To mark the retirement of Professor Eric Yu, a distinguished scholar who’s had a major influence on the field of information systems and human-centred design, the Faculty of Information has established a new award for Master’s and Doctoral students. This award will recognize outstanding work in advancing human interest in the design of technology systems at the individual, group, organization, community or societal levels.
Professor Emeritus Yu, who retired in the summer of 2022, has now embarked on a new phase of his career. While he won’t be engaged in formal teaching, he remains committed to collaborating with students, alumni and colleagues. His goal of incorporating social context into systems analysis continues to drive his pursuits.
Professor Yu completed his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Toronto, his Master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of Waterloo, and his Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Toronto.
After joining the Faculty of Information in 1995, Professor Yu played a pivotal role in establishing the Information Systems and Design concentration. His influence left a lasting impact on students, several of whom now teach at the Faculty of Information and have contributed to shaping the academic landscape. At the core of Professor Yu’s legacy lies the groundbreaking ‘i*’ framework. This framework revolutionized the analysis of strategic actor relationships within complex systems.
Professor Yu’s extensive work includes over 200 research papers and several books. His influence extends well beyond the University of Toronto. His role as co-editor for the MIT Press monograph series on Information Systems showcased his leadership on a global platform. His involvement in editorial boards and international conferences highlighted his commitment to advancing the field.
The Eric Yu Human-Centred Systems Design Award stands as a tribute to his substantial contributions. As we celebrate Professor Yu’s legacy, we invite you to be a part of this journey. Your support will amplify his vision and ensure that his influence continues to shape the future of human-centred design. Here’s how to give toward this award: Eric Yu Human Centred Systems Design Award at the University of Toronto.
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