On December 5, postdoctoral scholars recently appointed under two of the University of Waterloo’s prestigious programs, the Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars and the Provost’s Program for Black and Indigenous Postdoctoral Scholars, gathered for a celebratory luncheon hosted by the Office of the Vice-President, Academic and Provost.
The event, held at Federation Hall, offered scholars a warm introduction to the Waterloo community. Dr. James Rush, Vice-President, Academic and Provost, and Dr. Justin Wan, Interim Co-Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, welcomed the scholars and their faculty supervisors.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Wan highlighted the vital role postdoctoral researchers play in advancing Waterloo’s research mission and achieving global impact. Building off of Dr. Wan's remarks, Dr. Rush emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and creating pathways for underrepresented scholars to thrive in academia.
The luncheon provided a platform for the scholars to meet peers from diverse disciplines, share insights into their innovative research projects, and begin building connections that will enrich their postdoctoral experience.
The Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars and the Provost’s Program for Black and Indigenous Postdoctoral Scholars attract top postdoctoral leaders from around the world. The Interdisciplinary Program funds scholars tackling cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research, while the Black and Indigenous Program reduces barriers and fosters inclusivity and belonging for underrepresented scholars. Together, these initiatives reflect Waterloo’s dedication to equity, diversity, and research excellence.
The University of Waterloo looks forward to seeing how these exceptional scholars will contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and further strengthen Waterloo’s reputation as a global leader in research and innovation.