The University of Toronto has launched a new institute that will draw on the university’s expertise across a wide range of fields to accelerate practical, scalable and equitable solutions for a more sustainable future.
The Lawson Climate Institute will ramp up U of T’s capacity to advance the technologies and policies Canada needs to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It will also empower students from every field to make climate action a priority, and to focus on achievable gains for both the environment and human well-being.
The institute is named for Brian and Joannah Lawson, alumni and longtime supporters and volunteer leaders with the university, in recognition of their transformative $60-million donation – the largest gift to a Canadian university in support of climate change solutions.
“We are deeply grateful to Brian and Joannah Lawson for this truly visionary act of philanthropy,” says U of T President Melanie Woodin. “It is a powerful new source of hope in our efforts to address the climate crisis.”
The institute will focus on four areas: developing sustainability technologies; advancing equitable climate policy; establishing the Lawson Scholars program to train future climate change leaders; and expanding the university’s Sustainability Pathways program to give every undergraduate student the chance to engage in sustainability learning.
To help attract top talent, the Lawsons’ gift will create three endowed Lawson chairs – in policy innovation, sustainable energy and sustainable food systems. These positions will enable U of T to attract world-leading experts who will drive critical research and offer students the opportunity to learn from the best.
“We realized we could make a profound difference with this donation by helping to bring together the wide range of climate research taking place at U of T, enabling the university to achieve even greater impact,” said Brian and Joannah Lawson in a statement.
The Lawson Scholars program will provide more than 100 new scholarships annually for students at all levels; the first will be announced in 2026. The Lawsons set up their gift with a matching component to inspire others to support U of T’s climate efforts. This initiative has generated $3.1 million from 80 donors to support climate and sustainability awards.
In recognition of the advances in sustainability under former president Meric Gertler, these include the Meric Gertler Climate and Sustainability Awards – for students pursuing sustainability- and climate-related studies. A $4-million endowment has been established for the awards, thanks to gifts from donors in Canada and Hong Kong and matching contributions from the Lawsons and the university.
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