Unravel the Mysteries of the Universe
At the heart of all scientific pursuits is curiosity, wonder, and appreciation of the world around us. From the smallest microorganism to the galaxies at the edge of the visible universe, it is human nature to explore and investigate the unknown as we strive to make a difference and push the limits of our collective knowledge. By witnessing groundbreaking discoveries and envisioning exciting new possibilities, our students, alumni, and researchers push the boundaries of science, sparking innovation and inspiring the future of discovery.
Following Curiosity to Advance Our Knowledge
Read more about:
Dr. Roger Melko
Science Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Dr. Roger Melko is spearheading an exciting revolution in quantum computing, capitalizing on Waterloo's creator-owned IP policy as co-founder of Open Quantum Design. Alongside fellow Waterloo Science professors Dr. Crystal Senko, Dr. Rajibul Islam, and Science alum Greg Dick, BSc '93 (Physics), the team is pushing boundaries by building the world’s first full-stack, open-source quantum computer powered by trapped ion quantum bits — a transformative leap for the field.
Dr. Melko’s cutting-edge research develops quantum algorithms that are redefining the study of condensed matter and quantum many-body physics. As a pioneer in integrating machine learning and generative language models into quantum physics, his work is accelerating the simulation of quantum systems on classical computers. This cross-disciplinary approach is not only driving innovation but is also shaping the design of future quantum computers. Envisioning breakthroughs in quantum simulation, many-body physics, and beyond, Dr. Melko and his team are laying the foundation for quantum technologies that will transform industries and scientific discovery for decades to come.
The OQD quantum computer is truly a unique design, rooted in years of scientific research performed at the University of Waterloo. Now that we have open-sourced these designs to the world, a collaborative network is rapidly growing that is accelerating the development of both the hardware and software an unprecedented pace. Whether it will be used for industrial applications or as a fundamental instrument of scientific discovery, I am excited to see what the future holds for the world’s first open-source quantum computer.
International Year of Quantum Profiles
Learn more about Roger Melko and Open Quantum Design with our quantum-alumni profiles, which celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in 2025.
Dr. Roger Melko
As a world-leading expert in quantum and artificial intelligence, University of Waterloo Science alum Dr. Roger Melko, BSc ’00 (Physics), MSc ’01 (Physics), consistently draws inspiration from recent technological revolutions and applies them to his innovative work in quantum science. Now, as a professor in Waterloo’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, his research uncovers new, unique connections between physics and machine learning.
Read more in Bridging the Quantum Gap
Greg Dick
Greg Dick, BSc ’93 (Physics), has a passion for pulling back the veil of our universe, to share the wonders of physics with others. Combined with his philosophy for life of “if something isn’t the way you want it, change it,” Greg continues to make a lasting, global impact on the field of quantum physics.
Read his full profile: Local efforts for global impact during the second quantum revolution
Dr. Will Percival
Science Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
As Director of the Waterloo Centre for Astrophysics, Dr. Will Percival is unlocking the universe’s most profound mysteries, exploring the cosmos with unparalleled precision and insight. Leading groundbreaking projects like the European Space Agency’s Euclid space mission, he is mapping the distant reaches of the observable universe, pushing the boundaries of what we know about humanity’s place in the vast expanse of space.
Dr. Percival has orchestrated astrophysics collaborations that have released the largest 3-dimensional map of the universe ever created, revealing key insights into the enigmatic forces of dark matter and dark energy driving the universe’s accelerated expansion. His work not only advances our fundamental understanding of the cosmos but also ignites the imagination. Dr. Percival believes that astronomy has the unique ability to inspire curiosity in people everywhere, laying the foundation for a more scientifically literate and wonder-driven society. His visionary leadership is reshaping our cosmic perspective and fueling the next generation of discovery.
As an observational cosmologist, Dr. Percival studies the properties of the universe as a whole, and matter density.
DESI has made the largest 3D map of our universe to date and uses it to study dark energy. Earth is at the center in this animation, and every dot is a galaxy.
Learn more about Dr. Percival's research and achievements
- Evidence mounting that dark energy evolves over time: New results from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument show dark energy may currently be weakening
- Euclid dazzles with new data and images: The first batch of survey data released by the Euclid mission gives us a glimpse into hundreds of thousands of galaxies reaching back 10.5 billion light years - and it's only the beginning
- New data from DESI is a goldmine for observational cosmology: Scientists working with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument lead data analysis further testing general relativity
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Peering into the cosmos: The crucial role of fundamental research in nurturing curiosity, cultivating innovation
Alex Kunert
PhD Candidate, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Alex Kunert is a PhD candidate in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, working with Dr. Brian Kendall. Her research aims to further our understanding of ancient environments and their influence on early lifeforms, and perhaps extend these findings to our search for life in extraterrestrial environments.
As part of the Metal Isotope Geochemistry Lab, Alex studies the history of mid- Proterozoic ocean oxygenation using traces of uranium and thallium isotope compositions in black shales. She works with rock samples between 1.5 and 1.8 billion years old, collected from field sites in both Canada, at Animikie Basin near Thunder Bay, and northern Australia, at McArthur Basin.
Student Success
Alexandra Kunert received the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student in spring 2025!
Dr. Avery Broderick
Science Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Dr. Avery Broderick is a prominent member of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration, an international team of astrophysicists that unveiled the first ever image of a supermassive black hole, M87. Since the first breathtaking image captured global imagination, Broderick and the EHT team have revealed images of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole in the middle of our own Milky Way galaxy, and using polarization, measured the magnetic field signatures around the shadow of each supermassive black hole.
Dr. Broderick’s current research focus is the interpretation and analysis of horizon-resolving millimeter wave observations of these two supermassive black holes.
M87, the first image of a black hole
M87 with polarized light, showing the magnetic field at the edge of the black hole.
Sagittarius A*, the black hole in the centre of our Milky Way galaxy.
Sagittarius A* with polarized light, showing the magnetic field at the edge of the black hole.
More research from Dr. Avery Broderick
Unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Using a global network of telescopes, Waterloo researchers are bringing black holes into view for the very first time.
"I don’t think any of us knew exactly what would come from establishing the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration but looking around the room, I think we all knew we could achieve amazing things together that we couldn’t do alone."
- Dr. Avery Broderick
One year later: tracking the evolution of a black hole. After sharing the world’s first images of a black hole with the world in 2019, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) team has not slowed down. The EHT team recently released a follow-up paper, reporting on the results from the 2018 observations of M87*, including additional images and discusses the consistencies, confirming the researchers' interpretations.
Dr. Broderick unravels the mysteries of black holes and hints at what future discoveries might look like in his latest public lecture.
Curiosity driven research allows us to explore and understand the scientific nature of our world, inspiring one another to unleash our potential. Fuelled by Waterloo’s spirit of discovery, we will instill optimism for a brighter tomorrow.
With your support, we will make a difference. Together, we are redefining what is possible.