Christine Muschik and Ben Thompson named University Research Chairs

Quantum physicist Christine Muschik and vision scientist Ben Thompson were each named a 2022 University Research Chair at the last University Senate meeting.

The University Research Chair award recognizes exceptional achievement and pre-eminence in a particular field of knowledge. Recipients can choose to receive an annual stipend or teaching reduction of one course per year.

Christine Muschik (pictured left) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and member of the Institute for Quantum Computing and Perimeter Institute. She is an expert in the theory of quantum communication and quantum simulation. Her research applies quantum technology to problems in particle physics.

Muschik has developed new computational approaches that get more power out of existing quantum technologies and flow the results into a feedback loop with classical processors, creating increasingly capable hybrid systems. Quantum-classical hybrid computers send information back and forth between these contradictory frameworks, using both to solve problems and run simulations with implications for the aerospace industry, drug discovery, financial services, and many areas of scientific research.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support by the University of Waterloo," says Muschik. "Time for focused research is one of the most crucial and decisive factors for scientific success, and will allow my group to maintain our cutting edge in a very competitive field.”

Ben Thompson (pictured right) is a Professor with the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science. His research specializes in neuroplasticity to restore vision, identifying early biomarkers in eye/brain disease, quantum, and macular degeneration. Thompson uses a variety of techniques to investigate human brain plasticity and visual cortex function including psychophysics, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

Currently stationed in Hong Kong, Thompson is CEO and Scientific Director of the Centre for Eye and Vision Research, the world’s first international research hub dedicated to eye and vision research. Under Thompson’s leadership, CEVR is taking on some of vision science’s most pressing challenges to generate technologies to prevent vision loss and preserve healthy vision for populations around the world.

“I am honoured to be appointed as a University Research Chair," says Thompson. "This recognition is shared by the outstanding students, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators that I have had the privilege of working with at the University of Waterloo.”

Since 2004, Waterloo has granted 123 University Research Chair awards, including this year’s recipients. In addition to Muschik and Thompson, seven other 2022 University Research Chair were named, including: Dustin Garrick (Environment), Suzan Ilcan (Arts), Monica Maly (Health), William Slofstra (Math), Chaitanya Swamy (Math), Evelyn Yim (Engineering) and Aiping Yu (Engineering).

"The University of Waterloo owes much of its reputation and stature to the quality of its professors and their scholarly accomplishments," says the official announcement from the Office of the Vice-President, Academic & Provost.

Congratulations Christine and Ben!