Global Impact

The University of Waterloo, in partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has launched the world’s first international hub for vision science. The Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR) is a joint collaboration between Waterloo and Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and follows a 2018 Strategic University Partnership Agreement between the two institutions.

The University of Waterloo is offering Canada’s first Sustainability and Financial Management degree to prepare a new generation of accounting and finance professionals to lead businesses through an era of environmental sustainability.

The program brings together teaching and research expertise from Waterloo’s world-class School of Accounting and Finance and its pioneering Faculty of Environment.

Every year, more than 4.5 million people need blood transfusions in Canada and the United States. That amounts to about 36,000 RBC units per day for the US alone. Transfusions are needed for trauma response, surgery and cancer care. The medical system relies on a complex system of blood donations to meet that need. Without a sufficient, reliable supply of safe blood, the health-care system comes into jeopardy.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, join us to honour seven alumni who have inspired, empowered and changed lives. Read on to meet women from Waterloo who are making headlines and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.

 

Feridun Hamdullahpur
President and vice-chancellor
University of Waterloo

For centuries our global community grew closer — trading together, working together and exchanging ideas. The global pandemic upended that world, physically separating us more than ever and forcing us to shift our focus.

Sometimes, the most difficult times create the best opportunities for impact. In the midst of a global crisis, we’ve heard from dozens of alumni who shared their efforts to support essential workers.

While it can be difficult to capture all of the amazing work Waterloo’s alumni is doing in the face of COVID-19, here are a few of their stories.