Exploring Breakthroughs in Innovation
At Waterloo Science, we are driving the future of innovation and sustainability, laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable world. Our researchers are pioneering the development of cutting-edge materials that are revolutionizing renewable energy, advancing next-generation technologies, and shaping a future defined by sustainability. With breakthroughs in sensing technology, we are expanding the boundaries of scientific discovery—unlocking new ways to explore the distant universe, probing the depths of the Earth, and pushing the limits of nano- and quantum technologies to transform chemical and biological sensing.
These advances position Waterloo Science as a global catalyst for scientific innovation and technological discovery, where bold ideas meet transformative impact.
Sustainably leading the development of new technologies
Read more about:
Dr. Scott Hopkins
Science Professor, Department of Chemistry
Dr. Scott Hopkins is establishing North America’s only Infrared Free Electron Laser (IR-FEL). A beacon of innovation, international collaboration, and a catalyst for transformative discoveries, the IR-FEL promises to revolutionize research across the natural sciences, materials science, disease diagnosis, and beyond, offering unprecedented capabilities for studying ultrafast processes and exploring new frontiers in science and technology.
This facility will position Waterloo at the forefront of laser technology and scientific innovation. Dr. Hopkins, his students and their collaborators will couple measurements from the IR-FEL with mass spectrometry and artificial intelligence (AI) to aid in the analysis and characterization of molecules and materials. These results may offer new avenues for understanding health, lead to breakthroughs in disease identification and treatment, and contribute significantly to environmental initiatives as contaminants can be easily detected and removed from water and soil.
Imagine a not-so-distant future where the potential for disease is identified through newly discovered biomarkers we can detect through simple, non-invasive tests of human tears or saliva. The impact of how we diagnosis, treat and eradicate metabolic disease will be astonishing.
Dr. Juewen Liu
Science Professor, Department of Chemistry
Dr. Juewen Liu draws inspiration from the building blocks of life— DNA molecules and lipids—to design groundbreaking bionanomaterials that revolutionize medicine and sensing technologies. By isolating functional segments of biological molecules, like robust and cost-effective DNA sequences, he transforms them into powerful tools by integrating them with innovative materials such as gold nanoparticles, liposomes and hydrogels. These innovative combinations unlock a world of possibilities, from targeted drug delivery systems to advanced biosensors capable of detecting disease biomarkers.
His research doesn’t stop there; Dr. Liu is also at the forefront of creating methods to detect and remove dangerous contaminants like heavy metals, antibiotics and microplastics from water, showcasing his unwavering commitment to solving real-world challenges and making a profound impact on society.
World-leading research earns Dr. Juewen Liu a Canada Research Chair
Dr. Liu has been named a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Biosensors and Bionanotechnology.
“If I’m curious about something, it seems like I can always find some resource to investigate it,” Liu says. “Waterloo Chemistry is a great place, and I appreciate having the opportunity to explore.”
Therese Hayes
Science Alumni
BSc ’89 (Honours Science)
Therese Hayes is the CEO of The House of LR&C (which stands for love, respect and care), a company that she co- created as a sustainable apparel and footwear business. As the architect of the Environmental, Social, and Governance Strategy, she transformed the supply chain by introducing suppliers committed to sustainable practices, achieved B Corp Certification, and implemented the Goods Mandate—a unique framework enabling the company to reduce its overall carbon impact by 20% through supply chain optimization and operational efficiencies.
Hayes’ inner scientist appreciates the discipline and rigour required to set and achieve a new standard of sustainability in fashion, not an easy task in one of the world’s most polluting industries. “This is a team sport requiring the commitment of the entire company, we have created strict standards from design through to commercialization to reduce our environmental impact,” said Hayes.
Hear Therese in our International Women's Day High Tea Social from 2021, as a panelist discussing why Women Chose to Challenge.
We stand at the forefront of discovery and sustainable development, where innovation becomes a catalyst for change, and purposeful research drives the development of innovative technologies and environmental sustainability.
With your support, we will make a difference. Together, we are redefining what is possible.