Friday, February 14, 2025

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• Balsillie Case Studies unpack the intersection and challenges of tech-governance across sectors
• Learn how to leverage Generative AI chatbots in public health communications

• Science research video series is gone in 60 seconds

• Family Day, Reading Week and other notes

Balsillie Case Studies unpack the intersection and challenges of tech-governance across sectors

A message from the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA).

The Balsillie School of International Affairs has launched the Balsillie Case Studies, a repository of evidence-based true stories of technology-related governance dilemma across various sectors globally.

The Balsillie Case Studies is a unique platform for University of Waterloo faculty members, researchers, graduate and PhD students to avail as well as publish case studies on timely and relevant topics of intersection between technology and all other disciplines.

The Balsillie Case Studies are part of the Technology Governance Initiative, introduced by the Balsillie School of International Affairs, an equal collaboration among the  Centre for International Governance Innovation, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.

Read more about the Balsillie Case Studies initiative.

Learn how to leverage Generative AI chatbots in public health communications

A message from the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology (CBB).

Join CBB and the School of Public Health Sciences for an online lecture, "Leveraging Generative AI Chatbots In Public Health Communication," by Dr. Steven Rebellato, Adjunct Professor at the University of Waterloo and VP of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

 On Friday, February 28, from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., Dr. Rebellato will discuss how generative AI chatbots are enhancing public health by improving accessibility, efficiency, and service delivery. He will also share insights from a chatbot used by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

The lecture will cover:

1. Evaluating AI chatbot performance and user experience.
2. Challenges like misinformation, privacy, and data integrity.
3. AI’s role in promoting equity and health care access.

 Visit our website to register: Leveraging Generative AI Chatbots in Public Health Communication.

Science research video series is gone in 60 seconds

Research in 60 is a brand-new video series from the Faculty of Science, designed to showcase groundbreaking research by our faculty members — all in 60 seconds or less.

First up is Dr. Natoya Peart, an assistant professor in the Biology department. In the Peart Lab, researchers dive into mRNA processing to uncover how it shapes epithelial cells - key players in tissue development and disease. 

Science promises more bite-sized science stories featuring Waterloo researchers. But blink and you'll miss 'em.

Family Day, Reading Week and other notes

It's hard to believe, but it's that time of year already - the Family Day long weekend is upon us, as is Reading Week. Here are some operational updates to be aware of:

Athletics and Recreation facilities, including the PAC and CIF, will both be closed on Sunday, February 16, and the PAC will be open Monday, February 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon while the CIF is closed. Check out the Facility Hours website for more information.

Dana Porter and the Davis Centre Library branches will be open from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17 and will be open during Reading Week. Visit the Library’s Opening Hours page for more details.

Most Food Services operations will be closed on Monday, including Brubakers Food Court, Starbucks STC, Tim Hortons DC, Tim Hortons SLC, Browser’s Café, CEIT Café, Ev3rgreen Café, Jugo Juice-CIF, Jugo Juice-SLC, Liquid Assets Café, ML’s Diner, Rolltation HLTH, South Side Marketplace, Starbucks – HLTH, Tim Hortons – ML, Tim Hortons-EC5, and Tim Hortons-SCH.

Some of these closures extend across Reading Week in general, but there are a few operations remaining open next week, including food outlets at Brubakers from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, The Market at UWP from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tim Hortons – SLC from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Mudie’s in V1 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Check out the Locations and Hours page for more details.

Help shape the future of menstrual equity at UWaterloo: "Your feedback matters!" says a note from Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-R). "Complete this form to help us improve future offerings of the Menstrual Equity Project at UWaterloo."

This initiative is a collaboration between the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) and Plant Operations, and made possible by the sustained advocacy of the Women’s Centre. As part of the initiative, the University has:

• equipped over 70 gendered and all-gender washrooms across campus with free menstrual products; and
• raised awareness about the importance of equitable access to menstrual products and its role in supporting inclusion. 

"Your input on this initiative will inform future offerings and improvements. Complete the form today!"

Information Systems & Technology (IST) has published the latest Atlassian Blog Series post entitled Coming soon - Maintain approval history when bypassing approvals.

Have a great long weekend and Reading Week, everyone.