Eric Diller (L) and Nicolas Papernot (supplied image, Nick Iwanyshyn)
Eric Diller and Nicolas Papernot recognized with 2025-26 McLean Awards
Published: September 11, 2026
Eric Diller, a professor in the department of mechanical and industrial engineering in the University of Toronto's Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, and Nicolas Papernot, an associate professor in the Edward S. Rogers Sr. department of electrical and computer engineering, have been recognized with McLean Awards for 2025-26.
Supported by U of T's Connaught Fund, the McLean Award supports early-career researchers in physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, engineering sciences and statistical sciences. The award helps recipients attract and support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows as part of their research teams.
Diller's research focuses on miniature wireless robots and biomedical devices that can operate inside the human body. His lab develops tiny surgical instruments designed to perform minimally invasive procedures in confined spaces such as the brain. He is also creating ingestible “smart pills” that navigate the gastrointestinal tract and collect biological samples.
Papernot's research explores topics in AI security, including how machine learning systems can fail, be manipulated or expose sensitive information. A faculty affiliate at the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, he has led groundbreaking research on threats to AI systems and techniques to evaluate the safety of AI models. Recently, his lab has explored emerging risks posed by the technology, and he has called for independent testing of powerful AI models before their public deployment.
"The exceptional strength of this year's nominations resulted in the Connaught Committee taking the rare step of recommending two recipients for the McLean Award," said Leah Cowen, U of T's vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. "Their work exemplifies the creativity and impact this award was established to recognize, and helps support trainees who are critical to their research teams."
