Geoff Fernie, C.M., FCAHS

Dr. Geoff Fernie is a professional engineer and Institute Director for research at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute University Health Network. He has a primary appointment at the University of Toronto as a Professor in the Department of Surgery, with cross appointments that include the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, the Departments of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Dr. Fernie received his B.Sc.(hons) in Mechanical Engineering at the Department of Applied Sciences, University of Sussex, England, 1969. He then went on to get his PhD in Bioegineering, Bioengineering Unit at the School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Strathclyde, Scotland, 1973.

Dr. Fernie is recognized as a world leader in the application of engineering to create solutions for problems commonly encountered by people with disabilities. He is the principal investigator on a major infrastructure award from CFI which funded the most advanced design, prototyping and testing facilities for rehabilitation technology and assistive devices in the world. Dr. Fernie is focused on the development of technology to help people continue to live in their own homes.

Dr. Fernie’s achievements have been recognized by the Jonas Salk Award, MEDEC Award, the Mickey Milner Award, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and by admission to the Terry Fox Hall of Fame and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Most recently, he was awarded the inaugural 2014 Honourable David C. Onley Award by the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons in recognition of his enormous contribution to the disability movement. Dr. Fernie has nine commercialized products and several currently in clinical trials and has helped launch four successful companies. He has published over 141 peer reviewed journal papers and book chapters and has 22 awarded patents and an additional 13 filings.

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