The Aurum Awards celebrate 蘑菇AV alumni for their outstanding achievements and contributions in research and innovation, community engagement and leadership. This year, we recognize five individuals who are helping to build a better world through their work and generosity on a local, national and global level.

A year ago, 蘑菇AV launched its recurring Speak Truth to Power series with a discussion on anti-Black racism in the wake of George Floyd鈥檚 death at the hands of police. This week, a one-year anniversary panel addresses the question: Has the needle moved on systemic racism in the past year?

Solutions for Kids in Pain recently partnered with Pulse, 蘑菇AV's health innovation sandbox, to offer a program engaging students from multiple disciplines in a semester-long knowledge mobilization program.

Tackling rising anti-Asian racism is at the heart of this year鈥檚 theme for Asian Heritage Month in Canada: Recognition, Resilience, and Resolve. We spoke to Ajay Parasram, an assistant professor in the departments of International Development Studies and History, about the history of anti-Asian racism in Canada and ways people can help help combat it now.

Members of the 蘑菇AV community gathered last week for a virtual Iftar, forging new friendships and connections online during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.