Our Connected World

Research expands knowledge. Research explores new knowledge. Research solves problems, creates understanding, and provides rich connections between the academic world, the private sector, communities, and governments. Research is in the DNA of the University of Waterloo, both within and across its many Departments, Faculties, Centres, and Institutes.

Waterloo research spans the continuum from fundamental, curiosity-based inquiry to the practical applications of new knowledge. It is conducted in both a discipline-specific manner and by inter-and multidisciplinary teams. A strong spirit of entrepreneurship underpins this research, giving rise not only to the development of new technologies, but their application and commercialization.

Waterloo’s research strengths are deliberately aligned with important global challenges. This is in recognition of the critical role that technology coupled with reflective scholarship will play in meeting these challenges and understanding their human dimensions. Discoveries heralding transformative disruption that benefits society are a hallmark of Waterloo research.

To maximize global impact, Waterloo has aligned its thematic research strengths with opportunities for new discoveries that are likely to shape approaches to global challenges. In doing so, the institution continues to build on established strengths in fundamental research, engage in applied research, and take a leadership role in commercializing new technology. That solutions to global challenges will be both technology-based and informed by an increased understanding of their human dimensions has prompted mobilization of complementary research strengths in several fields in the quest to develop and implement these solutions.

Quantum science, nanotechnology, connectivity and telecommunications

Pioneering basic and applied research in: quantum and materials science, quantum computing and quantum simulation for understanding physics and materials, nanotechnology, digital media, and telecommunications, is pushing the frontiers of knowledge and giving rise to new technologies. Waterloo researchers are also examining human interaction with these technologies and their potential for transformative impact on industrial, social, artistic, environmental and cultural landscapes. Developments that are having a transformative impact include:

• new quantum sensors with enhanced sensitivity
• smart functional materials
• advances in quantum security
• new developments in photonics
• nano sensors and electronics for lab-on-a-chip
• advances in network and satellite communication enabling increased connectivity and future expansion of the Internet of Things
• emerging technologies for social innovation
• social and ethical impacts of connectivity

Water, energy and climate: sustainability, security, infrastructure

Waterloo research is facilitating the transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon sustainable society. A cornerstone objective is sustainable use and management of space, land, water, and energy on a global scale. Developments that are having a transformative impact include:

• nanotechnologies for the delivery of clean water
• environmental and resource economics and governance and the formulation of sustainable land and water-management policies
• next generation batteries, fuel cells and smart-grid infrastructure for the provision of clean, affordable, low-carbon energy
• digital and remote sensing technologies for environmental monitoring of air, land, water and the stratosphere, providing information that will shape pivotal environmental policies
• new paradigms of architectural and urban design for enhanced sustainability of cities, buildings and infrastructure

Information technology and its impact, including intelligent systems, human-machine interfaces, cybersecurity, privacy and data science

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are enabling Waterloo researchers to develop systems that are ushering in a new era of automated, intelligent transportation. The attendant challenges will test the mettle of human/machine interfaces. Social scientists are studying the impact of these intelligent systems on the transportation industry and on domestic and international job markets. Developments that are having a transformative impact include:

• autonomous scale cars with novel sensors enabling robust navigation without human inputs
• smart systems for hybrid and electric vehicles
• network and operational security for internet-connected systems and data
• quantum-safe cryptography
• blockchain technology for secure data storage, financial transactions and asset management
• societal implications of cyber risk, including cyber terrorism and global security
• ethical considerations of the applications of artificial intelligence

Robotics and advanced manufacturing

Through innovative research encompassing the use of advanced materials, advanced robotics and mechatronics, Waterloo is developing next-generation additive manufacturing. Robotics research at Waterloo is both fundamental and applied in nature and runs the gamut from designing robots for the service industry to those able to defuse land mines or perform surgery. New developments that are having a transformative impact include:

• human-robot interaction including its impact on cognitive function and development
• robot-assisted full cycle manufacturing in a factory setting
• custom-product development using next-generation additive manufacturing
• autonomous robots for detecting structural defects in bridges
• human-centered robotics and machine learning

Health technologies

New technologies with the potential to reshape aspects of medicine are being developed at Waterloo. Research on the social determinants of health including healthy aging, tobacco control and substance use is having population-scale impacts. Development and deployment of digital health systems for improving population health are enhancing health - care outcomes. Enhanced understanding of human response to technical and policy interventions is helping to stem viral spreads and mitigate their impact on the most vulnerable. New developments that are having a transformative impact include:

• wearable devices for monitoring indices of health
• next generation contact lenses with drug-delivery potential
• soft-robotics for ocular treatment and surgery
• nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery
• high resolution imaging technology

The Office of Research has identified the following as key research priorities, as articulated in the University’s Strategic Plan. These priorities emerged through the many consultations that were held for the development of the University’s Strategic Plan. There were also additional, extensive consultations held simultaneously within the Office of Research. These additional consultations, involving researchers and leaders from across the Waterloo community including, Deans, Associate Deans Research, Executive Directors of Centres and Institutes, Department Chairs, Research Chairs, students, the Innovation Ecosystem Council, the Research Equity Diversity and Inclusion Council, research staff across campus, external stakeholders, and others, enabled a detailed focus on identification of drivers of research excellence at the institution.  

The following tangible goals with their specific objectives will serve to enhance disciplinary and interdisciplinary research strengths and marshal these strengths to solve increasingly complex real-world problems. These goals will serve to support the University’s Strategic Plan, as well as the Research Strategic Plan. 

The Office of Research is committed to supporting activities related to these goals and objectives as they are pursued within the Faculties and other organizational units across the institution, including in the Office of Research itself. 
 

About the Artwork

The conceptual art on our Strategic Plan website reflects Waterloo’s culture — one that welcomes change, chance and the great promise of human-machine interaction. Using data from our community, Matt DesLauriers, a Canadian artist and creative coder, developed four works of digital art to highlight Waterloo’s new vision and themes for action. Each time you interact with this digital art, you generate a unique image that represents the countless ways we interact with computers for a better world.

Waterloo is a comprehensive, research–intensive university with a worldwide reputation. This artwork is a visualization of research publications listed in an InCites data set. When you click or tap and hold, new art will be generated from a random subset of most–cited publications. Each rectangular cell is mapped to a single publication. The colour coincides to the Waterloo faculty and the height is related to the citation’s impact.