News

The University of Waterloo signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Split’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FESB) in April 2026 to strengthen international collaboration in nanotechnology and advanced engineering research. The agreement establishes a flexible framework to support joint research projects, academic exchanges, and the mobility of students, faculty, and staff, while encouraging shared funding opportunities and the exchange of knowledge. It also outlines guidelines for intellectual property and includes limited binding provisions related to confidentiality. Overall, the partnership aims to enhance global cooperation, drive innovation, and create new opportunities for research and student development between Canada and Croatia.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed a water-based, nanotechnology-enabled pesticide formulation that enhances droplet adhesion, reduces environmental runoff, and improves pest control compared to conventional methods

Professor Boxin Zhao has been elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering in recognition of his pioneering work in advanced functional materials, adhesion science, and sustainable nanotechnology applications.

The Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) and Concordia University’s Volt‑Age Research Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize a growing collaboration in advanced energy and nanotechnology research. Building on the momentum of Professor Karim Zaghib’s WIN Distinguished Lecture, the agreement establishes a framework for joint research focused on carbon‑neutral energy technologies, including next‑generation batteries and sustainable energy systems. The partnership also emphasizes graduate training through shared workshops, research exchanges, and access to specialized facilities, while encouraging joint national and international funding initiatives. Together, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to accelerating innovation, developing highly trained researchers, and advancing nanotechnology‑driven solutions for a low‑carbon future.

WIN and NIMS (Japan) have renewed their partnership, ensuring continued eligibility for researchers to apply for the International Cooperative Graduate Program (ICGP) this September.

Yamagata University has joined the N4SNano network, strengthening global collaboration in nanoscience and advanced materials research.

WIN is spotlighting Dr. Yimin A. Wu’s seed‑funded research, which uses nanotechnology to break down and repurpose plastic waste, advancing Waterloo’s sustainability goals through the Global Futures Initiative.

Building on the momentum of the NRC–Waterloo Quantum and Nanotechnologies Workshop, the NRC has opened a new call under its Quantum Internetworking (QUIN) Challenge Program. WIN researchers are invited to submit EOIs for collaborative projects focused on advancing networked quantum devices in Canada.

At Nano Tech 2026 in Tokyo, Tangho Green Canada, Yamagata University, and the University of Waterloo will present the first public demonstration of a dynamic printed force sensor on compostable NanoPaper. The interactive “electronic skin” demonstrates real-time touch sensing, marking the first commercial availability of Tangho NanoPaper as a sustainable substrate for printed electronics.

The WIN–ICN2 Joint Seed Funding Programme has been expanded to include two additional projects, enabled by increased funding from both institutions in recognition of the high quality of proposals received. The newly funded projects—MYHEAL, focused on 3D-printed antimicrobial bandages for chronic wounds, and SHINE, which develops sustainable organic electronic transistors—were the next highest-ranked submissions. This expansion strengthens collaboration between WIN and ICN2 and supports the programme’s goal of building foundations for future international funding, including Horizon Europe.