Societal Futures

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Euclid space telescope releases five stunning early images and data

by Jordan Flemming, University Relations

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid space mission, which involves collaboration with researchers from the University of Waterloo, has released five new portraits of the universe. These never-before-seen images showcase Euclid’s ability to unravel the secrets of the cosmos, enabling scientists to hunt for rogue planets, using lensed galaxies to study mysterious matter and explore the evolution of the universe.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Nurturing community through cultural engagement

by Valerie Vaz, University Relations

Navigating the transition to a new country to attend university can be a daunting task, fuelled by numerous uncertainties and challenges. Pallavi Thapar, an Honours Arts and Business student from New Delhi, India, was able to overcome these challenges by finding community through Waterloo’s Indian associations and organizations. 

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Breaking barriers for local climate action with open-source data

by Angelica Marie Sanchez, University Relations

On May 11, University of Waterloo students were invited to participate in the GOODHack24 challenge held at Communitech in downtown Kitchener. The hackathon challenge offered a space for students to brainstorm, explore and develop innovative solutions at the intersection of open data, technology and local sustainable resources to support affected communities experiencing heat inequity.  

GOODHack24 was co-hosted by the City of Kitchener, Go Open Data (GOOD) and GreenHouse, a social incubator at United College. 

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Democracy at a critical crossroads

by Jordan Flemming, University Relations

In collaboration with the Balsillie School of International Affairs, the University of Waterloo convened a dialogue on May 14, with academic and industry experts at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), addressing the misinformation and disinformation crisis facing liberal democracies worldwide. The event delved into the escalating threat of disinformation and its profound implications for the future of democratic governance.

Monday, May 13, 2024

Bridging Black: Building connections for Black flourishing

by Jordan Flemming, University Relations

The Inter-Institutional Forum Scarborough Charter 2024 took place May 9 and 10 — bringing together scholars, leaders and advocates from signatories of the Scarborough Charter on anti-Black racism and Black inclusion for a dialogue on Black experiences, challenges and achievements within higher education.

Hosted jointly by the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, this two-day event was an amiable and energetic gathering of intellect, activism and community building.

Friday, May 10, 2024

Exploring Canada’s quantum future

by Alex Kinsella, Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC)

More than 190 researchers, leaders and policymakers gathered for the second annual Quantum Connections Conference on May 1 and 2 at the Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre. The conference built upon last year’s event with a focus on the potential impacts of quantum on business, government policy and security.

Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, executive director of IQC opened the conference by recognizing Canada's quantum community's global reputation and growth.

Friday, April 26, 2024

Adapting with intent

by Jordan Flemming, Waterloo Magazine

Simon Chan (BA ’98) spent years as a financial executive helping people plan and save enough to retire comfortably. But his exploration of the non-financial aspects of retirement revealed a gap in industry conversations and services, especially when addressing how people are living much longer lives.   

Friday, April 26, 2024

Finding Indigenous community

by Waterloo Magazine

I come from the community known as Neyaashiinigmiing, or the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation — also known as Cape Croker Indian Reserve. Located on the shores of Georgian Bay, it is now known as the Bruce Peninsula, or the Saugeen Peninsula to some of us. This place was very influential to me — it is a grounding place that has influenced my decision-making.