In Memoriam: Professor Mark Chignell

The Innovative Cognitive Computing Center (IC2) joins the global academic and research community in mourning the loss of Professor Mark Chignell. We are deeply saddened to mark the passing of a distinguished colleague, a visionary leader in the fields of Human Factors and Industrial Engineering, and a founding core international member of IC2. Professor Chignell passed away on November 20, 2025.

Professor Chignell dedicated thirty-five years to the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto. His academic journey was truly international in scope. He was born in the United Kingdom and completed his PhD in Psychology at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. He later held academic positions in Australia and the United States before establishing his career in Toronto in 1990. He possessed a unique ability to bridge the gap between Psychology and Engineering. This interdisciplinary approach allowed him to push the boundaries of user interface design and information visualization.

His contributions to the field of cognitive computing were vast and influential. Professor Chignell served as the Director of the Knowledge Media Design Institute (KMDI) and held the Bell University Labs Chair in Human-Computer Interaction. He published over one hundred journal articles and co-edited several books during his prolific career. He was also a visiting scientist at prestigious institutions around the world, including the National University of Singapore, Keio University in Japan, and the IBM Centre for Advanced Studies in Toronto.

In recent years, Professor Chignell focused his immense energy on technologies designed to support the aging population. He became a central figure and startup leader in the AGE-WELL network. He founded Centivizer Inc. to create products that motivate physical and cognitive activity for older adults. Innovations such as the "2RaceWithMe" exergame and the ABBY system stand as testaments to his creativity and compassion. These tools are currently improving lives in long-term care facilities across Canada and internationally. He believed deeply in the power of technology to combat functional decline and enhance well-being.

Mark was known for more than just his academic output. He was a generous mentor and a passionate advocate for improving the quality of life for seniors and caregivers. His colleagues remember him for his curiosity, his ingenuity, and his boundless energy. He derived great joy from seeing his research applied to solve real-world problems.

The Innovative Cognitive Computing Center extends our deepest sympathies to his wife Sachi, his three sons, and his extended family. We also offer our sincere condolences to the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto. The field of cognitive computing has lost a brilliant mind and a compassionate soul. His legacy of innovation will continue to inspire future generations of researchers to design technology with humanity at its center.