Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Waterloo mourns the loss of Raymond Laflamme
By Kayleigh Platz.
Dr. Raymond Laflamme, a trailblazer in quantum information processing and pioneer of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, died on June 19 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
A legacy of quantum research excellence
Originally from Québec City, Canada, where he studied Physics as an undergraduate at the Université Laval, his curious mind led him to England. At Cambridge University, Laflamme earned his PhD under the supervision of Stephen Hawking and then moved to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where his interests shifted from cosmology to quantum computing.
Dr. Ray Laflamme receives a boomerang from Dr. Stephen Hawking during the latter’s tour of the Institute for Quantum Computing in 2010.
In 2001, he was attracted back to Canada where he joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo, and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He served as the founding executive director of IQC from 2002 to 2017. Through his leadership, IQC became a world-class research hub, positioning Canada at the forefront of the quantum revolution.
In his scientific research, Laflamme pioneered theoretical and experimental approaches to quantum information processing and quantum error correction. Laflamme and colleagues developed an innovative approach to quantum information processing using linear optics, the results of which became one of the most referenced works in quantum computing. He devised and implemented new methods to make quantum information robust against corruption in both cryptographic and computational settings. Laflamme coauthored two textbooks on quantum computing: Building Quantum Computers: A Practical Introduction and An Introduction to Quantum Computing.
Laflamme received many national and international awards in recognition of his remarkable scientific accomplishments and leadership. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada and was awarded the Canadian Association of Physicists CAP-CRM Prize in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics. He received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, was recognized in the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s inaugural Top 50 Discoveries list for 2006, received a Premier Research Award from the Government of Ontario, and held a Canada Research Chair from 2002 to 2023. Laflamme was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a Fellow of the American Physical Society, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He held the inaugural Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis “John von Neumann” Chair in Quantum Information.
Building IQC and Canada’s quantum strategy
Laflamme played a pivotal role in building Canada’s global reputation in quantum information science and technology. In his 15 years as executive director, IQC grew from an idea to a world-leading centre for multidisciplinary research and attracted $530 million in funding to realize this vision, including generous donations from Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis. Today, IQC has 30 faculty members, and a community of over 300 researchers, making IQC and the University of Waterloo one of the largest centres for quantum research in the world.
Laflamme’s impact in quantum technology extended beyond the University of Waterloo. Laflamme was named co-lead of the National Quantum Strategy Advisory Council, was the scientific director of QuantumWorks, led the Quantum Information Processing program at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and the NSERC-funded QuantumWorks.
In 2020, Laflamme and his wife established the Raymond Laflamme and Janice Gregson Graduate Scholarship for Women in Quantum Information Science, awarded annually to recognize top women entering Waterloo’s quantum graduate programs.
Research driven by community and curiosity
Throughout his career, he found ways to bring people together. This was accomplished on an international scale by leading networks and organizing conferences, and within the local community through pick-up hockey games and sharing his insights generously with students and colleagues. In 2023, his former students and postdoctoral fellows held a conference in his honour.
Laflamme had an adventurous spirit and a light-hearted sense of humour. His curiosity about the world never dimmed. When he was diagnosed with lung cancer, he turned something tragic into a new research avenue. He started a project with researchers at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener to investigate quantum technologies for cancer research and treatment.
The IQC, Science and Waterloo community has lost a leader, teacher, mentor, and friend. We offer our deepest condolences to Laflamme’s family.
Solar Power Studio: a tripartite event will light up campus
A message from the Faculty of Arts
This week, the Critical Media Lab (CML) presents a trio of interdisciplinary, community-building events to mark the lightest days of the year. Help inaugurate the CML’s new location in ECH 1205 and learn about its pivot toward “ecomedia” - critical issues in technology and the environment.
These events are open to students, faculty, and staff in all disciplines. Please register via links below.
An Energy History and Future of Big/Little Tech - June 24, 4:00 p.m.
Join this Critical Tech Talk Pop-Up event to hear Dr. Anne Pasek, CRC in Media, Culture and the Environment at Trent University, on two trajectories for computing in North America. The first, how energy efficiency has been both a driving economic force of our digital present and an insufficient means to mitigate its rapidly growing environmental impacts. The second, how energy constraints are producing an alternative and dissonant path. Thinking about these trajectories together, the talk will outline a politics and practice of digital energetics.
Solar Futures Hands-On Workshop - June 25, 4:00 p.m.
In this workshop co-directed by Drs. Anne Pasek, Marcel O’Gorman (English), and Adan Jarrett-Poole (Communication Arts), participants will work in groups to build a small solar power station and write/design a future worldbuilding scenario for its deployment.
Visualizing the EV3 Solar Panels - June 26, 9:00 a.m.
Dr. Ian Rowlands (School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability) will talk about the deployment of solar panels on the top of Waterloo’s EV3 building within the context of solar energy policy and use in Ontario more broadly. A guided tour around EV3’s atrium will follow and – weather-permitting – its exterior and roof for an up-close look at the building’s solar panels.
