The Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology is a catalyst for advancing bioengineering and biotechnology research and innovation through industry collaborations and partnerships.
More than 150 faculty members, from every faculty on campus, are actively engaged with the centre, working in collaboration to provide a resource of varying expertise.
Our mandate is to build healthy, active partnerships between centre researchers and corporate members through collaborative projects, mutual interest building, and networking events.
To learn more about partnerships, please email us.
Vision:
The Centre for Bioengineering & Biotechnology (CBB) enables interdisciplinary research across the university to address global challenges in human health and help translate those research results rapidly into practice, policy and impactful health outcomes. Achieving this vision will help the University of Waterloo to cement an international reputation at the interface of technology and human health.
Mission:
To achieve this vision, CBB's mission is to:
- Enable knowledge translation and support of the interdisciplinary research community through seminars, networking opportunities, and support of student groups
- Be a conduit to Waterloo's ecosystem of unique health related R&D and clinical resources
- Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders in technology, human, animal and environmental health and practice including industry, hospitals, community, and international bodies
- Provide Project Coordination/Management for large/inter-institutional projects
Join us:
To become a member of CBB, you can start by filling out a quick survey. We will then be in touch to discuss further.
News
Congratulations to Arya Amiri as he joins the Vanier scholars
Arya Amiri, a PhD student at the University of Waterloo's department of Systems Design Engineering, and a trainee in the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology's Training in Global Biomedical Technology Research and Innovation program, has been awarded a prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for 2023.
Waterloo PhD student teaches individuals how to build their own low-cost and efficient air purifier.
Ryan Tennant, a PhD student from the Department of Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo, hosted a hands-on workshop for staff and students on August 27, 2023, where participants learned how to build their own affordable air purifier with performance comparable to commercial models.
Canada Biomedical Research Fund and Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (CBRF-BRIF)
Waterloo has the opportunity to apply for the Canada Biomedical Research Fund and Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (CBRF-BRIF). Expressions of Intent are being organized via the Strategic Health Initiatives office.
Information Session: Thursday March 30th, 2023 12 - 1 p.m. via Teams - contact Grace Gomashie at ggomashie@uwaterloo.ca
Events
IP101 & Commercialization Lecture
Abstract
This session covers the basics of Intellectual Property (IP) protection with a focus on patents.
You’ll learn about the different types of IP protection available and some of the most common pitfalls to avoid. Learn about the resources available to you at the University of Waterloo, including the Waterloo Commercialization Office (WatCo). Hear how IP is used to commercialize technology through licensing or start-up creation. Included is a brief discussion on “Are You an Inventor?", this highlights some key points for consideration as this issue has come up when there may be a misunderstanding between Faculty and Grad Students.” Also included are some helpful tips for those interested in creating a Start-Up.
Profs Present - The social neuroscience of eating: Why it matters for you and your patients
Abstract
Eating is part of everyday life and takes on special significance for all of us at one point or another. Nearly all cultural activities take place in the presence of foods, many with an emphasis on accentuated flavour, colour, and texture. Celebration of life through food is common around the world, and this is a hint as to the special significance of food in our lives. But what makes food desirable, and worthy of expressing joy and celebration? Does any of this matter for patients in healthcare settings? In this talk I will explore the special significance of food in cultures around the world, and the role that the brain plays in rendering food worthy of special significance. This will be a different take on food and eating than would be prescribed by a conventional focus on health promotion; however, the key to addressing the need for flavour and the relationship between flavour and other sensory dimensions of foods will be explored as critical to promoting healthy diets. Brain networks involved in restraint, indulgence and decision-making will be given special consideration, and we will review some findings from the neuroimaging and brain stimulation literature. Importantly, our coverage of the topic of eating will be framed by the evolutionarily ancient roots of the drive toward calorie maximization present in nearly all heterotrophic organisms, including herbivores and carnivores, but especially omnivores (e.g., humans). We will conclude with a discussion of why understanding these dynamics are critical to consider when tailoring menu options and dietary prescriptions for patients, and why we should consider the relationship between brain health and eating as being a reciprocal one.
Clinical Council Launch Event
Join us for our Clinical Council launch event on March 27, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. to learn who is on the inaugural Clinical Council, hear their perspectives on future opportunities for improving the healthcare system, learn about the application process for dedicated time to engage with clinicians, and additional opportunities to interact with the Clinical Council.
Registration is limited, so please apply early. If you are unable to attend, information about the Clinical Council and additional opportunities to engage with the Clinical Council can be found on our website.