Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
A century of quantum
Bridging theoretical insight and academia with experimental expertise and industry application has been key to advancing quantum information science — and a defining strength of the Waterloo quantum ecosystem. Over the past two decades, close collaboration between the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics has helped position Waterloo as a global leader in quantum science and technology, especially significant in 2025, which marks 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.
To celebrate the field’s advancements and strengthen community ties, IQC and the Perimeter Institute joined forces to host researchers from around the world at The Year of Quantum Across Canada: From Fundamental Science to Applications, highlighting how foundational research is driving new technologies and applications.
Researchers at the Year of Quantum event inside the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre building.
“Collaboration is one of the pillars of IQC’s success, and working with the Perimeter Institute to welcome leading quantum information researchers reflects the strength of the Waterloo quantum ecosystem,” says Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, IQC’s executive director and professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “Celebrating a century of groundbreaking advancements in quantum science and technology alongside our local, national, and international colleagues is a powerful signal of how collaboration will advance research and discoveries for the next century and beyond.”
Researchers, professors and students at the University of Waterloo have played a central role in Canada’s quantum story, including the creation of the IQC in 2002. In 2012, the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre opened its doors on the University's main campus and has been the home of IQC since. Over the past two decades, IQC’s members have included Fellows of the American Physical Society, the Royal Society and the Canadian Association of Physicists, reflecting the University’s leadership and collaboration at the heart of Waterloo’s growing quantum ecosystem.
“What’s exciting now is that we’re not doing this in isolation,” says Dr. Roger Melko, IQC member, professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and research associate faculty at Perimeter Institute. “There’s a real sense of community forming with theorists, experimentalists and computer scientists all working toward the same problems from different angles.”
Melko led a public panel discussion with Dr. Christine Muschik, Dr. Martin Savage, professor at the University of Washington, Dr. Antonio Mezzacapo from IBM Research, and Dr. Brian Swingle, professor at MIT, all of whom underscored how collaboration drives discovery.
Read the full story on Waterloo News
Velocity to host co-op workplace simulation sessions
Session dates
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Wednesday, October 22, 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library (DP) Learning Lab, Room 323
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Wednesday, November 12, 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library (DP) Learning Lab, Room 323
Why attend?
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To level up your co-op experience and impress future employers.
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Gain real-world skills, use AI for analysis, and learn to present solutions effectively.
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Opportunity to connect with peers, receive coaching, and apply skills immediately.
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Eligible to enter the Velocity Co-op Problem Award.
Public lecture explores the meaning of 'servant leadership'
A message from the Faculty of Health.
Please join the Faculty of Health in welcoming Albert Wong (BSc ’80, Kinesiology) back to campus as he presents a public talk titled ‘Servant leadership: Reflections and lessons learned from 49 years of service to Canada.’
Wong’s public service spans the range from peacekeeping roles in Afghanistan and Africa to citizenship judge since 2014. In this latter role, he has helped more than 300,000 new Canadians with the process of integration, and advocates for inclusive immigration policies. He is also an active volunteer, promoting unity and social cohesion within Asian Canadian communities, and believes in the power of collaboration to build a stronger, more inclusive Canada.
The lecture takes place on October 23 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Sun Life Financial Auditorium (LHI 1621). Please register in advance.
His service will be recognized with an honorary doctorate at convocation the next day.
Let's talk about the CHAT bus
A message from Conrad Grebel Centre for Peace Advancement.
Visit the Combatting Hate Action Table (CHAT) as they stop at Conrad Grebel as part of their wider tour and campaign across KW.
A GRT bus with anti-hate messaging and informational activities will be travelling around the region bringing messages of inclusion and belonging. The bus will be in the Conrad Grebel parking lot from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24.
Make sure to show up so you can participate in:
- Fun activities
- Free snacks
- Being on the anti-hate bus
- Promoting Anti-Hate in your local community!
This is a free event and no RSVP is needed, so make sure to show up for some fun activities and snacks to help promote anti-hate in Waterloo Region. This event was made possible by The Ripple Effect Education, Conrad Grebel University College, and Waterloo Region, Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
Computer Museum to host open house and other notes
The University of Waterloo Computer Museum will host its termly Open House event on Saturday, October 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This term's open house promises to be a "celebration of APL history" and will feature Mathematics alumnus Steve McDowell (B.Math '82), software developer at the University's Computer Systems Group and then WATCOM, who will talk about his experiences as one of the developers of Waterloo microAPL.
The Open House will be held in the DC 1301 Fishbowl. "We will have various APL-related artifacts on display, along with interactive retro computers and some of our recent acquisitions," says a note from the museum. "There will also be guest exhibits from the KW Computer Heritage Group."
