Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Introducing the 2025 Global Futures: Innovation Update

A message from Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor.
Humanity is in a transformational period in history resulting in challenges that have never before been faced. Bold and curious pioneers are needed to find solutions that are acceptable, workable and scalable. Those who are willing to think differently, ask questions and challenge the status quo.
I have seen this bold spirit of curiosity at Waterloo, and it propels students, alumni and researchers to be the leaders and problem-solvers we need for our global future. They act with purpose to collaborate on innovative and sustainable solutions for humans and the planet.
I’m inspired by Waterloo’s unconventional students like Sarah Odinotski and Jack deGooyer who are pushing the boundaries of technology to advance what’s possible in health diagnostics. Imagine a camera that doesn’t miss anything, one sensitive enough to detect individual photons of light. It’s a future being built here at Waterloo. These Vanier Scholars are combining their different fields of study in nanotechnology and biomedical imaging to design a quantum camera that can accurately and quickly detect cancerous cells.
This collaborative approach to tackling real-world challenges is where discoveries are born. In the intersections between our global futures, Waterloo is thinking differently and working across disciplines to transform societies, health, economies, technologies and the environment. It’s through interdisciplinary collaboration that research and innovation thrive.
As we think about big challenges, like scaling electric vehicles for impact, solutions lie within transforming current technologies, society and the economy. It’s a challenge that Dr. Linda Nazar from the Faculty of Science and Dr. Michale Pope from the Faculty of Engineering are working together to solve at Waterloo’s new Ontario Battery and Electrochemistry Research Centre. Not only are they developing sustainable lithium battery alternatives, but they’re also working to train the next generation of talent equipped to support this growing industry.
Waterloo was founded alongside business and community members to solve the most pressing local and global challenges of the time. I am filled with hope and pride that this tradition continues to attract and nurture a curious community of innovators working together to uncover solutions for the future.
Inside this publication, you will find more examples of Waterloo faculty, staff, students and alumni developing solutions for our global futures. I invite you to read and share these inspiring stories of our Waterloo community, who are shaping the world.
Meet some of the innovators shaping our Global Futures
Exploring the tensions in freedom of expression

By Megan McGarry.
The Antagonism and Intimidation in Academia Speaker Series is back this year with new panel discussions that explore different perspectives on contested issues. The first event, Freedom of Expression and Inclusive Engagement, was delivered to an online and in-person audience.
From protests to encampments, 2024 was a noteworthy year for the issue of freedom of expression. In November, Waterloo’s Freedom of Expression and Respectful Engagement Task Force was created to review existing institutional policies and practices relating to freedom of expression. In June, the group released a report with principles and recommendations to guide actions on campus.
In the spirit of academic discourse and its exploratory approach to complex issues, this event sought to elucidate the tension between freedom of expression and protection from harm, and the antagonisms inherent in drawing expressive limits. Dr. Emmett Macfarlane, who was the moderator for the discussion, introduced panelists Dr. Dax D’Orazio and Dr. Laura Mae Lindo. Dr. Lindo contextualized the land acknowledgement, emphasizing that “it’s important to do the work of understanding how this impacts the conversation we’re about to have. Reconciliation efforts are incomplete without truth, and we can’t create a compassionate community without a willingness to look at the truth.”
Lindo’s work is characterized by a commitment to love: an ethic that was apparent as she spoke of freedom of expression and how reasonable care must be taken to avoid conduct that poses harm to others. “Since ‘reasonable’ could be seen as a subjective term,” said Lindo, “the onus is largely with leaders to at least create the climate that this care should be well nurtured. To do this work honestly, the debate about freedom of expression must happen alongside a conversation about this duty of care.”
Dr. D’Orazio began his talk with a provocative question: “is it possible to have a principled approach to freedom of expression?” D’Orazio highlighted that the last year has seen some of the most intense campus protests since the 1960s in North America, arguably making it the most significant test for freedom of expression since then. “The real challenge lies in drawing a clear line between reasonable expression and hate speech — a task universities face with increasing discomfort,” D’Orazio said. “The bar is so high on hate crimes that so much is dismissed under freedom of expression.”
In response to an audience question about self-censorship, D’Orazio highlighted why the case of Israel-Palestine is instructive: “I haven’t visited a single university campus where someone isn’t petrified of talking about the topic, no matter how they feel.” To close, Lindo urged that we do not rely too heavily on old policies, but instead look at historic ways they’ve been applied, and scrutinize how they’re being used in the moment.
Across various topics, the Speaker Series continues to promote critical, respectful dialogue while our world grows increasingly polarized. It endeavours to strengthen our ability to hear and hold opposing ideas and opinions, and as Dr. Lindo so aptly put it, be willing to look at truth from all sides with compassion and care.
The next event in the series, Surveillance, Privacy, and Algorithmic Power in the Workplace, will take place on Thursday, February 27. Register today.
Love Data Week is coming

