Two professors in the Faculty of Mathematics appointed University Research Chairs

Monday, May 17, 2021

Congratulations to Professors Bin Ma and Sue Ann Campbell on their appointments as University Research Chairs at the University of Waterloo. Both researchers are highly distinguished and have made significant, valuable contributions in their respective fields.

Ma’s research is focused on bioinformatics, in which he has developed novel computer algorithms and software to conduct biological and biomedical research. His nominator for the designation of Research Chair was Raouf Boutaba, director of the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, who wrote, “With over 140 publications, Prof. Ma’s research works have profoundly influenced both the fields of genomics and proteomics in bioinformatics.” Ma’s groundbreaking work has produced a variety of pivotal, innovative technologies and paved the way for other researchers, with more than 20,100 citations according to Google Scholar.


Campbell’s research centres around constructing and analyzing mathematical models for biological systems. She is “very clearly one of the leading figures in the field of applied dynamical systems and analysis,” stated her nominator Siv Sivaloganathan, chair of the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. “She is a true scientist and applied mathematician with great insight and tenacity, who is interested in many applications.” Campbell is an active and well-known researcher in her field, regularly sought out to speak at mathematical biology meetings and conferences and valued for her expertise as Associate Editor and editorial board member for a multitude of prestigious academic journals.

The University of Waterloo is delighted to grant these world-class researchers seven-year terms as University Research Chairs to recognize their exceptional achievement and pre-eminence in their areas of work. The appointees can choose to receive a teaching reduction of one course per year or an annual stipend.