The event is free and open to all.
The Faculty of Arts is hosting its 2nd annual Arts Silent Auction for the United Way. "All proceeds from the sale of the 40 items listed will go directly to the United Way in Waterloo Region," says a note from the Arts Undergraduate Office. "We have some incredible prizes this year, including Bricks & Minifigs Lego parties, a Canoe Trip for Two on the Grand, Kitchener Rangers tickets, a beautiful rug from Area Rug Shop, local Spa certificates, Adult Dance Lessons, and lots more. A huge thank you to our Arts staff members that donated beautiful blankets, lovely artwork, and fun handmade crafts – Kathryn MacDonald, Emily Hudson, Rachel Anderson, and Andrea West."
The auction opened on Wednesday, October 15 and will close on Wednesday, October 22 at noon. Winners can pick up prizes in the Arts Undergraduate Office in PAS 2439. Payments are accepted by credit card through the auction site, or by cash or e-transfer.
"And stay tuned as next week we will also be starting the 3rd Burst a Balloon Fundraiser in the AUO for the United Way. Pop a white balloon for $5.00 and win a $10.00 to $15.00 gift card for a local restaurant/food store. Pop a red balloon for $10.00 and win a $20.00 to $25.00 gift card for a local restaurant/food store. This fundraiser will begin on Monday, October 20 and run until the balloons are all popped!"
Anyone with questions can reach out to Kristen Deckert in the Arts Undergraduate Office at kdeckert@uwaterloo.ca.
Flags on campus will be lowered today to mark the memorial services of The Honourable Hilary Weston, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, in accordance with the University's flag-lowering guidelines.
Link of the day
See you Spaceman - Ace Frehley dead at 74
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 shots 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.
The Waterloo Eye Institute optometry clinics in Waterloo and downtown Kitchener offer comprehensive eye exams and eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses, with the Waterloo location offering various specialized services including urgent eye care. Discounts apply for University of Waterloo students and employees. The Waterloo Clinic is at a nearby interim location, 419C Phillip St, during construction at the School of Optometry and Vision Science. The Kitchener Clinic remains at the Health Sciences Campus, 10B Victoria St. S. Book online or by phone at 519-888-4062.
WUSA Stock the Bank food drive registration period, Wednesday, October 1 to Friday, October 31.
Fall Reading Week, Saturday, October 11 to Sunday, October 19.
Practicing Difficult Conversations (in-person session), Friday, October 17, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., to register, email Lynn Long at l3long@uwaterloo.ca.
Instructional Innovations Week, Monday, October 20 to Friday, October 24.
GIS Speed Run Sessions: Every Map is Wrong!, Monday, October 20, 12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., online.
Together in Community: A Collaborative Mural Painting Event, Monday, October 20, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., DC 1301 Fishbowl.
University Senate meeting, Monday, October 20, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407 and online.
NEW - WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Rohit Karnik, Tuesday, October 21, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, QNC 1501.
Anti-Racism Reads - "Never Whistle at Night," Tuesday, October 21, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library, Room 338. Register now.
Chemistry Seminar: Kinetic Simulation of Electrochemical Degradation- battery fade and alloy corrosion featuring Penghao Xiao, Professor, Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Tuesday, October 21, 11:00 a.m., C2-361 Reading Room.
Home Routes Folk Concert - Viento South, Tuesday, October 21, 7:00 p.m., Brubacher House - North Campus.
WaterLeadership Workshop | Knowledge Mobilization 101, presented by Elanor Waslander, Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, part of the Water Institute's WaterLeadership training series, Wednesday, October 22, 10:00 a.m., DC 1304.
Community Well-being Fruits and Veg Market, Wednesday, October 22, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. (while supplies last), Engineering 7 first floor (by the Robohub) and Health Expansion Building first floor foyer.
Accessibility Ally Network virtual presentation, "Data as a tool for accessibility and inclusion," Wednesday, October 22, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WICI Talk with guest speaker Seanna Davidson, Wednesday, October 22, 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m., EV1 225. Please register.
Grebel Gallery DRAFTS 6: Mapping Diasporic Identities launch event, Wednesday, October 22, 7:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel Gallery.
UWSA Annual Meeting, Thursday, October 23, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., PHY 313 or online.
NEW - WIN & CENIDE Seminar Series on 2D-MATURE with Cristiana Di Valentin, Thursday, October 23, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., QNC 1501.
WaterTalk - Beyond the Storm: Water Insecurity and Community Resilience in Puerto Rico, presented by Dr. Anaís Delilah Roque, Professor of Environmental Justice, Duke University, Thursday, October 23, 11:00 a.m., DC 1302.
WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Hideo Ohno, “Spintronics at the Nanoscale: Enabling Green Information Processing," Thursday, October 23, 11:00 a.m., QNC 1501.
Honorary doctorate recipient Judge Albert Wong (BSc ’80, Kinesiology) on Servant leadership: Reflections and lessons learned from 49 years of service to Canada, Thursday, October 23, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., LHI 1621 (Sun Life Auditorium). Please register in advance.
2025 University of Waterloo Gem and Mineral Show, Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25, CEIT building.
Webinar | Towards Trustworthy AI: Cybersecurity and Privacy Concerns, Friday, October 24, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
We All Belong Here community lunch, Friday, October 24, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College parking lot.
Kids' Science Open House 2025, Saturday, October 25, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Science Teaching Complex.
Computer Museum Open House, Saturday, October 25, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Davis Centre.
UN-Habitat Quality of Life Hackathon, Sunday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., E7-1427. Register online.
i2I: Invention to Innovation Grad Student and Post-doc Networking Event, Monday, October 27, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Grad House upstairs lounge.
Responding to a student in distress training sessions: Virtual sessions to feel more confident when supporting students in distress, Tuesday, October 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Register on Portal.
University of Waterloo's Volunteer Fair, Wednesday, October 28, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., SLC Great Hall.
NEW - WICI presents a Reading and Conversation with Author Madhur Anand, Tuesday, October 28, 1:30 p.m., STC 2002.
W3+ Yoga Nidra: Guided Relaxation for Better Sleep with Kimberley Luu, Wednesday, October 29, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Noon Hour Concert: Ryan Baxter, Piano Music from Sea to Summit, Wednesday, October 29, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Free admission.
Showcasing Success: Tracking research and departmental impact with SciVal, Wednesday, October 29, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Teams, Register now.
Social Innovators in Training (SIIT) Demo Day, Wednesday, October 29, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. United College Alumni Hall (UTD 201).
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:
- Tunnel between South Campus Hall and the Tatham Centre closure, Friday, September 19 to November 1, access to the A3 section of the tunnel between SCH and TC will be restricted due to construction work, there will be no entry to the tunnel and pedestrians will need to use alternative routes.
- School of Optometry temporary washroom closures, Thursday, September 25 until further notice, washrooms in Rooms 2023, 2026, and 3040 are out of service.
- RAC-1 southeast stair closure, Monday, September 29 to Monday, October 20, stair "A" will be entirely closed during the renovation period.
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Centre For Environmental and Information Technology elevator shutdown, Wednesday, October 15 until further notice - the elevator between CEIT and Physics is out of service.
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C2 crane operation, Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, loading dock and parking area between DC and C2, accessible parking spaces will be unavailable, and limited/no access between the two buildings.
- General Services Complex electrical shutdown, Thursday, October 16, 10:00 p.m. to Friday, October 17, 5:00 a.m., all normal power within the building will be off to accommodate metering installation, emergency power will not be affected.
- School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, October 17, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
- Mathematics 3 electrical shutdown, Saturday, October 18, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., all normal power within the building will be affected during metering installation, emergency power not affected.
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Centre for Environmental & Information Technology domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, October 18, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water will be shut down to accommodate metering installation, no water to sinks and toilets.
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Engineering 3 domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, October 18, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water will be shut down to accommodate metering installation, no water to sinks and toilets.
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South Campus Hall domestic cold water shutdown, Sunday, October 19, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water hard shutdown to accommodate metering installation, there will be no water to sinks and toilets.
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CEIT, Earth Science & Chemistry, Physics, Chemistry 2 fire alarm testing, Monday, October 20, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Student Village 1 fire alarm testing, Monday, October 20, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Bright Starts daycare, Toby Jenkins Building, Optometry, Columbia Ice Field fire alarm testing, Wednesday, October 22, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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UWP - Waterloo South, Woolwich South, Beck Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, October 22, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Commissary domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, October 23, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic hot water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, there will be no hot water to sinks.
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General Services Complex domestic hot water shutdown, Thursday, October 23, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic hot water shutdown to accommodate metering installation, there will be no hot water to sinks.
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East Campus Hall, Engineering 5, 6, 7 fire alarm testing, Friday, October 24, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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UWP - Wilmot South, Wellesley South, Eby Hall, Claudette Miller Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, October 24, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Commissary domestic cold water shutdown, Saturday, October 25, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., domestic cold water hard and soft shutdown to accommodate metering installation, there will be no water to sinks and toilets.