Waterloo Engineering research in the news
Researchers fight evolving wildfires with new data models
On average, Canada experiences 8,000 wildfires each year. That number is said to be on the rise as fire behaviour evolves and affects more populated areas.
Dr. Beth Weckman and Dr. Vinny Gupta, both professors in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, are advancing our understanding of wildfires and how to respond to them through their work at the University of Waterloo’s Fire Research Facility (UW FRF) — one of the most advanced facilities in Canada dedicated to fire safety and science.
Prof recognized for global impact on renewable energy systems
An electrical and computer engineering professor has received international recognition for advancing renewable energy research that supports more sustainable power systems worldwide.
Earlier this week, Dr. Claudio Cañizares was awarded the 2025 Power & Energy Society (PES) Ramakumar Family Renewable Energy Excellence Award by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for his leadership in integrating renewable energy into complex energy infrastructures.
Explore Energy research labs and centres
- 2D Materials and Electrochemical Devices Lab
- Applied Carbon Nanotechnology Laboratory
- Applied Nanomaterials and Clean Energy Laboratory
- Laboratory for Emerging Energy Research (LEER)
- Fuel Cell and Green Energy Lab
- Green Energy and Fuel Cell Research Group (GEFC)
- Greener Production Group
- High Voltage Engineering Lab (HVEL)
- Interdisciplinary Fluid Physics Lab (Pan Lab)
- Ontario Battery and Electrochemistry-research Centre (OBEC)
- Porous Materials Engineering and Analysis Lab (PMEAL)
- Power and Energy Systems Group
- NSERC-UNENE Chair in Risk-Based Life Cycle Management of Engineering Systems
- Vibrations and Energy Harvesting Laboratory
- Waterloo Institute Sustainable Energy (WISE)
Meet our researchers and discover their areas of expertise
Battery Design and Testing
Leading in battery design and testing, creating innovative prototypes, performance evaluation methods, and safety standards to accelerate next-generation energy storage solutions.
Bioenergy and Carbon Storage
Bioenergy and carbon storage use organic materials to produce renewable energy while capturing and storing carbon emissions, reducing atmospheric CO₂ and helping achieve climate goals through sustainable resource management and long-term sequestration strategies.
Clean Energy
Leading clean energy research by developing innovative technologies, materials, and systems that improve sustainability, efficiency, and reliability.
Electromechanical Energy Storage
Developing flywheels and innovative mechanical systems for efficient, durable, and sustainable grid stability.
Energy Generation
Innovative technologies in renewables, nuclear, and hybrid systems, driving cleaner, more efficient, sustainable power.
Energy Infrastructure
Energy infrastructure encompasses systems and facilities that produce, transmit, store, and distribute energy, including power plants, grids, pipelines, and storage solutions, enabling reliable access to essential energy resources for society.
- Costa Kapsis
- Fatih Safa Erenay
- Kankar Bhattacharya
- Kumaraswamy Ponnambalam
- Lisa Aultman-Hall
- Mehrdad Pirnia
Energy Storage
Developing innovative materials, systems, and technologies that enhance capacity, efficiency, and reliability.
Fuel Cell
Developing advanced materials, designs, and systems that enhance efficiency, durability, and sustainability.
Geothermal
Developing technologies and systems for sustainable geothermal energy extraction.
Hydropower
Developing technologies and systems for sustainable hydro-energy extraction.
Nuclear
Driving nuclear energy research for safer reactors and sustainable power.
Wind Power
Developing technologies and systems for sustainable wind energy extraction.
