News

Researchers at the University of Waterloo created a lightweight, flexible material using tungsten nanoparticles that can replace lead in X-ray aprons. It provides similar radiation protection but is about 90% lighter, reducing strain and health risks for workers. The new material is also safer and non-toxic, and may be used in medical, industrial, and other radiation-shielding applications.

Dr. Lyndon Jones, a member of the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN), has received the University of Waterloo Excellence in Science Research Award (Senior Career Category) in recognition of his internationally impactful work in ocular and contact lens research. His contributions to dry eye disease, biomaterials, and drug delivery have advanced vision science and improved outcomes for millions of contact lens users worldwide.

Nazmul Hossain, a PhD student in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo, has received multiple prestigious graduate scholarships—including OGS, QEII-GSST, and NSERC CGRS-D—in recognition of his research in sustainable energy technologies. Supervised by WIN faculty members Dr. Y. Norman Zhou and Dr. Aiping Yu, his work in next-generation energy harvesting highlights the impact of strong mentorship and innovative research at Waterloo.

Alfred Yu and Xuemin (Sherman) Shen, professors in Electrical and Computer Engineering, have received prestigious IEEE Canada awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to engineering. Yu was honoured for his innovations in ultrasound imaging technology, while Shen was recognized for his impactful work in wireless and communication networks. Their achievements highlight the global influence of their research and leadership in advancing engineering technologies.

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

Congratulations to WIN member Marina Meilă on being awarded a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Reliable Structure Discovery. Her work focuses on developing advanced methods to ensure machine learning results are accurate and trustworthy, strengthening the reliability of data-driven discoveries and advancing innovation across scientific disciplines.

Congratulations to Juewen Liu for his pioneering work in DNA-based materials, where he is advancing the use of aptamers for applications in sensing, therapeutics, and environmental technologies.

Congratulations to Sushanta Mitra, Boxin Zhao, and Nasser Mohieddin Abukhdeir on receiving $600,000 in federal funding to advance research on microplastic pollution. Their project focuses on developing an innovative, made-in-Canada platform that enables the real-time detection and removal of microplastics using advanced materials, sensors, and AI. This work supports more efficient monitoring, improved identification of pollution sources, and contributes to Canada’s goal of reducing plastic waste.

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.