Monday, July 27, 2026

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• Ontario Summer Games launches this week
• Professional development opportunities through WatSPEED 
• Hidden risks in AI data centres spark new battery safety research
• Q and A with the experts: Could the U.S. Cyclospora outbreak happen in Canada?

Ontario Summer Games launches this week

The Ontario Summer Games will officially kick off in Waterloo Region this Thursday, July 30, with over 4000 athletes playing in 23 sports over four days.

As a proud sponsor of the event, the University will be hosting student athletes and coaches in our residences, and hosting rugby and basketball games at campus locations. 

Move-in for the athletes will take place July 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will see increased traffic from Columbia to Ring Road and Residence Road. Opening ceremonies at Wilfrid Laurier’s University Stadium on Thursday are expected to draw approximately 5000 spectators, which will also see increased traffic in the area and potential street closures. To view the full competition schedule and for ticket information, visit the Ontario Summer Games website.  

Thank you in advance for your patience and support of the Ontario Summer Games at Waterloo.

Professional development opportunities through WatSPEED

A message from WatSPEED.

Looking to build new skills, explore emerging technologies, or strengthen your leadership capabilities? WatSPEED offers flexible learning opportunities designed to help University of Waterloo employees continue their professional development through short courses, certificates, and executive education programs. 

Whether you're interested in artificial intelligence and machine learning, data and analytics, project management, cybersecurity, software development, leadership, or digital transformation, WatSPEED offers a range of short courses, certificates, and more in-depth programs that can fit alongside work and other commitments. 

Waterloo staff and board members can receive 50 per cent off a selection of WatSPEED courses and programs. To learn more about eligibility, contact watspeed@uwaterloo.ca. 

Browse current programs and courses on the WatSPEED website.

Hidden risks in AI data centres spark new battery safety research

This is an excerpt from an article that was originally published on Waterloo News.

As artificial intelligence (AI) drives a global surge in data centres in Canada and around the world, a less visible but increasingly urgent challenge is growing alongside it. Researchers are beginning to investigate ways to manage the risks posed by the lithium-ion batteries that keep those facilities running.

At the University of Waterloo, Dr. Vinny Gupta is working to understand how and why these batteries fail and what can be done to prevent dangerous fires in the critical infrastructure underpinning the digital economy.

Lithium-ion batteries have become essential to modern life, powering everything from phones to electric vehicles. But in data centres, their role is both less visible and far more concentrated. Massive banks of batteries provide backup power, stabilize the electricity supply and ensure uninterrupted operation during outages.

“Pretty much every single data centre will have a huge quantity of lithium-ion battery storage embedded within it,” Gupta explains. That concentration creates a unique safety challenge.

While individual battery cells are common and generally reliable, packing thousands of them together in confined environments increases the potential consequences when something goes wrong.

At the centre of the issue is a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, a cascading chain reaction that can cause batteries to rapidly overheat, release flammable gases and, in some cases, ignite.

“What makes a lithium-ion battery cell quite dangerous is that it can release all of that energy in a very short period of time,” Gupta says.

Read the full story on Waterloo News.

Q and A with the experts: Could the U.S. Cyclospora outbreak happen in Canada?

This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

Thousands of people across the United States have fallen ill in a growing Cyclospora outbreak, a parasite that causes severe diarrhea. Could a similar outbreak happen in Canada and how can people protect themselves? Dr. Abiola Olaitan, a professor in the University of Waterloo's Department of Biology whose research focuses on infectious diseases, including bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea, explains the risks, Canada's preparedness and what the public should know.

Could the U.S. Cyclospora outbreak happen in Canada?

While the risk is currently low, the answer is yes. Cyclospora infection is typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water, and Canada is not immune to food-borne outbreaks. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, additional cases have been reported among people who became ill after travelling outside the United States. With many Canadians travelling during the summer, exposure remains possible. Although no related outbreak has been reported in Canada to date, Canadians should remain vigilant and practice good food hygiene.

Why is Cyclospora so difficult to trace and stop?

Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after consuming contaminated food or water. Some infected individuals have mild or no symptoms, leading to underreporting. The delay between exposure and illness can make it difficult for people to remember what and where they ate, complicating efforts to identify and trace the source of contamination.

Should Canadians be worried every time they buy fresh produce?

No. Canadians should continue to enjoy fresh produce while following good food safety practices, such as washing their hands and rinsing fruits and vegetables before consumption. Public health officials are closely monitoring the U.S. outbreak, and identifying the source will help guide prevention efforts in Canada. Practicing good food hygiene remains important, especially when travelling outside Canada.

Could globalization and climate change make food-borne parasites like Cyclospora more common?

Yes. Cyclospora is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, and infections are often linked to travel or imported fresh produce. Increased global trade and travel may increase exposure. Climate change, particularly warmer temperatures and changing weather patterns, may create conditions that favour the parasite's survival and spread, increasing the likelihood of outbreaks in regions where it has traditionally been uncommon.