Nov 29 2013
Two University of Toronto researchers, David Francis Taylor and J. Patrick Clancy, have won esteemed Polanyi Prizes – Taylor for his work examining the role of political cartoons in the 1700s and Clancy for his research into quantum materials.
Dr. J. Patrick Clancy
Created to celebrate U of T professor John Polanyi’s1986 Nobel Prize win, with funding from the Government of Ontario, the annual $20,000 awards mirror the diverse categories of the Nobel Prizes.
“As some of the most prestigious awards in Ontario, the Polanyi Prizes have an incredible impact on the research they support,” said Max Blouw, chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and president of Wilfrid Laurier University.
Taylor, who is an assistant professor in U of T’s Department of English, won in the literature category. He is studying the role that political cartoons played in 18th century Britain. Taylor demonstrates that many of these works included reference to high society, which served to exclude the masses.
Dr. J. Patrick Clancy is a postdoctoral fellow in the University of Toronto's physics department. His research involves the study of novel quantum materials using advanced x-ray and neutron scattering techniques. He has published articles on a variety of topics, including low-dimensional magnetism, geometric frustration, and high temperature superconductivity. Dr. Clancy's present work focuses on exploring the physics of iridium-based quantum materials in order to develop a better understanding of the unconventional electronic and magnetic properties that arise in heavy 5d transition metal oxides.
“Congratulations to Professor Taylor and Dr. Clancy,” said Professor Paul Young, U of T’s vice-president, research and innovation.“This is a great honour for two superb young scholars."
Along with the two U of T researchers, three other academics received Polanyi Prizes: York University’s Jean-Paul Paluzzi, Wilfrid Laurier University’s Diane Gregory, and the University of Ottawa's Roland Pongou.
“The Government of Ontario has quite rightly recognized the importance of enabling the next generation of creative researchers in all fields to pursue their work at Ontario universities," said Young. "We are deeply thankful to the province for this investment.”