University of Waterloo researchers have received more than $4.3 million in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), a non-profit corporation that support research infrastructure through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF).
The University of Waterloo has broken ground on WaterFEL, the Infrared Free Electron Laser (IR-FEL) facility scheduled to open in 2028. The new facility will be the only one of its kind in North America and will revolutionize research with its capabilities to address global challenges, from understanding and treating complex health conditions to creating pathways for a healthier environment.
While founding Canada’s next tech startup or discovering a major research breakthrough are the impetus for some University of Waterloo changemakers, others use their curiosity and imagination to find ways to unlock social impact locally and globally.
In many cases, the first steps towards making a difference happen at Waterloo where students immerse themselves in a culture of curiosity, entrepreneurship and global stewardship. It’s at Waterloo where a sense of belonging and a responsibility for others can really take root.
Engineering and health researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a radar and artificial intelligence (AI) system that can monitor multiple people walking in busy hospitals and long-term care facilities to identify possible health issues.
The new technology — housed in a wall-mounted device about the size of a deck of cards — uses AI software and radar hardware to accurately measure how fast each person is walking.
Algae may call to mind discoloured pool water or the green film floating to the top of your rain barrel, but
The Region of Waterloo is one of the fastest-growing regions in the province. To keep up with current and emerging needs, attracting, retaining and training top health-care talent is a priority. Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) have launched a 52-week pharmacist hospital residency program in partnership with the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy to attract and train talent within the region.
Youssef Helwa
Alum, Faculty of Engineering
> Co-founder and CEO of FluidAI
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a better way to enhance the clarity and detail of eye images used to diagnose disease by teaching artificial intelligence (AI) software the science behind the imaging process.
The new AI model precisely reverses quality loss and reconstructs reliable images, providing a powerful tool for more accurate diagnosis of eye diseases affecting the cornea, the transparent tissue in the front of the eye.
In Dr. Dale Martin’s lab at the University of Waterloo, his team is leading biomedical research, making innovative advancements in treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington disease and ALS.
Among the team is Yusra Kureshi (BSc ’25), recipient of the 2025 Huntington Society of Canada (HSC) Student Fellowship. Kureshi first joined the Martin lab in January as a volunteer, where her potential as a researcher quickly stood out.
The University of Waterloo is pleased to welcome 10 outstanding students to its incoming first-year class through the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships program.
Awarded annually to 100 high school graduates across Canada, these scholarships recognize exceptional individuals who demonstrate strong entrepreneurial potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Each Schulich Leader receives between $100,000 and $120,000, empowering them to pursue their academic goals with financial peace of mind.