What started as a modest collaboration between chemists from both sides of the Atlantic, is now a rich and diverse partnership, where international researchers from diverse communities come together to solve problems in unique ways.The past 10 years have included the development of substantive partnerships in a variety of research and educational activities (i.e., joint doctoral program in functional materials), covering diverse fields: AI and health, functional materials, nanoscience, health and environment, water and energy and aging. Thirty-four projects have been funded between Waterloo and Bordeaux, totaling over $900,000. That funding has been tripled by subsequent external sponsor grants awarded to Waterloo and Bordeaux researchers, from funding sources like SSHRC, NSERC, and others.
“The leveraging of funds has been incredible through these collaborations,” said Charmaine Dean, Waterloo’s Vice-President, Research and International, during the virtual celebration. There were also 135 joint publications and spin off companies resulting from the partnership.
A virtual event on May 25 celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Bordeaux-Waterloo strategic partnership. The celebration included reflections from both universities’ presidents, signing of the Framework Agreement for Strategic International Cooperation renewal, remarks and discussions from dignitaries, faculty researchers and student alumni, presentations on Canada-France support resources and an announcement about the next stage of the partnership, including a new website and a joint research institute.