By Darren McAlmont University Relations
Waterloo researchers continue to shine as unconventional leaders and problem-solvers for some of the world's pressing issues. From research projects in geothermal energy and storage, security and cryptography to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the environment, the breadth of our researchers' work is unmatched.
Recently, Waterloo researchers were awarded more than $37.3 million to support their research projects.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry at l'Université de Montréal.
"When we invest in science and innovation, we are investing in our well-being and prosperity," Rodriquez says. "Our researchers continue to distinguish themselves internationally and, by supporting them, we are helping them to continue to improve our quality of life, fight climate change and inspire the next generation of researchers across the country and around the world."
Six Waterloo researchers will receive funding under the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Fund. The CFI is a non-profit corporation that invests in research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions.
Scott Hopkins
Associate Professor, Chemistry
- $10,006,500
- Project title: A Canadian Free Electron Laser
The Canadian Free Electron Laser (FEL) project will be getting $10 million in funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to put towards the $50+ million facility to be built on the Waterloo Campus. The facility will enable fundamental science concerned with monitoring energy flow through molecules and materials, with applications in light harvesting and photo-control of molecular properties. New research in chemical, spatial and temporal mapping of living biological materials will also become possible. The FEL will be an important tool for nanotechnology researchers who are interested in probing nanostructured materials and developing, for example, new sensors, as well as investigators who are interested in exploring the effects of radiation on molecules, materials and biological systems.
Dipanjan Basu
Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- $2,723,302
- Project title: Geothermal Energy and Energy Geo-storage Research Laboratory
Kaan Erkorkmaz
Professor, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
- $6,458,020
- Project title: Canadian Technology Accelerator for Digital Transformation of Manufacturing (CAN-DX)
Ian Goldberg
Professor, Cheriton School of Computer Science
- $800,000
- Project title: UPSCOPE: Understanding Privacy, Security, and Cryptography in Online and Physical Environments
Christopher Hudson and Elizabeth Irving
School of Optometry and Vision Science
- $2,362,150
- Project title: Canadian Vision Imaging Center (CVIC)
Hamid Jahed
Professor, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
- $8,123,420
- Project title: Canadian Alliance in Cold Spray Technology (CACST)
Nine Waterloo researchers have been named new or renewing Canada Research Chairs (CRC): (cycle 2022-2). The CRC program invests up to $311 million per year to attract and retain some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds. Chairholders aim to achieve research excellence in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences.
Talena Atfield
Canada Research Chair in Tentewatenikonhra'khánion (We Will Put Our Minds Together) *New
Andrew Bauer
Canada Research Chair in Taxation, Governance and Risk *Renewed
Zahid Butt
Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Research for Pandemic Preparedness *New
Kaylena Ehgoetz Martens
Canada Research Chair in Gait and Neurodegeneration *New
Chris Eliasmith
Canada Research Chair in Theoretical Neuroscience *Renewed
Laura Hug
Canada Research Chair in Environmental Microbiology *Renewed
Aukosh Jagannath
Canada Research Chair in Mathematical Foundations of Data Science *New
Luis Ricardez-Sandoval
Canada Research Chair in Multiscale Modelling and Process Systems *Renewed
Ruodu Wang
Canada Research Chair in Quantitative Risk Management *New
Two Waterloo researchers will receive additional funding under the CFI John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). The John R. Evans Leaders Fund helps institutions attract and retain researchers and provides support for the Canada Research Chairs program.
Kaylena Ehgoetz Martens
Assistant Professor, Kinesiology
- $100,000
- Project title: Can Gait Identify and Predict Brain Health?
Ruodu Wang
Professor, Statistics and Actuarial Science
- $80,000
- Project title: Quantitative Risk Management Lab
