Waterloo is known as the best in the world for computer science, engineering and math but a new ranking of universities by subject says you should think again - Waterloo is world-class in many other areas, including tourism management, water research and physics. Waterloo scientists have played an integral part in Waterloo's global reputation in water research and physics.
The annual Global Ranking of Academic Subjects ranks universities in 54 subjects across Natural Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences.
- 11th in Telecommunication Engineering
- 12th in Environmental Science and Engineering
- 18th in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- 21st in Hospitality and Tourism Management
- 28th in Transportation Science and Technology
- 34th in Water Resources research
- 40th in Remote Sensing
- Among the top 75 for Physics
- Among the top 100 for Psychology
- Among the top 100 for Sociology
These latest rankings demonstrate that the talent at Waterloo is broad and not just concentrated in a few areas. All its faculties and programs contribute to its world-class reputation and consistently high rankings.
Waterloo's Legacy in water research
Waterloo has had a long history as a global leader in water research. In the 1970s, Chemist Alfred Rudin and engineer Alan Plumtree created the Waterloo Pump, a hand-operated pump that provides clean drinking water to developing countries. It was both simple and versatile, with local materials that could be easily manufactured and repaired by villagers using readily available materials. Groundwater pioneers like Robert Gillham and John Cherry from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science also put Waterloo on the global map.
Robert Gillham is one of Waterloo's most recognised research scientists in the field of groundwater remediation. His invention of the reactive permeable barrier is used worldwide today. He holds patents in Canada, Australia, Europe and the United States. John Cherry’s research pioneered the field of “contaminant hydrogeology”. His work transformed field research methods and the practice of contaminant hydrogeology, by globally advancing knowledge of the monitoring globally. His methods have become global standards and transformed the field. He co-authored the definitive textbook Groundwater, which has been the standard text in hydrogeology courses worldwide since its first edition.
Waterloo's strength in water research continues today. Mark Servos holds the Canada Research Chair in Water Quality Protection and has been leading local and national wastewater surveillance of COVID-19 spread, Biologist Rebecca Rooney is leading the national study of insect-based biocontrol of Phragmites australis, Philippe Van Cappellen, Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Ecohydrology, leads an interdisciplinary research team focusing on the processes, both natural and human-driven, that control water quality along the hydrological cycle. Waterloo, along with the University of Saskatchewan, Wilfrid Laurier University and McMaster University, is part of a Global Water Futures (GWF), a $144 million research initiative to find solutions that protect water quality and quantity across Canada and in the cold regions of the world.
Waterloo Physicists push the boundaries
Waterloo Physics is the home of Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland. She is the co-recipient of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing a technique called "chirped pulse amplification". Their discovery was a game-changer for the field of laser physics and greatly expanded the uses for lasers. Laser tools based on chirped pulse amplification are now employed in scientific, industrial, medical, energy, military and security applications.
Waterloo physicists are a key part of Waterloo’s burgeoning physics ecosystem that also includes partnering institutes and centres such as the Institute for Quantum Computing, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology and the Waterloo Centre for Astrophysics.
Waterloo is a global leader in quantum information science. Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate David Cory is leading the $140 million Transformative Quantum Technologies program. The collaborative research initiative aims to develop new quantum technologies and to connect quantum devices to applications spanning the fields of medicine, health, navigation, environment, materials and others.
Waterloo physicists are unravelling the mysteries of our universe. Astrophysicist Avery Broderick captured the first image of a black hole. His research collaboration were also the first to measure polarization around the edge of a black hole. It enables scientists to trace the structure of the magnetic fields that drive the powerful jets extending far beyond the galaxy.
“We’re proud of the international recognition and high ranking of our Physics program,” says Robert Lemieux, Dean of the Faculty of Science. “Home to a Nobel Laureate, Waterloo physicists work in partnership with the Institute for Quantum Computing and Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics to solve the universe’s greatest mysteries. Whether it is advancing our understanding of quantum information, studying the cosmos or pushing the limits of high-intensity laser systems, our scientists and students are expanding our understanding and defining their own path.”
The annual Global Ranking of Academic Subjects uses survey results and quantitative data to measure the performance of world universities in 54 distinct subject areas. The methodology includes analysis of research output, research influence, evidence of international collaboration, research quality, and international academic awards.