Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Last chance to win $50: Campus Plan Survey ends tomorrow
By Sam Toman.
How should our campus evolve in the years ahead?
The University of Waterloo’s Campus Plan survey is your opportunity to shape how we use space to support learning, sustainability, accessibility, and connection.
This updated Phase 2 survey builds on ideas shared during earlier consultations and includes draft strategies for:
- A redesigned Ring Road Greenway
- Outdoor learning spaces and innovation hubs
- The proposed Two Row Path, linking land, water, and people
- Sustainable design features like rain gardens and green roofs
- Enhancements that support inclusion, mobility, and well-being
If you’ve already completed the earlier version (launched July 22), your responses have been recorded — no action needed. If not, now’s your chance.
The survey takes about 10 minutes, and all student and employee participants will be entered to win one of two $50 W Store gift cards.
The survey deadline is tomorrow, Thursday, August 8.
Let’s plan the future of campus — together.
Waterloo launches chair in physics of information and AI
New insight into the laws of nature and advances in quantum technology may soon be possible thanks to a transformational gift from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation.
With its first investment in a Canadian university, the prominent German foundation has established the Dieter Schwarz Chair in the Physics of Information and AI at the University of Waterloo, with an aim to accelerate research with exciting possibilities for industry and society.
The physics of information provides a bridge between quantum theory and advanced technologies, including quantum computing and communication. With the rise of artificial intelligence, the field has expanded to include machine learning and quantum algorithm design. Discoveries in this growing discipline promise to inspire innovation in areas ranging from medicine to materials science to cybersecurity.
Housed in the Faculty of Mathematics, the Dieter Schwarz Chair will be held by Dr. Achim Kempf, a professor of mathematical physics in the Department of Applied Mathematics at Waterloo. Kempf brings a wealth of experience to the role, including 10 years as Canada Research Chair in the Physics of Information. He is deeply embedded in the Waterloo research ecosystem as an associate member of the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute, and an associate member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He also chaired the International Society for Relativistic Quantum Information for six years and currently serves on its advisory board.
Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, and Dr. Reinhold Geilsdörfer, chief executive officer of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, at the gift announcement and signing ceremony.
“I’m honoured to take on this exciting new position with support from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation,” Kempf said. “The physics of information is likely the key to understanding machine learning — and, vice versa, machine learning is likely to be the key to bringing quantum technology to maturity. That synergy holds the potential to dramatically change our way of life. It’s a privilege to lead this research and build a global team of experts in the field.”
As the Dieter Schwarz Chair, Kempf will create a global research hub grounded in strong partnerships with the Bildungscampus in Heilbronn, Germany. Mobilizing knowledge between the two regions — and others worldwide — the chair will build an elite research team at Waterloo that will include a tenure-track professor and several top graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Dr. Achim Kempf, the new Dieter Schwarz Chair in the Physics of Information and AI, speaks at the gift announcement.
“We’re grateful to the Dieter Schwarz Foundation for this extraordinary investment,” said Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of Waterloo. “The Dieter Schwarz Chair in the Physics of Information and AI is a perfect example of the Waterloo at 100 vision in action. By mobilizing research and educating leaders in this field, the chair will help to ensure that our communities and partners are ready to lead in a future that promises immense opportunity to serve the needs of humanity and the planet.”
One of the largest non-profit foundations in Germany, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation supports initiatives in science and education that prepare society to thrive in a constantly evolving future. The projects they support all connect to the Foundation’s home city of Heilbronn, which features a flourishing innovation ecosystem.
“We’re delighted to support Dr. Kempf and his research team at the University of Waterloo,” said Reinhold Geilsdörfer, chief executive officer of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation. “The Dieter Schwarz Chair will facilitate an exchange of knowledge between the Waterloo and Heilbronn networks that will prepare us all to embrace the future with confidence and enthusiasm. I look forward to celebrating the impact of our partnership in the years to come.”
You’re better at spotting malware than you think
A news release from the Media Relations team.
When it comes to cybersecurity, humans are often seen as the weakest link, but new research suggests that with a little help, people can do a surprisingly effective job at identifying malware.
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers from the University of Waterloo’s Cheriton School of Computer Science teamed up with University of Guelph cybersecurity experts to test how users, ranging from tech novices to experts, can respond to real-time legitimate and malicious software download requests in a simulated office setting.
“Most existing malware research analyzes ‘after action’ reports, that is, investigations into what went wrong after a successful attack,” said Daniel Vogel, a professor of computer science at Waterloo, and a co-author of the study. “Our study, which featured novice, intermediate and expert users, is the first malware research to observe user strategies in real time.”
Three-dozen participants received messages from fake coworkers in a Microsoft Teams-like environment, prompting them to download and install various programs. Participants had full control over whether to install the software and could research their choices however they liked.
In the initial trial, users identified malware with 75 per cent accuracy. Novice users were right 68 per cent of the time, while expert users achieved 81 per cent accuracy.
“It was interesting how novice users sometimes flagged legitimate software as malware due to a typo or poor interface design yet missed real malware when the clue was unusual system behaviour, like high processor usage,” said Brandon Lit, a PhD student in Waterloo’s Cheriton School of Computer Science and the lead author of the study.
In a second round of testing, the researchers provided participants with an enhanced task manager, as well as instructions about what red flags to look for, such as software accessing large numbers of files or network connections to other countries. With that modest support, the group’s malware detection rate increased to 80 per cent.
