Welcome to the Games Institute
The Games Institute (GI) is an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Waterloo, advancing the study of interactive and immersive technologies and experiences
News Items
Games Institute members are busy people! We bring you the latest news to keep you informed on the latest research and activities of all our members.
Research Spotlights
Every Research Spotlight offers an insider’s look into the interdisciplinary research done at the Games Institute.
News
- Jan. 16, 2023The Games Institute secures $50,000 of funding for Esports Scholarship Program
The University of Waterloo Games Institute has secured $25,000 of funding per year over two years from the Ontario government to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in the gaming and esports industries. The successful application was an interdisciplinary collaborative effort between the Games Institute (GI) and the faculties of Arts, Health, Math, Engineering, and Science.
- Nov. 17, 2022The Games Institute is Hiring an RA to work with our Anti-Racism, Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ADE) Committee!
The Games Institute's ADE Committee is seeking a Research Assistant for the winter term to assist with our upcoming speaker series. Please see the details below and share widely.
- Oct. 20, 2022Fifteen Funded Postdoctoral Opportunities Available at the University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo has announced the following 15 funded postdoctoral positions, including five specific positions for Black and Indigenous scholars.
Applications are open now to scholars from any discipline and are due December 1st. Applicants may choose from one of the three programs listed below.
Events
- Feb. 2 to 5, 2023WINTER 2023 Global Game Jam
On February 2nd- February 5th, 2023, join us for the GLOBAL GAME JAM! Build a game with your team, join a thriving community & have lots of fun over the weekend!
WINTER 2023 Global Jam
Start: Time TBD, Thursday, February 2nd
End: Time TBD, Sunday, February 5th
- Feb. 9, 2023Workshop on Structures of Care and Accessibility with SoftChaos
Blog
- Dec. 5, 2022PhD Student Sid Heeg speaks at GI about refuting misinformation around farming on social media
On October 19th, 2022, PhD student Sid Heeg (School of Environment, Enterprise, and Development) presented “Reap What You Sow: Refuting Misinformation about Farming and Farm Practices.” The talk was an overview of Heeg’s dissertation research focusing on the misinformation that circulates on social media about farmers and farming, including the effects and harms this misinformation has on the farmers themselves.
- Dec. 5, 2022GI Members take part in Dibaajimowin exhibition at Waterloo Region Museum
On September 27th, the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum unveiled a new exhibit to the public—”Dibaajimowin | Stories From this Land.” The exhibit was assembled by Anishinaabe curator Emma Rain Smith, an MA student from Waterloo. The exhibit highlights Indigenous contributions to the region’s history with an emphasis on Urban Indigeneity. GI members Dr. Aynur Kadir (University of British Columbia) and PhD student Sid Heeg (Environment, Enterprise, and Development) took part in the design, curation, and research associated with the exhibition. The entire project is the result of the collaborative work between researchers, activists, and community members from the region, including the University of Waterloo and Wilfred Laurier University.
- Oct. 25, 2022"A Discussion on Games and Health” Highlights the Effectiveness of Interactive Technologies
On July 5th, Drs. Lili Liu (School of Public Health Sciences), John Muñoz (Systems Design Engineering), and Michael Barnett-Cowan (Kinesiology and Health Sciences) were brought together to share their knowledge and expertise on how games and interactive technologies are being used in the healthcare industry. The panel was hosted and moderated by the Games Institute’s Research Communications Officer Dr. Emma Vossen.
Meet our people
Shana MacDonald
Shana MacDonald is an Associate Professor in Communication Arts at the University of Waterloo. Her interdisciplinary research examines feminist, queer, and anti-racist media activisms within social and digital media, popular culture, cinema, and contemporary art. Dr. MacDonald runs the online archive Feminists Do Media (Instagram: @aesthetic.resistance).
