Thursday, June 25, 2015

Biophysics research on centre stage with inaugural conference

by Faculty of Science Communications.

The University of Waterloo welcomed biophysicists from across Canada, Europe and the United States for the first Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society of Canada.

Organized by a committee chaired by Professor Zoya Leonenko from the Departments of Physics & Astronomy and Biology, the conference brought together 140 industry and research participants in a two-day gathering aimed at highlighting advances in the field of biophysics in Canada and at the University of Waterloo.

Biophysical techniques and discoveries have revolutionized research and technological developments, helping to advance materials research, bio- and nano-technologies, biosensing, medicine and pharmaceutical research.

Waterloo researchers from the Faculties of Science, Engineering and Math presented talks and posters covering areas such as molecular biophysics, new developments in biophysical methods, experimental biophysics, instrumentation development, biophysics and nanotechnology, theoretical, molecular and structural biophysics, and molecular biophysics and biotechnology.

A big hit was the mixer with nine editor-in-chiefs from nearly 20 peer-reviewed journals publishing in nanotechnology and biophysics.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for students to ask editors questions, learn more about preparing better papers, and find out which journals to submit to,” said Professor Leonenko, Organizing Committee Chair.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) also sponsored a workshop for matching industry with students and advising on suitable funding. The session was co-presented by the University’s Office of Research and NSERC.

The conference organizers would like to thank volunteers Brenda Lee, Elizabeth Drolle, Helen Broom, John PH Pham, Robert Henderson, Morgan Robinson, Thibault Brule for their help.

The University of Waterloo, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, NSERC, Biophysical Society of Canada, PLOS ONE Journal and industry sponsors supported the event.

Photographs by Robert Henderson.

Professor participates in research diversity event

Professor Mary Wells, the Faculty of Engineering's associate dean of outreach was one of twelve leading researchers and students featured an event entitled "Get The Full Picture: Women, Diversity, and Research Excellence" held on Monday, June 8.

The event, organized by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), was hosted by the Hon. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women; Hon. Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology); and B. Mario Pinto, NSERC's president. 

"Women form 50 per cent of the population, yet are under-represented in many science and engineering disciplines," says a statement in the event's brochure. "Find out how NSERC is engaging all our top minds—regardless of gender—to create community impacts that make Canadians' lives better."

The event consisted of kiosk presentations and remarks from the hosts.

Wells' presentation, "Light As Air: Strong as Steel" related to the lighter car of the future built from newly-engineered metals that will be easy to manufacture yet maintain the same properties as heavier steel.

Wells was joined by other researchers from the University of Toronto, Simon Fraser University, the University of Winnipeg, Yukon College, the University of Manitoba, Université Laval and elsewhere.

In May, the University of Waterloo announced its commitment to HeForShe, the United Nations' initiative for gender equity.

Waterloo students host Fast-A-Thon

Would you be willing to go hungry for a day so someone else doesn't have to? The UW Muslims Students' Association (UW MSA) is inviting members of the Waterloo community to fast for one day and help feed the needy.

UW MSA's annual Fast-a-Thon, now in its second year, is up and running. Every year, Muslims worldwide fast during Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. On Thursday, July 2, students are inviting the University community to fast for one day to raise awareness for those who go hungry every night.

"Hunger is universal – it is everywhere around us – and yet, sometimes we fail to see it," says a statement from the student club. "At Fast-a-Thon, we ask you all to take a pledge to fast from dawn till dusk and donate the money you would’ve spent on food that day! All donations will be going towards local charities in the Waterloo community." 

There will be a free dinner and evening program following the fast at 8:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre's Great Hall for all those who fasted during the day. Attendees are invited to help UW MSA raise awareness about the needy, increase their knowledge about the merits of fasting, learn about Ramadan and other Muslim traditions, and get some free food.

Registration details can be found on the UW MSA website.