Thursday, September 24, 2026

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• Waterloo mourns the passing of Dr. Ron Schlegel
• Government of Ontario announces new funded seats at Waterloo 
• How are postdocs funded?
• Students are building in Waterloo with ambition and energy

Waterloo mourns the passing of Dr. Ron Schlegel

Photo credit: Schlegel Villages.

The University community is mourning the loss of Dr. Ron Schlegel, who passed away on September 19.

Over the years, Ron developed a long and deep relationship with our institution. His connection to the Waterloo community, including Conrad Grebel University College, spanned more than five decades as a professor, member of the University’s Board of Governors, recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws, philanthropist, partner, and friend.

Ron’s vision and generosity helped to establish the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), creating a model that brought together research, education and care in ways that have had an enduring impact at Waterloo and well beyond our campuses. His sons, Rob, Brad and Jamie, have also been champions of Waterloo, continuing the family’s longstanding relationship with our community. Read the RIA’s tribute to Ron Schelgel.

We extend our deepest condolences to Ron’s family, friends and colleagues, and the entire Schlegel community.

When available, visitation details will be posted on the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home website.

Government of Ontario announces new funded seats at Waterloo

The Government of Ontario announced $80 million in funding for 2,515 additional student seats at the University of Waterloo, as part of the province’s broader $1.7-billion investment to create more than 70,000 new postsecondary seats in high-demand fields. Waterloo’s new allocation includes seats in STEM, health, and other labour market-driven programs.

The announcement is part of the government’s workforce and economic competitiveness agenda, with new seats targeted toward programs that respond to student demand, regional labour-market needs and industry priorities. Waterloo’s allocation was partially determined through the province’s Priority Growth Plan process, under which institutions submitted proposals demonstrating institutional capacity, local industry needs and student demand.

Learn more about the new funded seats at Waterloo.

How are postdocs funded?

Did you know that Postdoctoral Scholars are funded through different models, organizations, and agencies? In some cases, supervisors fully fund a postdoc through their own grants. In others, postdocs secure their own funding through competitions and funding agencies (e.g., SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR) or through companies or organizations (e.g., Mitacs). In some cases, postdocs may receive funding directly from an external funder or a mix of these funding types. You can find more information on postdoc funding categories and opportunities on Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs’ postdoctoral scholars website.

For prospective postdocs seeking to secure their own funding, Canada Postdoctoral Research Award applications through NSERC are due on October 17 (CIHR and SSHRC application deadlines for 2026 have now passed). Do you know of a postdoc or PhD student nearing the end of their degree who may be eligible? Encourage them to apply.

Students are building in Waterloo with ambition and energy

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

University of Waterloo students put the city on the map last week with two stand-out events, Waterloo Tech Week and Hack the North. Both showcased the dynamic Waterloo tech ecosystem and its entrepreneurial energy, bringing together business founders, talent spotters, students, startups, venture capitalists and hackers from around the world. 

Now in its 13th year, Hack the North, Canada’s largest student-led hackathon, welcomed more than 1,000 hackers who spent 36 straight hours building, collaborating and connecting with peers and industry. Building on the success and spirit of Hack the North, the student organizing team launched Waterloo Tech Week in 2025, creating an event that is open to anyone interested in connecting with the startup community in the Waterloo Region. 

"The two events share the same mission to help people dream big and build even bigger," says Maggie Lu, Waterloo Tech Week team lead and Computing and Financial Management student.

"We see great connections being made at both Hack the North and Waterloo Tech Week and we hope people stay in touch, keep sharing ideas and go on to build things together. That's the spirit that makes Waterloo the place to be in Canada for founders, startups and tech talent." 

Pitchbook’s recent 2026 University Rankings support Lu’s assertion, recognizing Waterloo as the top institution in Canada — and the seventh in the world — for producing undergraduate entrepreneurs.

Read the full story on Waterloo News.