When a University of Waterloo researcher announced he had developed an “artificial leaf” that converts harmful carbon dioxide into fuel, his discovery was celebrated around the world.
Professor Yimin Wu’s breakthrough was an exciting advance in research he conducted at a national laboratory in the United States before joining Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering last year. Wu landed in Waterloo after undertaking a worldwide search for a post that would allow him to teach and take his work to “the next level.”
His decision to move to Canada was based on two main factors: the distinctive culture at Waterloo and Canada’s reputation for inclusivity.
WATERLOO’S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY
Wu says Waterloo’s unique intellectual property policy, which grants researchers full ownership of their work, is extremely appealing to entrepreneurial academics like him who want to commercialize their inventions.
“My passion is not just doing science in the lab,” he says. “I want to make an impact on society.”
Wu hopes to work with industry — especially resource companies looking to reduce emissions — on his artificial leaf technology. Read the full news story here