“Just having a bit of information puts beginner users on par with computer scientists,” Lit said. “Fostering critical thinking is one of the most important things we can do to increase security.”
The study, “I’m regretting that I hit run’: In-situ Assessment of Potential Malware,” appeared in the proceedings of the 34th USENIX Security Symposium.
Link of the day
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.
Final examination period, Tuesday, August 5 to Saturday, August 16.
University of Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice 2025 Summer Social, Thursday, August 7, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Grad House. Please let Nadine Quehl know if you’re planning to join.
CrySP Speaker Series on Privacy, "Brave New Threat: The Rise of Covert and Side Channels" featuring Mauro Conti, University of Padua, Thursday, August 7, 11:00 a.m., DC 1304 and online via Zoom.
Technology Governance Summer School 2025, Monday, August 11 to Thursday, August 21.
Who are our Learners, Tuesday, August 12, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., MC 2036.
Course Dynamics and Engagement, Tuesday, August 12, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., MC 2036.
Perseids Sky-watching Party and Astronomy Lecture 2025, Tuesday, August 12, 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., OPT 347.
Course Design Foundations, Wednesday, August 13, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., MC 2036.
Get your GROOVE on! Wednesday, August 13, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, PAC Studio 1.
Assessment as Learning, Thursday, August 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, MC 2036.
OHD Lending Library drop-in event, Thursday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., EC1-2004 (OHD training room). Registration isn't required, but sign up on Portal for a reminder.
Course Outline Builder, Thursday, August 14, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., MC 2036.
Navigating the Archives — Research Strategies & Treasures, Tuesday, August 19, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
The Emotional Effects of Retirement, Thursday, August 21, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Research Impact Canada’s Dr. RIC, "Challenges to Reciprocal Storytelling in Indigenous Engagement" and "Challenges and Opportunities: Community Compensation & Recognition in Community-Based Research (CBR)," Thursday, August 21, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. If interested, please contact Nadine Quehl for the Zoom link.
PhD oral defences
Statistics & Actuarial Science. Mohan Wu, “Probabilistic methods of parameter inference for differential equations.” Supervisor, Dr. Martin Lysy. Thesis available from MGO – mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Monday, August 11, 11:00 a.m., online.
Electrical and Computer Engineering. Richard Shangguan, “Contrast Agent Design for Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of Aging Clots.” Supervisor, Dr. Alfred Yu. Thesis available via SharePoint – email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Wednesday, August 13, 11:00 a.m., EIT 3142.
School of Public Health Sciences. Yelyzaveta (Liza) Boyar, "Marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to youth: an investigation of domestic and international approaches to child-directed marketing restriction.", Supervisor, DR. David Hammond; Email Health Graduate Administration for a copy. Oral defence Thursday August 14, 9:00 a.m., EXP 1686 and hybrid.
Electrical and Computer Engineering. Chenxu Zhu, “Defect characterization, advanced etching techniques, and large field-of-view imaging for metalenses.” Supervisors, Dr. Bo Cui, Dr. Dayan Ban. Thesis available via SharePoint – email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Thursday, August 14, 1:00 p.m., remote.
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Qiaoyun Chen, “Interface engineering and additive engineering toward high-performance perovskite solar cells.” Supervisors, Dr. Kevin Musselman, Dr. Bo Song. Thesis available via SharePoint – email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Thursday, August 14, 9:00 a.m., E5-3052.
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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PAS Corridor 1122 partial closure, Tuesday, August 5 to Wednesday, August 20, corridor will be closed for two weeks, access to the CMHRT will be available from the loading dock.
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Engineering 2 building steam shutdown, Wednesday, August 6, 9:00 p.m. to Thursday, August 7 at 6:00 p.m., steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown for a meter installation.
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Environment 1, 2 and 3, Modern Languages, Dana Porter Library, Needles Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, August 8, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Fire Research Facility fire alarm testing, Friday, August 8, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Minota Hagey Residence electrical shutdown, Sunday, August 10, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., power will be off for approximately two hours for power recorder equipment installation.
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J.R. Coutts Engineering Lecture Hall steam shutdown, Sunday, August 10, 9:00 p.m. to Monday, August 11 at 6:00 p.m., steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown for a meter installation.
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Engineering 2 and 3, Davis Centre, Math & Computer fire alarm testing, Monday, August 11, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Aberfoyle - BioRem fire alarm testing, Monday, August 11, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Fire Research Facility fire alarm testing, Monday, August 11, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Physical Activities Complex, Student Life Centre, RAC 1 and 2, Federation Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, August 13, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Hagey Hall (original building) steam shutdown, Wednesday, August 13, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., steam and hot water will not be available during the shutdown to accommodate a meter installation.
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Biology 1 fume hood exhaust fan repair, Thursday, August 14, 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon (rain date of Friday, August 15), fume hoods in Biology 1 will be out of service for preventative maintenance and repairs.
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MC exterior door replacement, Monday, August 18 to August 21, no exit at MC 1106 stairwell door during the replacement.
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Engineering 6 air supply and exhaust fan shutdown, Wednesday, August 20, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (rain date Thursday, August 21), there will be no air supply or exhaust air during this period of preventative maintenance, this will primarily affect fume hoods, and if the outdoor temperatures are extremely high the indoor temperatures will also climb.