Renée Hložek (photo by Sylvie Li/Shoot Studio)
Renée Hložek awarded NSERC's Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship
Published: November 13, 2025
Renée Hložek, an associate professor in the David A. Dunlap department of astronomy and astrophysics and the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics in the University of Toronto's Faculty of Arts & Science, has been awarded an Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
The Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships recognize early-stage academic researchers in the natural sciences and engineering to enhance their research capacity so they can become leaders in their field. NSERC awards up to six fellowships each year to researchers from across Canada.
The award will enable Hložek and her research group to further contribute to society’s understanding of the universe by exploring the fundamental nature of dark matter and dark energy. The fellowship will also support new investigations into applying astronomical techniques to neuroscience, using image analysis methods from cosmology to study brain cell activity and early signs of neurodegeneration.
“It comes at just the perfect time: the two telescopes that define my cosmological research are at a defining point with their first data soon available for me to sink my teeth into, and I have lots to do,” says Hložek. “I am so grateful for the research support and extra time available to drive these research goals. Doing this work is such a gift and the fact that it is recognized by NSERC is icing on the cake.”
“This is fantastic recognition of Professor Hložek’s growing accomplishments and promise of future achievements,” says Stephen Wright, interim dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. “On behalf of the entire faculty, I congratulate her on this national recognition and well-deserved honour.”