This week, help shape a more inclusive, connected UWaterloo campus
By Sam Toman.
The University of Waterloo is developing a new Campus Plan to guide how our physical spaces evolve in support of our mission, sustainability goals, and community needs.
Join us tomorrow (Wednesday, June 25) between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre multipurpose room for a drop-in Open House. This is your chance to explore draft concepts, ask questions, and share your input on the future of campus.
The event features interactive displays, early ideas shaped by community feedback, and the opportunity to speak directly with the planning team from Brook McIlroy, the prime consultant leading the project.
As we mark National Indigenous History Month, it’s especially important to highlight the role of Brook McIlroy’s Indigenous Design Studio in shaping spaces that support ceremony, cultural practice, and community connection on campus. Their work includes the Indigenous Relations office suite, Longhouse Labs, the Indigenous Outdoor Gathering Space on the BMH Green, and Waterloo’s ongoing Indigenous wayfinding and residence projects.
These are visible, lasting contributions that reflect not just intention, but action—helping build a more inclusive and welcoming campus for all.
No registration is required. Just drop in.
Find out more about the event.
Plant Operations works to keep the hot side hot and the cool side cool
A message from Plant Operations.
With unusually high temperatures expected on Monday and Tuesday, we want to share that our facilities team is closely monitoring our cooling systems. The team will make any necessary adjustments to address the safety and comfort of everyone on campus during this period.
As part of this effort, we may need to prioritize critical infrastructure by diverting cooling to essential areas of campus. To help reduce the cooling demand, we ask for your cooperation by following these energy-saving measures:
- Keep blinds or curtains closed in offices and study areas to block direct sunlight
- Turn lights off where natural light is sufficient
- Avoid charging electronic devices (such as phones, tablets, etc.) unless necessary
- Turn off computers and any electronic equipment when not in use
Our collective effort to reduce the energy load on our system will make a difference in maintaining a comfortable environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Free Pride Cookie giveaway tomorrow and other notes
"Get ready for a sweet surprise!" says a cheerful note from Print + Retail Solutions. "On June 24, the first 75 shoppers at W Store in South Campus Hall and 25 shoppers at MC will receive a free pride cookie, freshly baked by UW Food Services Bakery. No minimum spend required—just make a purchase of any kind in-store and you’ll be treated to this colourful, delicious cookie while supplies last! Limit one per customer."
Information Systems & Technology (IST) has published the latest in the Atlassian blog series entitled How to Create and Collaborate in Real-Time with Confluence Live Docs.
Upcoming office closure
The Write Spot and the WCC offices will be closed on Tuesday, June 24, due to temperature issues in South Campus Hall (SCH). All appointments will be held online. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at wcc@uwaterloo.ca.
Link of the day
40 years ago: the Air India bombing
When and where
The Campus Wellness Student Medical Clinic offers healthcare visits with Physicians and Nurse Practitioners to current undergraduate and graduate students. Services include: vaccinations, immunity testing, naturopathic services and more. Counselling Services offers appointments with counsellors in person as well as via phone and video. Students can book appointments for these services by calling Campus Wellness at 519-888-4096.
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. Covid booster shorts are available by appointment only – please call ext. 33784 or 519-746-4500. The Student Health Pharmacy’s summer hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Naloxone kits are still available – pick them up in the pharmacy at no charge.
National Research Council - UWaterloo Engagement Day, Monday, June 23, 12:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EC5 1111.
Engineering the Future: design, build & maintain your workforce, Tuesday, June 24, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
Engineering Graduate Studies Fair, Tuesday, June 24, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Engineering 7 2nd floor event space.
NEW - Shad Waterloo 2025 Open Day Exhibits, Tuesday, June 24, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University Great Hall.
IBPOC Student Writing Cafés, Tuesday, June 24, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., SCH 228F.
Critical Tech Talk Pop-Up: An Energy History and Future of Big/Little Tech, Tuesday, June 24, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., ECH 1205.
Solar Futures Hands-On Workshop, Wednesday, June 25, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., ECH 1205.
Campus Plan drop-in open house, Wednesday, June 25, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., SLC multipurpose room.
In-person Grad Writing Cafés, Wednesday, June 25, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., SLC 3216.
WICI workshop: The Futures We Can Build: Coordinating Complexity Across Canada with Dr. Rik Logtenberg, Thursday, June 26, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., United College, Room 164 (GreenHouse)
Visualizing the EV3 Solar Panels, Thursday, June 26, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., EV3 3412.
NEW - Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research Symposium, Thursday, June 26, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., QNC 1501.
Spring 2025 Joint University of Waterloo–St. Jerome’s University Legal Studies Seminar: The Lost Unity of Social Life: Law and Literature in the World-System, Thursday, June 26, 1:00 p.m. on Zoom.
