The Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) is a global leader in discovering and developing smart and functional materials, connected devices, next generation energy systems, and therapeutics and theranostics. These discoveries by our scientists and engineers are fundamentally changing our world and helping solve some of humanity's most pressing issues. Our 285, 000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility meets the highest scientific standards for the control of vibration, electromagnetic radiation, temperature, and humidity, making it a global centre of excellence for nanotechnology and its applications.
Why is nanotechnology important? It is about creating new materials and improving ways of manufacturing products. To be more efficient, better, stronger and cheaper. Also improving the economy, environment and society. To achieve societal impact and a sustainable future, WIN has now mapped its thematic areas with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
News
Carolyn Ren named one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women of 2021
Carolyn Ren, a Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology member and professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering, has been named among the top 100 most powerful women by the Women’s Executive Network. Professor Ren is honoured in the annual ranking's Manulife Science and Technology category, which recognizes women in STEM roles who are challenging the status quo for knowledge and female empowerment.
WIN members named Royal Society of Canada fellows and members
Three WIN members have been named fellows of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) and members of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.
They are among 93 new fellows elected by their peers for outstanding scholarly, scientific, and artistic achievement and 46 new members of the College across Canada announced today.
Waterloo’s new RSC fellows and members are:
Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada
Hard or soft? State-shifting new material can be both
Researchers at Waterloo Engineering have created a new material that can go from a soft gel to a hard solid and back again at the same temperature.
The switchability of the material - a combination of supercooled melted salt and polymers that the researchers call sal-gel - means it has two stable and reversible solid states for potential use in a range of technologies including soft robotics, adhesion and adhesives, and aeronautics.