Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Chief Information Officer Bruce Campbell to retire (for real this time)

The University’s Chief Information Officer Bruce Campbell will be retiring on February 28, 2023 after almost 40 years with the University.

In a recent memo to Executive Council from Jacinda Reitsma, Vice President, Administration and Finance, wrote “As you may know, Bruce Campbell delayed his August 2022 retirement to allow a transition period with the onset of my role as well as to support the recruitment of a new Chief Information Officer. I would like to thank Bruce for his flexibility with his retirement plans and wish to announce that Bruce Campbell will be retiring from his position as Chief Information Officer, IST effective February 28, 2023.”

The memo includes Bruce’s background and many of his contributions while CIO, also in the original retirement announcement.

The memo continues: “Bruce is particularly proud of the Information Systems and Technology department which has a strong culture of collaboration, diplomacy, service, and communications. The implementation of the termly newsletter, annual report, and other regular announcements were key to keeping the campus community informed. While he worked in Engineering, he was the primary developer of several locally developed solutions that grew to be used campus wide, the Watstar network, Open Network Administrator (ONA), eXtensible Accounting System (XAS), and Network Authentication Appliance (NAA). When he became a Director in IST, he prioritized fault tolerant connections for internet service, and establishing dual data centres.”

“Please join me in thanking Bruce for his many contributions to the University of Waterloo and in wishing him a happy retirement.”

 A committee has been formed and is working alongside an external firm to search for the University’s next CIO.

Register for the Research Security Conference on February 27 and 28

A message from the Office of Research.

Research Security is a growing concern for academic institutions, the Canadian government, researchers, and the general public, and includes stealing, cyber-attacks, interfering, and transferring researchers’ proprietary knowledge and IP from Canada without their consent or knowledge.

The Research Security Conference at the University of Waterloo on February 27 and 28 is aimed at raising awareness and understanding among faculty and staff on the appropriate application of potential policies and procedures regarding legal protection of IP, export control of dual use technologies, and the growing requirements of tri-council research grant agencies. The two-day conference will feature panelists with expertise in the area of foreign threats to research including academics, leaders of various funding agencies, and senior government officials working on national security, public safety, and national defence.

For more information and to register, please the  visit the Research Security Conference web page.

Advancing collaborative research in clean energy and nuclear safety

By Angelica Marie Sanchez.

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Waterloo to pursue collaborative research opportunities within Canada’s nuclear landscape.

CNL is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization. The collaborative partnership offers Waterloo researchers access to a wide range of advanced nuclear facilities, including AECL’s Chalk River Laboratories, Canada’s largest nuclear science campus, which hosts specialized facilities dedicated to nuclear fuel development and testing, biological research, analytical chemistry, thermal-hydraulics and mechanical testing. 

“We are pleased to partner with CNL and AECL on advancing research in critical areas that align with our mutual priorities. This collaboration will fuel innovation and advance training in key areas, including additive manufacturing, clean energy, and security, areas that are important for Canada's future,” says Dr. Charmaine B. Dean, Vice-President, Research and International, University of Waterloo. 

Partnerships and collaboration are an essential part of research, allowing the three organizations to share their resources and knowledge to accelerate real-world solutions into sectors critical for innovation and growth in Canada. The MOU includes Waterloo’s focus areas of innovative research in small modular and advanced reactors; additive manufacturing and advanced materials research; nuclear cogeneration and energy storage; infrastructure lifecycle and operational assessment; and cybersecurity and safety.

Research partnerships between the University of Waterloo and organizations that represent and serve the nuclear industry will result in new innovative solutions that will benefit both private and public sectors in addressing the challenges facing Canadians. The partnership will also focus on cultivating a more talented and diverse workforce within the industry by offering professional development in innovative research, training and mentorship for the next generation of nuclear scientists, engineers and technical professionals. 

“As part of our new corporate strategy, Vision 2030, CNL has made it an organizational priority to build and grow alliances with Canada’s leading academic institutions, and this agreement with the University of Waterloo is a major step in that process,” says Dr. Jeff Griffin, CNL’s Vice-President of Science and Technology.

The collaborative framework is designed to foster CNL’s three strategic priorities of national importance: restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies and contributing the health of Canadians. The three organizations will combine their resources and Canadian researchers and engineers to work together to address national challenges with real-world solutions.

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs seeks new assistant VPs

A message from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA).

"Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs is seeking to fill two positions of Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, for a two-year term: one commencing May 2023, the other June 2023," wrote Jeff Casello, associate vice-president, graduate studies and postdoctoral affairs in a memo circulated to faculty members earlier this week. " Currently, the roles are filled by Dr. Shawn Wettig (Faculty of Science) and Dr. Liz Nilsen (Faculty of Arts)."

The Assistant VP (GSPA) is part of the senior leadership team that supports excellence in graduate education, thriving communities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, and related initiatives that align with the University’s Strategic Plan and the Vision for Graduate Studies.

