving the way we live and age. U of T communications decided to highlight Laschowski’s work, because it supports the university’s Defy Gravity brand, which focuses on innovation, inclusivity, student success, scientific discovery and healthy lives. Laschowski’s profile reached the U of T community and beyond, garnering nearly 5,000 page views—more than double the usual traffic for a U of T news story—and more than 100,000 impressions on Instagram, where nearly 6,000 accounts engaged with the post through likes, shares, saves, and comments.  Our story also sparked external media coverage, with news about the professor's research airing on Toronto television stations.

From the Judges

This entry effectively captures the groundbreaking work of Brokoslaw Laschowski, who blends innovation in robotics with a commitment to inclusivity and student support. The article's strategic alignment with the university's branding and focus on Laschowski's contributions to wearable robotics and aid for Ukrainian students demonstrate thoughtful research and targeting. We appreciated how the writer saw value in the humanitarian angle to the story.