A collection of President Goel’s news features, publications, speeches, and announcements
Fixing Canada's science and tech ecosystem
September 20, 2023
We continue to fall behind other countries in harnessing the power of science and technology to improve productivity. Particularly with the advent of generative AI, if we don’t get this right we will fall even further behind, perhaps with no chance of ever catching up.
There are many things we must do to meet this challenge. A critical intervention would be to incentivize Canadian business to be more involved in investing in Canadian research and talent.
Fall 2023 welcome message
August 31, 2023
Welcome to another academic year. I hope that you had some time off this summer, and an opportunity to slow down. While research, learning and your commitment to your duties continues throughout the year, every September brings a special energy and a sense of something new to our campuses.
The core of Waterloo’s success has always been its connection to our community. That community includes the regions where we live, learn and work, but also the communities that make up our campuses. These internal communities are made up of strong, diverse, and collaborative groups of students and employees who look after one another and support each other to strive for their best.
Research Funding
August 22, 2023
It’s past time for Canada to fund graduate students and researchers properly — our future depends on it
In a rapidly changing world research universities are essential for ensuring that Canada had the knowledge and talent necessary to keep up.
Unfortunately, research such as this that creates tomorrow’s Canadian-made discoveries is at risk as funding support for universities and research institutes continues to be eroded. We will lose a generation of scholars if current funding trends continue, and recovering from such a loss will not be easy.
UW committed to fostering inclusive and safe environment — for all
July 4, 2023
We must all remain committed to fostering inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments for all members of our community — denouncing all forms of hate, discrimination, and violence.
There are people who would like to intimidate us. They want us to be afraid — afraid to learn, afraid to share, afraid to speak our truths. But we will not let this deter us from proclaiming loudly, our values of inclusion and openness.
Finding purpose in uncertain times
June 30, 2023
In a wide ranging and thought-provoking conversation, former Governor General and University of Waterloo President Emeritus David Johnston joined current President Vivek Goel to discuss how the workforce of the future can turn compassion into action.
The fireside chat, part of the World Association of Co-operative Education (WACE) 2023 World Conference hosted at Waterloo, used Johnston’s new book “Empathy” as a starting point.
No Place for Hate
June 29, 2023
Yesterday, three members of our community were violently attacked in a horrific act that targeted gender expression and identity. It is unimaginable that this hate exists in some people’s hearts. We gather now, as a community, to affirm that hate has no place here.
We are united against all forms of violence, hatred and bigotry. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for members of our community – denouncing all forms of hate, discrimination, and violence.
Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21, 2023
June is National Indigenous History Month, and on the 21st—the summer solstice—we mark National Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
It’s also an opportunity for everyone to truly think about the historic and ongoing colonial legacy under which First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nations continue to live and work — and what from this legacy remains unaddressed.
Spring 2023 convocation
June 12, 2023
There is a vibrancy and a sense of excitement that flows across our campus in the spring as we prepare to welcome our graduating students for convocation. Convocation recognizes the hard-work and perseverance our students have demonstrated during their time at the University of Waterloo. Their experience here is more than the knowledge they gained in the classroom or the work they conducted in the lab, library or field. It is about the relationships and networks they forged during their time here.
Celebrating Pride at UWaterloo
May 30, 2023
Each year in June, Pride Month celebrates the diversity, history, contributions, and achievements of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, while also raising awareness about further progress needed for equity and justice. We acknowledge that we have a lot more work to do on campus to create a safe and just environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff and faculty, and we are committed to that work.
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