51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ

Before we say goodbye to 2025 and look towards the sunlit plains of the New Year, take a look back at the more memorable stories and research that showcased innovation, excellence, community and belonging at SFU.

SFU’s supercomputer fastest in Canada—again

Technological advancements and innovation took centre stage this year. Most notably, 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏis once again home to Canada’s most powerful academic supercomputer, following the installation of a new system, named Fir.  
 
It is accessible to researchers across Canada, empowering innovators to solve complex challenges at unprecedented speed and scale, driving new solutions and discoveries, for example, in relation to quantum computing.

AI applications for teaching and health care

In the fall, students were introduced to Kia, a new AI teaching sidekick. With real-time facial expressions, lip-sync, and a multitude of emotive body languages, Kia is designed to be a dynamic and intellectual sparring partner for 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏprofessor Steve DiPaola for a course exploring the principles, potential and ethics of AI technologies.   
 
Earlier in the year, SFU researchers revealed how they are using cutting edge technology, with AI and machine learning, to support safer stroke and spinal rehabilitation, while a new study unveiled an AI framework that could transform drug development and accelerate the discovery of new medicines.

Landmark spaces transform SFU’s Indigenous experience, visual arts programming

In September, 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏcelebrated the grand opening of First Peoples’ Gathering House at its Burnaby campus. The $25-million longhouse will transform the Indigenous experience at 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏas a new space for Indigenous students, staff, faculty and communities to come together to practise, learn and share in their cultural traditions.   
 
In the same month, 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏunveiled the  a new 12,100-square-foot facility blending art, sustainability and community engagement.

51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏtops Canadian rankings for innovation and entrepreneurship, comprehensive  

SFU’s reputation for excellence was recognized as the university was ranked as Canada’s top university for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, according to the 

SFU was also once again named Canada’s number one comprehensive university in the 2026 Maclean’s University Rankings.

New medical school to start training B.C. doctors in 2026

Looking ahead to next year, SFU’s new School of Medicine will welcome its first batch of students and excitement has certainly been building over recent months. 

The story announcing the opening of applications received widespread attention and marked a major milestone on the journey towards Western Canada’s first new medical school in nearly 60 years.  

Climate innovation on show in Burnaby

51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏresearchers continue to find new ways of tackling climate change. People visiting Burnaby’s City Hall in August got to see one example of SFU climate innovation in the shape of a new machine that could help to decarbonize cities using existing infrastructure and untapped energy sources. 

The prototype system converts waste heat in district heating to cooling, enabling sustainable air conditioning in buildings.

Students to decipher the origin of ancient artifacts

And finally... Rare artifacts dating back potentially thousands of years were found in a British Columbia thrift store and donated to 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ for study.  
 
The remarkable discovery received huge global media attention. 51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏstudents will soon be able to study the artifacts to try to identify where and when they originate from.