"We are looking for applicants who have Approved Doctoral Dissertation Status (ADDS), who have held administrative leadership roles, and who have experience in the graduate arena," Casello writes. "As the position involves representing graduate studies and postdoctoral affairs in diverse contexts, applicants should be comfortable being in a visible role, providing leadership within and beyond the University community. To apply, and to review the full details of the role, visit the GSPA website."

The application deadline is Friday, March 3, 2023.

Queries regarding this role can be directed to Liz Nilsen, Interim Assistant Vice President (GSPA).

Accelerating progress through collaboration and more during SDG Week

A message from the Sustainability Office.

The Sustainability Office invites you to attend the Accelerating Progress Through Collaboration: Panel Discussion on Tuesday, March 7 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., in partnership with the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, Office of Indigenous Relations, and Campus Wellness. The panel discussion will bring together leaders from these four teams to discuss how the work across these portfolios connects, how work across and between teams can be mutually supporting, and how our campus community can continue to create meaningful impact together.

This event is part of SDG Week (March 6 to 10, 2023), a national collaboration to raise awareness about the SDGs, highlight important work happening across campuses, and foster opportunities for collaboration and community-building. We encourage you to visit the SDG Week webpage to learn more about other events and activities happening across campus throughout the week.

CEE Employer Impact conference takes place today and other notes

The inaugural CEE Employer Impact Conference kicks off today at noon. Focused on talent evolution, attendees of this free conference will:

• Gain insights about recruiting emerging talent into your workforce;

• Discuss topics including equity, diversity, inclusion and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals;

• Learn about Waterloo’s co-op program and how to connect with emerging talent;

• Connect with industry leaders preparing for the talent evolution; and

• Gather key takeaways about the future of work directly from emerging talent.

The conference includes a keynote from philanthropist, business leader and co-op alumnus Michael Steele who will speak about the evolution of talent through social responsibility and global citizenship and a session featuring Bryanne Smart, Associate Director, Indigenous Relations and Colleen Phillips-Davis, Associate Director, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism, about building awareness and capacity for an EDI-R and Indigenization Strategy.

Other sessions include:

• Tips for utilizing WIL to build awareness of the United Nations' SDGs in your organization; and
• Research-informed best practices for onboarding next gen-talent.

There's still time to register for this virtual event.

Conrad Grebel University College's Noon Hour Concert series continues with Songs of Love and Longing today at 12:30 p.m. 

Join soprano Bethany Horst (pictured at right) and pianist Charmaine Fopoussi for a February Recital of loves songs, featuring the Song of Songs by Canadian Srul Irving Glick as well as selections by Strauss and Delibes.  

The event is free and open to the public, and will take place in the Conrad Grebel University College Chapel.

Staff and faculty yoga sessions take place on campus and in person on Thursdays at noon.

"The Staff/Faculty session is a combination of hatha and yin yoga and includes breathing, postures, and yoga sequences practiced together to ease transitions, promote fluidity of movement, and relaxation," says a note from Sandra Gibson. "Mindfulness and de-stressing components will be included."

There are still a few spaces available. For more information, please contact Sandra Gibson. 

NSERC’s Science, Action! Video contest is back with a twist this year. Organized by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Le Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQNT), this is a special edition of the contest intended to complement the celebrations of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development 2022.

“Put your researchers in the spotlight,” says a message from NSERC. “Encourage them to showcase the world-class research that is happening on your campus.” The Science, Action! Contest offers graduate students a chance to win cash prizes for their video about NSERC or FRQNT-funded research. Working with a professor who holds or has held an NSERC or FRQNT grant, graduate students are challenged to film or animate short, creative videos that tell a simple story about fascinating science. The video must show the benefits of research in the natural sciences and engineering fields and make the connection between basic sciences and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

There are six prizes of $4,000 available.

In addition to a cash prize, the final 25 videos will be featured in museum exhibits, shown at public science events, and as part of the Science Odyssey and Science Literacy Week national celebrations. Contestants must submit their video entries between January 16, 2023, and February 28, 2023. Visit the contest website for information on contest rules and more.

The deadline for Senate nominations is fast approaching, and the University encourages all eligible students, staff, and faculty to consider putting their name forward for consideration. Nominees must provide a brief statement (100 words maximum) along with a completed nomination form to appear on the ballot.

Senate plays a crucial role in the day-to-day academic policy of the institution. Their responsibilities includes regulating curricula for all courses, determining standards of admission, and conferring degrees. Senators serve two-year terms commencing in May. Senate meetings are held at 3:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Senate does not meet in July and August.

For more information visit https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/nominations-elections.

Employers hosting Virtual Employer Information Sessions (VEIS) this week and next week include Bombardier, and Techtronic Industries Canada Inc. Make sure to register through WaterlooWorks and check the calendar for any updates.

Finally, a correction to note. In yesterday's article about reporting changes within the Office of the Vice-President, Administration and Finance, we identified Stepanka Elias as the Executive Director, Plant Operations, which was incorrect. Stepanka Elias is the Executive Director, Facilities. The Daily Bulletin regrets the error.