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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.

Created to celebrate U of T professor John Polanyi’s 1986 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.

Clancy, a post-doctoral fellow in U of T’s Department of Physics, is researching quantum materials using advanced x-ray and neutron scattering techniques. He is examining the physics of iridium-based quantum materials, which could lead to innovations in quantum technology.

“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.”