A message from the Library.
Love Data Week is an international celebration of data that takes place every year during the week of Valentine’s Day, this year from February 10 to 14. The aim of this week is to celebrate data in all its forms, promote good research data management strategies, share data success and horror stories, and ask hard questions about the role of data in our lives. This year’s theme is “Whose data is it, anyway?” asking us to consider who owns data compared to who uses data.
The Libraries are celebrating all things data with a series of online events on topics such as Indigenous data sovereignty, navigating data collected from online forums, and how to make your own Spotify Wrapped!
Register now by going to the Libraries’ website.
Welcoming the Year of the Snake and other notes

Today, the University of Waterloo joins people around the world in celebrating the Year of the Snake on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar.
Traditional observances take place over 15 days of celebration, ending with the Lantern Festival.
The night of the Lunar New Year is one of the four times of the year that the City of Waterloo sanctions fireworks displays on private property, alongside Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Diwali.

How low can you go? The Noon Hour Concert Series at Conrad Grebel University College continues today with Low Pair. The concert features Cathy Anderson on cello and Ian Whitman on double bass, who will be performing pieces specifically composed for this combination of instruments.
The concert takes place, appropriately enough, at 12 noon in the Conrad Grebel chapel. Admission is free.
Fentanyl: a harm reduction forum will go ahead from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon today in EC5's Enterprise Theatre (Room 1111) and online via Zoom. The panel discussion promises to be a collaborative conversation to spotlight the severe risks associated with fentanyl: a highly potent synthetic opioid.
"The event will feature a panel of experts from the university, including those who have been personally impacted," say organizers. "The discussion on the growing opioid crisis across the Region of Waterloo will include dispelling myths and discussing harm reduction strategies to prevent or address overdose."
As part of the ongoing sustainable transportation plan consultation initiative, an Accessible transportation engagement session takes place today from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Life Centre's Black & Gold room. A nearby elevator is available.

