U of G’s Top Stories of 2025 

As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the stories throughout 2025 that inspired us and captured the attention of the University of Guelph community and beyond. 

From the installation of U of G’s 10th president to research projects sparking change, these are the standout stories that made 2025 a year to remember. 

Dr. Rene Van Acker, dressed in a navy blue suit and white dress shirt, stand against a fence area on a clear sunny day

Dr. Rene Van Acker installed as U of G president 

Dr. Rene Van Acker became U of G’s 10th president, beginning his five-year term in July. A U of G grad himself, Van Acker has spent nearly 30 years in academia, holding senior leadership roles as chair of the Department of Plant Agriculture, dean of OAC and vice-president (research and innovation).   

A collage of the evolved University of Guelph-branded merchandise and promotional materials. On the left, a white vertical banner displays the University of Guelph logo, with a diverse group of students standing in front, dressed in various casual and university-themed apparel. Next to it, a black coffee mug features the university’s crest in gold and red. A white and red hockey jersey with a stylized gryphon logo and the number ‘22’ on the sleeve is also shown. Further right, a black football helmet with red and yellow gryphon accents and a metallic faceguard is displayed. An embroidered patch with a circular red and yellow design reads ‘JR GRYPHONS GUELPH.’ A textured close-up of the university crest is also included. A black business card with the University of Guelph’s name and logo sits atop a white business card. Additional elements include a red fabric texture with a stylized gryphon silhouette, a notebook with the University of Guelph crest and name embossed on the cover, and a transparent water bottle with the words ‘I AM A GRYPHON’ along with descriptors like ‘Determined, Engaged, Authentic, Caring.’ On the far right, another vertical banner with a red background showcases a black and yellow gryphon with the words ‘Guelph Gryphons’ below it, with yellow claw marks as a background element.

New look, same mission: Improve Life 

U of G evolved its look in 2025 for the next generation of Gryphons. Led by Ethan Bersche, creative manager, the update included a new logo and typography for both the University and the Department of Athletics.  

A man with a beard and gray hair wearing a black graduation gown stands on a convocation stage to receive his degree with a group of University leadership standing behind him and an audience in front of them.

Guelph grad crosses stage after 49 years 

Self-proclaimed “Guelph farm boy” Dave Burnett inspired hundreds of grads when he made his way across the stage at convocation this year, marking 49 years since he started his degree.  

His story was featured on The Current, CTV News and CBC News. 

Close-up photo of leaves as people in the background stand looking at the sky

Building a national agri-food innovation and training platform 

U of G is collaborating with national partners on Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C), an innovation and entrepreneurship training platform that aims to position Canada as a global leader in agri-food technology. 

Gloved hands hold a syringe and inject a chicken egg in a lab setting

Researchers fight spread of avian flu 

As the threat of avian flu grows, researchers from across U of G are working to fight the disease. From developing a vaccine for birds to tracking the spread of disease, researchers across campus are involved in preventing avian flu from becoming the next human pandemic.  

large insects are pinned in a specimen drawer

Catalogue of all life on Earth adds 15 millionth specimen 

The Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG) marked a major milestone in 2025, adding its 15 millionth specimen to its collection in April. Founded by the “father of DNA barcoding,” Dr. Paul Hebert, CBG is home to the world’s largest DNA library.  

A veterinarian wearing a white lab coat and glasses gently holds a fluffy brown tabby cat in an animal hospital. They are standing next to a metal cage with medical supplies visible above it.

OVC training next generation of forensic veterinarians  

Students at the Ontario Veterinary College have begun gaining hands-on experience in an emerging field: forensic veterinary science. The elective course walks students through all stages of the field, including a mock crime scene and a moot court trial. 

The course was featured in the Toronto Star, CTV News and CBC News. 

a conceptual illustration of a public square, showing commercial space and a large grassy meeting cricle

Real Estate Strategy outlines future developments 

U of G unveiled its Real Estate Land Use Vision and Strategy in 2025, sharing a forward-thinking plan that will create new housing, research and commercialization on University-owned land over the next 40 years. 

Close-up of honeybees crawling over a vibrant yellow honeycomb, with some cells capped and others open, revealing the structured, hexagonal pattern of the hive.

Honey bees dying even as antibiotic use lowers 

Despite observing increased restrictions on antibiotic use in Canadian beekeeping, a U of G study found honey bee death rates are still rising.  

The first-of-its-kind research was featured in The Globe and Mail and Global News.    

Researcher with community members and in forest field site

PhD candidate studying own family in Amazon rainforest 

David Good, a PhD candidate in the College of Biological Science, is studying the Yanomami people in the Amazon rainforest to learn more about their unique microbiome and resistance to disease. 

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