Thursday, May 25, 2023

New inclusive research resource available to researchers

A message from the Office of Research.

A new online hub of training materials, guidelines and resources related to equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenous research excellence is now available to the University of Waterloo community.

The Inclusive Research Resource Hub is a searchable document repository to support researchers in gaining skills and knowledge to implement equitable and inclusive practices in their research design and team leadership. The new online resource is available to all Waterloo faculty, students and staff by using a WatIAM log in and includes a summary of each document in the repository as well as searchable document tags (e.g., assessment, training, mentorship, research design, inclusive research teams, learning opportunities, Indigenous research, Tri-agency documents, etc.). Researchers are encouraged to explore the Hub regularly as resources will be added from a variety of sources on an on-going basis.

The Hub is a resource that will support the work of Waterloo researchers in addition to the Inclusive Research Team members in the Office of the Vice-President, Research and International (OVPRI) who are available to support research through individual consultations. The creation of the Inclusive Research Team in the OVPRI reflects the ongoing commitment in support of these efforts. This team drives the work found within the 2022-2025 Inclusive Research Implementation Strategy and works to advance the vision of embedding equity, diversity and inclusivity across the research enterprise.

If you have questions, suggestions or feedback about the Hub or the Inclusive Research Implementation Strategy, please reach out to the Inclusive Research Team at research.equity@uwaterloo.ca.

Prince Hussain Aga Khan visits Waterloo

This is an excerpt of an artlcle originally published on Waterloo News.

The University of Waterloo welcomed Prince Hussain Aga Khan and Princess Fareen Aga Khan to campus. Prince Hussain visited Waterloo for a special presentation of his exhibition, The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty, which focuses on the beauty and majesty of the oceans and the critical importance of ocean ecology.

An esteemed conservationist, Prince Hussain is a photographer of ocean life and promotes ecological values and consciousness. His exhibitions aim to inspire admiration for wildlife and the desire to protect it.

“The goal of my work in conservation photography is to raise awareness, educate and inspire change,” Prince Hussain said. “Generally, people don’t protect things they don’t care about. In the words of Baba Dioum, ‘In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. And we will understand only what we are taught.’”

Dignitaries from the University of Waterloo and government officials attended the event, including Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

Following the presentation, Prince Hussain and Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, engaged in an on-stage conversation centred on Prince Hussain’s lifelong passion for wildlife and efforts to help protect marine ecosystems through his not-for-profit organization, Focused on Nature.

“For close to 50 years, the Aga Khan Development Network and the Aga Khan University have fostered partnerships with post-secondary institutions in Canada, including the University of Waterloo,” Goel said.

“These partnerships are based on shared values and approaches to sustainable development that includes building economic, social and cultural capacity around the world. One important way that we can build this capacity is by events like today, where we can discuss important issues such as biodiversity and sustainability,” Goel continued.

Read the rest of the article on Waterloo News.

Go Live with Larry Smith on May 29

By William Muir.

“So, what’s wrong with coming to the University of Waterloo and acquiring marketable skills?” asks the highly esteemed/straight shooting professor of economics Larry Smith, known for his profound impact on both his students and the field of economics. “If that’s your primary career objective, it is well...wrong!” he opines.

With his exceptional expertise and extremely engaging teaching style, Larry Smith has garnered a reputation as a captivating educator who is able to demystify complex economic concepts and make them accessible to all.

His lectures are renowned for their intellectual rigour, clarity, and ability to provoke critical thinking through a rousing style that is second-to-none. Smith's ability to connect theory with real-world examples not only enriches the learning experience but also fosters a practical understanding of economic principles.

Beyond the classroom, Smith has made significant contributions to economic research, particularly in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology's impact on the economy. His publications and TED talks have earned him recognition and respect within the academic community, further solidifying his status as an influential figure in economics.

Despite his impressive achievements, Larry Smith remains approachable, and he is ready to talk to you on May 29! Join us in Arts Lecture Hall – AL113 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to experience Smith’s unwavering passion for economics firsthand for a special live taping which will be recorded and shared. This event is free to attend but registration is required. Refreshments will be provided. Check out the Velocity website for more information.

Library launches "From Sangerfest to Oktoberfest, from polka to punk: A (short) history of music in Waterloo"

A message from the Library.

Drop by the first floor of Dana Porter Library today (Thursday, May 25) between 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. to see the latest exhibit from Special Collections & Archives, “From Sangerfest to Oktoberfest, from polka to punk: A (short) history of music in Waterloo,” showcasing music in Waterloo Region, both on and off campus. This exhibit was created to compliment the documentary Rock This Town, produced by Waterloo alumna Betty Anne Keller (BA ’69), screening Friday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m. during Alumni Weekend. 

More information about the launch is available on the Library’s website.