Do you have an item that needs a small fix to get it working again? Don't toss it - instead, bring it to the 4Repair event going on tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in E7 1401.
Employers hosting Employer Information Sessions this week and next week include Dow Chemical, Indigenous Tech.ai, Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Make sure to register through WaterlooWorks and check the calendar for any updates.
Upcoming office closure
Sustainable Transportation will be closed Thursday, January 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for a staff meeting.
Link of the day
Keep an open mind: it's Freethinkers Day
When and where
The privately-run Student Health Pharmacy (located in the lower level of the Student Life Centre) is now offering new COVID booster shots and flu shots. Call for appointments to register for the vaccination at 519-746-4500 or dial extension 33784. Walk-ins are welcome.
Warriors Game Day Tickets. Purchase your single game tickets or season packages today to cheer on your Warriors this season. Tickets on sale now for Basketball, Football, Hockey and Volleyball. Check out the schedules and purchase today!
Join the Disability Affinity Program mailing list to receive meeting information for the Disability Community Network and the Accessibility Ally Network.
NEW - Consent Week W2025, Monday, January 27 to Friday, January 31.
Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) Introductory Seminar, Wednesday, January 29, 10:00 a.m., to 2:00 p.m., QNC 0101.
Research Impact Canada (RIC) Engaged Scholarship Award 2025 information session, Wednesday, January 29, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Register today.
Fentanyl: a harm reduction forum, Wednesday, January 29, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Enterprise Theatre, EC5 and online via Zoom.
Noon Hour Concert: Low Pair, Wednesday, January 29, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel Chapel. Free admission.
Transitional Justice and Human Rights: A Dialogue between Colombia and Canada, Wednesday, January 29, 12:20 p.m. to 2:20 p.m., Alumni Hall, United College.
Accessible transportation engagement session, Wednesday, January 29, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Student Life Centre, Black & Gold room (elevator available).
4Repair event, Wednesday, January 29, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., E7 1401. Bring your items for small fixes; we’re working toward a more sustainable world one repair at a time!
Yintah: Wet’suwet’en women leading the defence of dignity, territory and rights (documentary and conversation), Wednesday, January 29, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Alumni Hall, United College.
Warriors Basketball vs. Western, Wednesday, January 29, (W) 6:00 p.m., (M) 8:00 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Think Pink, Domino's 3s for Cheese, Residence Night, Three Point Thrills, Lou's Residence Cookie Giveaway. Buy your tickets today!
Sustainable Transportation Plan Open House, Thursday, January 30, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., SLC Marketplace.
University of Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice, “Adventures in Knowledge Mobilization for Global Impact: Examples from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project (the ITC Project),” with Dr. Geoffrey Fong, Thursday, January 30, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Contact Nadine Quehl to request a Teams invitation or for more information.
WIN and Electrical and Computer Engineering Seminar with Benoît Lessard and speaker Hany Aziz, "“Green” Electronics: from Sustainable Materials to Cannabinoid Sensors," Thursday, January 30, 11:30 a.m., QNC 1501.
Nanofellowship Competition 2025 submission deadline, Saturday, February 1, 11:59 p.m.
Home Routes folk concert: Hilary Hawke, Saturday, February 1, 7:00 p.m., Brubacher House, North Campus.
Warriors Basketball vs. Laurier, Saturday, February 1, (W) 6:00 p.m., (M) 8:00 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Battle of Waterloo, Unity in Motion, Mike Moser Game, Three Point Thrills. Buy your tickets today!
NEW - Health Innovation Challenge, Monday, February 3 to Friday, February 14.
Health Innovation Challenge kick off, Monday, February 3, 4:00 p.m. South Campus Hall cafeteria.
Master of Taxation, Virtual Information Session, Tuesday, February 4, 9:00 a.m.
Staff Association office hours, Tuesday, February 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., DC 3608.
NEW - Systematic and Scoping Review Series: Systematic and Scoping Review Methods, Tuesday, February 4, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., online via Teams.
How UW Works: An Active Learning Workshop, Tuesday, February 4, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in person.
NEW - GRADflix Showcase, Tuesday, February 4, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Federation Hall.
Friesen Prize Lecture: “The Past, Present and Future of Evidence Based Medicine” with Dr. Gordon Guyatt, Wednesday, February 5. Register for one or all of the panel discussion (11:00 a.m.), lecture (1:00 p.m.), and meet & greet (2:30 p.m.). Please register as space is limited.
NEW - Screening of Menopause Documentary - The (M) Factor, Wednesday, February 5, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., DC 1302.
NEW - Climate Conference 2025, join the Climate Institute and students from all faculties for keynote, Elder welcome, workshop, and community-building, Friday, February 7, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Federation Hall. Register today!
Positions available
On this week's list from the human resources department, viewable on the UWaterloo Talent Acquisition System (iCIMS):
There are no positions posted this week. Check back next week!
Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo opportunities
Visit the Affiliated and Federated Institutions current opportunities page
Upcoming service interruptions
Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes on the Plant Operations website. Upcoming service interruptions include:
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Optometry building heat shutdown, Saturday, January 25, February 1 and 2 from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., full building heat shutdown for HVAC equipment work. The Witer Learning Resource Centre, the pre-clinic and the simulation lab will be open on February 1 and 2 with electricity and water still available.
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RCH building domestic hot water shutdown, Wednesday, January 29, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., no hot water available while meters are installed.
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Needles Hall testing of fire alarms and strobes, Thursday, January 30 and Friday, January 31, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., horns and strobes will sound and flash several times between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. for one minute each time.
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Central Services Building domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, January 30, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and January 31 (backup day), no hot water available during meter installation.
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Needles Hall electrical shutdown, Sunday, February 2, 8:00 a.m. for four hours, normal power will be off, elevator will be off, emergency power will be on.
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Ring Road below the Pedestrian Bridge from Engineering 3 to Engineering 5 closure (one lane and sidewalk), Monday, February 3 to Friday, February 7, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, pedestrian traffic rerouted to Laurel Trail, detour signage will be posted.
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Psychology, Hagey Hall Humanities, Tatham Centre, Arts Lecture Hall fire alarm testing, Monday, February 3, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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NH Rooms 1101 - 1903 electrical shutdown, Monday, February 3, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., all receptacles, appliances, and some corridor lighting on 1st and 2nd floor will be without power for approximately one hour.
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Hagey Hall domestic hot water shutdown, Monday, February 3, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., no hot water during meter installation.
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East Campus 1, 2 and 3 fire alarm testing, Monday, February 3, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Needles Hall domestic hot water shutdown, Tuesday, February 4, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and February 5 (backup day) no hot water available during meter installation.
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Engineering 7 domestic hot water maintenance, Tuesday, February 4 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no domestic hot water available, domestic cold water will still be available in washrooms and kitchenettes.