Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Who watches the AI watchman?
A news release from the Media Relations team.
As artificial intelligence (AI) takes on increasingly critical roles — from managing power grids to piloting autonomous vehicles — making sure these systems are safe has never been more important. But how can we be certain that the AI controlling them can be trusted?
A research team at the University of Waterloo is addressing this question using tools from applied mathematics and machine learning to rigorously check and verify the safety of AI-driven systems.
“Any time you’re dealing with a dynamic system — something that changes over time, such as an autonomous vehicle or a power grid — you can mathematically model it using differential equations,” said Dr. Jun Liu, professor of applied mathematics and Canada Research Chair in Hybrid Systems and Control.
To predict the long-term behaviour of these systems, scientists and engineers rely on a mathematical tool called a ‘Lyapunov function.’ Intuitively, this tool shows whether a system will naturally settle into a stable and safe state—much like a ball rolling to the bottom of a bowl and staying there. “Finding such a function, however, is often a notoriously difficult task,” Liu said.
To tackle this challenge, Liu and his team turned to machine learning. They built a neural network that learns to satisfy the mathematical rules that determine whether a system remains stable and safe — the same rules engineers rely on to keep power grids and autonomous vehicles under control.
The researchers then used a separate reasoning system based on rigorous computation and mathematical logic to verify that these neural networks indeed satisfy the conditions required for safety guarantees. Together, these tools provide a way to confirm that AI controllers can safely and reliably manage complex systems.
It may sound surprising to use one form of AI to check another, but Liu explains that AI is a broad field. In their work, neural networks — one common type of AI — learn mathematical proofs of safety and sometimes even design the controllers themselves, while a logic-based system — another form of reasoning AI — verifies that those proofs are correct. Both are tasks researchers once had to do manually.
“To be clear, no one is attempting to create factories or systems run entirely by AI without any human input,” Liu said. “There are areas such as ethics that will always be guided by human judgment. What these AI controllers and proof assistants are doing is taking over computation-intensive tasks, like deciding how to deploy power in a grid or constructing tedious mathematical proofs, that will be able to free up humans for higher-level decisions.”
The framework has been tested on several challenging control problems, where it matched or exceeded traditional approaches. Liu’s team is now developing it into an open-source toolbox and exploring industry collaborations to advance safe and trustworthy AI for physical systems.
This work is part of Waterloo’s broader commitment to advancing safe and trustworthy AI, supported by initiatives such as the TRuST Scholarly Network and recent federal efforts to promote responsible and transparent AI.
The research, “Physics-informed neural network Lyapunov functions: PDE characterization, learning, and verification,” appears in Automatica.
WUSA releases annual impact report
A message from the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA).
As the collective voice of undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo, the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) advocates for students, improves services, and strengthens campus community life. This year, we made major progress in areas like mental health, housing, equity, accessibility, and governance, while launching new initiatives and expanding student spaces.
Some key accomplishments include:
- Hosting our first Orientation concert since 2006, featuring Dillon Francis.
- Seeing 13,000+ unique students attend WUSA events across the year.
- Launching three new food outlets, Chaska, Smarty Pants, and SmashBites (now integrated into The Bomber).
- Working on our Indigenization Action Plan, which is now live.
- Adding gender-affirming healthcare coverage to our health insurance plan for students, which officially launched in September 2025.
Read our 2024-25 Impact Report, live on our site now, to learn more about what we’ve accomplished this year!
2025 Winterfest Artisan Market issues call for vendors
A message from the University of Waterloo Staff Association.
Calling all makers and creators! The 2025 Winterfest Artisan Market (formerly the UWSA Craft Show & Sale) is back and looking for talented vendors of all kinds.
This year’s market is November 27 and 28 in the Student Life Centre. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the UW community, celebrate creativity, and support UWSA student awards.
Priority will be given to Staff Association members, but students, alumni, retirees, and non-UWSA staff members are also welcome to apply! Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on October 29. Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday, November 5. Learn more or apply to be a vendor now.
Campus hit by power outage yesterday
An unplanned power outage occurred yesterday morning, affecting parts of the University of Waterloo main campus, and some areas along Columbia Street. Campus teams worked with Enova Power to investigate the issue and restore power to most buildings within an hour, except for East Campus 2; its power was restored soon after. Notifications were sent through Regroup, the University’s emergency notification system, to alert the University community.
Plant Operations initiated planned outages after business hours to rebalance power load. University teams are in close communication with Enova Power and are assured that further unplanned outages are unlikely in the near future.
EDI-R Office a proud partner in a regional effort to combat hate
A message from the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R).
The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) is proud to collaborate with the Combatting Hate Action Table (CHAT) — a Region of Waterloo–led network of more than 30 community and system leaders working to address hate and promote belonging across the region.
CHAT’s new campaign, “We All Belong Here,” aims to raise awareness and strengthen community connections through education and outreach. Highlights include a Grand River Transit bus wrapped with campaign messaging, multilingual posters, and community events.
A mini-launch organized by The Ripple Tree Effect (TREE) will take place Friday, October 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Conrad Grebel University College. Stop by to see the campaign bus and take part in interactive activities promoting inclusion and belonging.
Together, we’re building a community where everyone belongs. Learn more by visiting the EDI-R website.
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 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.
Instructional Innovations Week, Monday, October 20 to Friday, October 24.
UWSA Annual Meeting, Thursday, October 23, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., PHY 313 or online.
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.
Research Impact Canada’s Dr. RIC session, Presentation #1: Centering Indigenous Voices: Guide Towards Allyship in Indigenous Research with Mariam Hayward, Western University & Presentation #2: To Professionalize or Not to Professionalize KM – that is the Question! With Nadine Quehl and Sarah Panikkar, University of Waterloo, Thursday, October 23, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Contact Nadine Quehl for the Zoom link.
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.
The heart of innovation: A team’s journey to smarter, safer, faster care, Friday, October 24, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., online via Slido.
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.
Warriors Women’s Hockey vs. Laurier, Friday, October 24, 7:00 p.m., CIF Arena. Home Opener, Parent Day, Camps and Minor League Day, Alumni Night, Battle of Waterloo, and Employee Day, limited free tickets available for Waterloo employees, sponsored by Hilton. Email warriorstickets@uwaterloo.ca while they last! Buy your tickets today!
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.
OUA Field Hockey Semifinals: Waterloo Warriors vs. Toronto Varsity Blues, Saturday, October 25, 1:00 p.m., Warrior Field. Free admission for all fans.
UN-Habitat Quality of Life Hackathon, Sunday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., E7-1427. Register online.
Chemistry Seminar: The Accuracy Crisis in Binding and Potency Studies: Hidden Causes, Heavy Costs, and a Call to Act featuring Sergey N. Krylov,P rofessor, Centre for Research on Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Monday, October 27, 11:00 a.m., C2-361 Reading Room.
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.
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).
Launch of the Graham Seed Fund on building readiness for responsible AI in community care: Friday, October 31, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, EC5 1111. Visit the Graham Seed Fund website to register.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
East Campus Hall, Engineering 5, 6, 7 fire alarm testing, Friday, October 24, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Environment 1 and Arts Lecture Hall electrical shutdown, Sunday, October 26, 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon, normal power will be off, including elevators, emergency power will be operating.
-
Central Services domestic cold water shutdown, Monday, October 27, 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.