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Brandon Sweet
University Communications
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Teaching Innovation Incubator Announces 2026 Incubator Project Cohort
A message on behalf of the Teaching Innovation Incubator and the integrated teaching support unit.
The Teaching Innovation Incubator, now part of the integrated teaching support unit, is pleased to announce the three projects selected to join the Incubator and receive teaching innovation grant funding as part of its 2026 cohort.
Following a competitive open call, these projects were selected by the Teaching Innovation Incubator Advisory Committee in recognition of their strong potential to advance innovative, inclusive, and impactful teaching and learning practices at the University of Waterloo. Incubator projects are aligned with Waterloo’s strategic priorities and advance efficient and effective strategies for innovative teaching and learning. Each project brings forward a distinct approach to addressing complex educational challenges through thoughtful pedagogical design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and emerging technologies.
The three projects selected for the 2026 Teaching Innovation Incubator cohort are:
- Digital Twin Teaching Platform for Mass-Customized Learning
Led by Dr. Victor Cui, (Faculty of Engineering), this project pilots a Digital-Twin Teaching Platform that reimagines large-scale instruction to deliver real-time, personalized learning grounded in Waterloo-owned materials—reducing repetitive instructional work, improving student access to timely and judgment-free support, and advancing more sustainable, equitable, and human-centered teaching at the University of Waterloo. - Family Simulation Training (FAST) Project for Health Service and Professional Education
Led by Dr. Dillon Browne (Faculty of Arts), this project focuses on experiential learning and uses family simulation training to enhance learner preparedness in health-related and professional programs by supporting skill development in complex, real-world scenarios. - Data, Society, and Planetary Futures: A Cross-Faculty Human-Technology Initiative
Led by Dr. Florian Kershbaum (Faculty of Mathematics) and supported PhD candidate Maral Nizai (Balsillie School of International Affairs), this cross-faculty project brings together perspectives from across disciplines to help students critically engage with data, technology, and planetary futures, emphasizing ethical reasoning and societal impact through the design of Human-Tech labs.
Over the coming year, project teams will work closely with staff in the Teaching Innovation Incubator and the integrated teaching support unit to develop, pilot, and evaluate their initiatives, supported through funding, consultation, and a team of Undergraduate Educational Research Coordinators.
Faculty and instructors interested in proposing future teaching innovation projects are encouraged to learn more about Incubator projects and past open calls, including eligibility and application details. Note that the 2027 open call will be announced in the Fall 2026 term.
Shaping the future of AI: Key insights from the India–Canada AI Dialogue 2026
A message from WATSpeed.
The University of Waterloo recently collaborated with the Consulate General of India in Toronto to bring together leaders from government, industry and academia to explore how Canada and India can deepen collaboration on artificial intelligence and translate it into real-world impact.
The India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026, which also featured contributions from the Canada India Tech Council, Zoho Inc. and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), focused on practical pathways for cooperation across responsible AI governance, digital ecosystems and AI-driven health care innovation.
Read the full report to learn more about why international collaboration will be critical to shaping how AI is developed, governed and applied at scale in the years ahead.
Shared Threads exhibit launching March 1
Shared Threads is an exhibit exploring the weaving of community through textile and image launching on March 1 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
Drawing inspiration from Celtic knotwork—an ancient visual language of continuity, connection, and interdependence—the works reflect how individual lives are bound together into something stronger and more enduring: community. The exhibit will be open from Sunday, March 1 to Monday, March 30 at the Grebel Gallery at Conrad Grebel University College on the top floor.
This exhibit features art presented by the Irish Real Life Festival, a not-for-profit festival celebrating Ireland’s rich history and dynamic, evolving contemporary culture, which reflects how Irish culture continues to grow, adapt, and connect as the diaspora takes root in new landscapes beyond Ireland. They are hosting separate events where you can experience Irish culture through music, dance, stories and more from March 7 - 17th, 2026!
Registration is now open for CPI’s Graduate Student Conference
A message from the Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute, an inaugural Global Futures Initiative
Secure your spot today for the University of Waterloo Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute (CPI) 2nd Graduate Student Conference happening Monday, March 30th on campus in EC5! This full-day event, hosted in partnership with Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, will showcase interdisciplinary research at the intersection of cybersecurity and privacy from master's and PhD students across Canada.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage and network with peers, industry, and faculty all while exploring the current challenges and emerging ideas shaping the future of cybersecurity and privacy research.
Reserve your seat today! Visit CPI's website for more details and to register. Reminder: Posters and 200-word abstracts are due today (Friday, February 20) to ccpi@uwaterloo.ca for graduate students who wish to submit their research and potentially have it displayed on the day of the conference.
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.
Warriors Winter Youth Camps, registration is now open for multi-sport and games, baseball, basketball, eSports, football and hockey camps for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. Register today!
Winter 2026 Student Experience Survey. The Winter SES is now open. Please check your @uwaterloo email or visit LEARN to see if you have been invited. Those that submit their responses will receive $5 on their WatCard. The survey is open until February 27.
Reading Week, Saturday, February 14 to Sunday, February 22.
Hagey Bonspiel, Saturday, February 21, Ayr Curling Club. Register by Friday, February 13.
Understanding PCOS and Endometriosis: Taking Charge of Your Reproductive Health, Monday, February 23, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., online.
NEW - The Black Book Fair. Monday, February 23 and Tuesday, February 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hagey Hall Project Cube.
Dating and Neurodiversity, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Systematic and Scoping Reviews: Systematic and Scoping Review Methods, Tuesday, February 24, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, online.
Accessibility and GenAI - Online (CTE7554), Tuesday, February 24, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
GIS Speed Run: Essential Analysis Tools, Tuesday, February 24, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
CIGI Signature Lecture: Emerging Dual-Use Technologies in an Era of Strategic Competition, Tuesday, February 24, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., CIGI Campus.
Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, February 25, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., SLC lower atrium, PSE 1st floor, EV3 1st floor. $10 for a bag of assorted produce while supplies last.
AI & Tech Facilitated Deepfake Abuse Workshop, Wednesday, February 25, 2026 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 26, 2026 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Noon Hour Concert: Wondrous Winds, Wednesday, February 25, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel Chapel. Free admission.
NEW - Cooperathon 2026 Information Session, Wednesday, February 25, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Virtual (hosted by Velocity at the University of Waterloo in partnership with Desjardins) — learn how to win up to 100K in cash prizes.
NEW - Teaching Critical Engagement with AI - In Person (CTE7560), Thursday, February 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in MC 2036
February Book Club Meeting, Friday, February 27, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., International Experience Lounge, Needles Hall
Systematic and Scoping Reviews: Systematic Search Methods, Tuesday March 3, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., online.
Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, March 4, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., SLC lower atrium, PSE 1st floor. $10 for a bag of assorted produce while supplies last.
NEW - Home Routes folk concert: Onna Lou and Keri Latimer, Friday, March 6, 7:00 p.m., Brubacher House - North Campus
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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STC main atrium scaffolding erection, Friday, February 6 to Saturday, February 21, 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., contractor will be erecting scaffolding during the evenings throughout the time period of this service interruption, which will partially impede pedestrian access in the area adjacent to the B1 building.
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Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, February 20 from 6:30 to 8:15 a.m.
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Aberfoyle - BioRem fire alarm testing, Friday, February 20 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
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Digital Media Stratford fire alarm testing, Friday, February 20 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
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Fire Research Facility fire alarm testing, Friday, February 20 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
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East Campus Hall electrical shutdown, Sunday, February 22 from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m.
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Earth Sciences and Chemistry electrical shutdown, Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.