Message from the Dean
The theme of this report – a magnet for talent – captures perfectly the strength of Waterloo Science.
The Faculty of Science is the research powerhouse of the university, bringing in more than 30 per cent of Waterloo’s total research income – the highest among all faculties.
But to attract and retain the very best researchers and students, we must provide the physical space for intellectual engagement.
The new $160-million Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre will be the most complex science building on campus to date. It is home to not one, but two areas of science and engineering – quantum information technology and nanotechnology.
While we celebrate this exciting opportunity, the need for new space specifically for our faculty is critical. The average age of our science buildings is 40 years. Classes are overcrowded and not always held in our faculty buildings due to space constraints. Research equipment for students is outdated. Additionally, there is no room for students to have their own life, lounge, and study space.
To address this key need, we are moving ahead with fundraising and plans for a new science building. Our Science Learning Centre will feature undergraduate classrooms and labs, student services offices, and a student lounge area, allowing Waterloo Science to be a leader in student-centred education.
It is an exciting and transformative time for the University of Waterloo. I hope you enjoy these compelling stories about our researchers, students, and alumni who are making the future right here in the Faculty of Science.