The future of care starts before you're sick: How a WRHN team is changing the game in heart health, Friday, June 27, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
WICI workshop: Meta-Relational AI in a Time of Saturation, Destabilization, and Reckoning with Dr. Vanessa Andreotti, Friday, June 27, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., United College of University of Waterloo, Room 164 (GreenHouse)
Shaping future housing policies: Behavioural trends and sustainability insights for a “sufficient” built environment with Dr. Mahsa Bagheri, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI, Friday, June 27, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EV1-353.
Glow at the Toronto Pride Parade, Sunday, June 29.
University holiday, Monday, June 30, most operations and businesses closed.
Canada Day, Tuesday, July 1, most operations and businesses closed.
In-person Grad Writing Cafés, Wednesday, July 2, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., SLC 3216.
BioBlitz 2025 Community Fair, Monday, July 7, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., SLC Multipurpose Room.
BioBlitz 2025 Guided Walks, Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11.
BioBlitz 2025 Independent identification, Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11.
IBPOC Student Writing Cafés, Tuesday, July 8, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., SCH 228F.
PhD oral defences
Applied Mathematics. Adam Teixidó-Bonfill, "Harvesting entanglement from quantum fields: from theory to proposed superconducting implementations." Supervisor, Dr. Eduardo Martín-Martínez. Thesis available from MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Monday, July 7, 1:00 p.m., QNC 2101.
School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. Jessica Kidd, “A Cumulative Effects Assessment approach to improving decision-making for freshwater resource protection and restoration”.Supervisor, Dr. Simon Courtenay. Available upon request from the Faculty of Environment, Administrator, Graduate Studies. Oral defence Monday, July 14, 11:00 a.m.
School of Planning. Emma McDougall, “Are We on the Same Track? Using Lived Experiences to Understand the Complex Impacts of New Transportation Investment”. Supervisor, Dr. Brian Doucet. Available upon request from the Faculty of Environment, Administrator, Graduate Studies. Oral defence Monday, July 14, 1:30 p.m.
English Language and Literature. Mahnoor Bano, "Patriarchy, Power and Protest: Women’s Agency in South Asian and African Literature." Supervisor, Dr. Heather Smyth. Available upon request from the Faculty of Arts, Graduate Studies and Research Officer. Oral defence Wednesday, July 16, 9:00 a.m., PAS 2464 and hybrid.
Civil and Environmental Engineering. Matt Sparks, "Health and economic benefits of reducing air pollution exposure through adaptation and mitigation under a changing climate." Supervisor, Dr. Rebecca Saari. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Wednesday, July 16, 9:00 a.m., E2 2350.
School of Public Health Sciences, Amanda Nova, "An Exploration of Quality-of-Life and Indicators in Long-Term Care Homes." Supervisors John Hirdes and Anja Declercq. Available upon request by email from Health Graduate Administration. Oral defence Monday, July 21, 9:00 a.m., remote.
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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Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology (PAS) building southeast corner exterior stair closure, Friday, June 20 to Friday, July 18, exterior stair to the 2nd floor podium/seating area will be closed for the duration of the shutdown, pedestrian access will be directed around the construction activity.
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Modern Languages washroom closure, Saturday, June 21 to Friday, August 1, washrooms ML-112 and ML-118 will be temporarily closed for upgrades, please use the nearest available washrooms located at ML-251 and ML-252.
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MC second floor closure (NE Corner: Loading Dock 2039, Corridor 2078, 2097), Monday, June 23 to July 28 (approximately)
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Quantum Nano Centre, Biology 1 and 2, Health Services, Science Teaching Complex fire alarm testing, Monday, June 23, between 6:30 and 8:15 a.m.
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Dana Porter Library, Needles Hall, Biology 1, Earth Science Chemistry, Biology 2, Science Teaching Complex, Modern Languages steam shutdown, Tuesday, June 24, from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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School of Pharmacy repairs to cooling system, Tuesday, June 24 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no cooling available throughout the building during the repair window.
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Bright Starts daycare, Toby Jenkins Building, Optometry, Columbia Ice Field fire alarm testing, Wednesday, June 25, between 6:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.
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UWP - Waterloo South, Woolwich South, Beck Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, June 25, between 1:00 and 2:30 p.m.
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Hagey Hall (original building) steam shutdown, Thursday, June 26 and Monday, June 30 from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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East Campus Hall, Engineering 5, 6, 7 fire alarm testing, Friday, June 27, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Tunnels below B1 pest control treatment, Friday, June 27, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., no access to this area for the day.
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Hagey Hall addition steam shutdown, Wednesday, July 2, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during this time there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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E2 (building 002, classroom wing) steam shutdown, Monday, July 7, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during this time there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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E2 (building 002, library wing) steam shutdown, Tuesday, July 8, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during this time there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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E2 (building 002, office wing only) steam shutdown, Wednesday, July 9, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., steam will be shut down to accommodate a meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.