Remembering Professor Ernest Holmes

Monday, February 7, 2022

A retired engineering professor who played a significant role in developing the University’s relationship with industry and Waterloo’s IP policy has passed away.

Professor Ernest Holmes was described as one of the most important figures in Waterloo’s early years by Ken McLaughlin, University of Waterloo Professor Emeritus and Waterloo author and historian.

“He played an extremely important role in creating the innovative, entrepreneurial and intensive research environment that has shaped the Waterloo experience and character. Among many notable achievements, Ernie introduced the unique policy of faculty members owning the rights to their intellectual property that became a hallmark of this university,” said Professor Emeritus McLaughlin.

Ernest Holmes joined Waterloo as an associate professor in 1964 and was later named Associate Dean of Engineering. Between 1974 and his retirement in 1988, he held the roles of Director and then Dean of Research.

Read about: Professor Ernest Homes (1933-2022)