Biography

University of Toronto St. George Campus - Science

scientist, innovator, serial entrepreneur
Higher Education
M Cynthia
Goh
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
As Professor of Chemistry at the University of Toronto, my research interests centre on understanding interactions of large molecules and complex systems, with the goal of being able to control material properties. We are particularly interested in nanostructured and hierarchically structured systems, in which interfaces play a major role. This fundamental knowledge is important in being able to control systems from the molecular level up, in order to produce behaviour and properties that are desirable. For example, our ability to control nanometer-sized structures has led us to make coatings that repel dust, kill bacteria and clean water.

I believe that a fundamental understanding of nature - "basic science"​ - can lead to enormous benefits to society. But only if our scientists take part in the process of knowledge translation! To this end, my research group has spun out 7 companies, including Axela Inc, and Vive Crop Protection.

At the Impact Centre (www.impactcentre.utoronto.ca), our goal is "Science to Society". We pioneered the concept of the science-student-entrepreneur as key to the creation of technology-based start-ups, and we've nucleated and nurtured over 130 such companies.