Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Waterloo’s partnership with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre aims to enhance cancer research and tackle urgent health care challenges.
The University of Waterloo and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) at University Health Network have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership to transform cancer research and treatment. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on September 30, 2024, this collaboration combines Waterloo’s leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and machine learning with PM’s world-class oncology expertise.
Why This Partnership Matters
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada, and innovative solutions are urgently needed. By working together, Waterloo and PM aim to:
- Accelerate cancer detection and treatment using AI-driven technologies.
- Improve precision and personalization in patient care.
- Integrate advanced tools into existing health systems for better outcomes.
What This Means for Patients and Communities
This partnership will foster cutting-edge research projects, enhance health-care delivery, and make quality care more accessible. It also opens doors for:
- Educational opportunities through Waterloo’s co-op programs.
- Collaborative scholarships to tackle health-care challenges.
- Future breakthroughs in areas like radiation therapy planning and clinical trial matching.
Looking Ahead
Together, Waterloo and PM are committed to driving meaningful change in cancer care through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a healthier future.
Example research partnership projects with PM
Dr. Scott Hopkins, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo, and Dr. Arash Zarrine-Afsar from University Health Network received $250,000 from UHN Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Cancer Digital Intelligence (CDI) Grand Challenge: Responsible Artificial Intelligence to improve treatment options for brain and spine cancer.
Dr. Ana Crisan, an assistant professor at the Cheriton School of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo, and Dr. Benjamin Haibe-Kains from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, received $250,000 from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre's Cancer Digital Intelligence team. This funding, awarded under the 2025–26 Grand Challenge: From AI Algorithm to Implementation, will support the development of a modular AI system to integrate data related to head and neck cancer.
Two interdisciplinary capstone teams from Waterloo are working with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to address real-world clinical and research challenges.