News

Duality is the incredible “two-in-one” combo of physics. Whenever two aspects of nature – electricity and magnetism, particles and waves, the field theory of particles and the theory of gravity – can be mathematically connected, new and unified theories of nature can emerge. But research collaborations can be powerful dualities in themselves.

February 11th marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, the annual event promotes full and equal access and participation of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Let's celebrate some of the outstanding women in Waterloo Science.

Physics undergraduate student Sarah Rourke was named a finalist for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars for her academic strength, community involvement and character. The scholarships provide a life-changing opportunity for students who have a track record of contributing to their communities and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

The Quantum Horizons: Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research and Innovation for Nuclear Science Award from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Physics has enabled a new collaboration between researchers who develop technologies for nuclear physics, quantum information science and high-energy physics. 

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs has announced the 25 finalists for the 2022-2023 GRADflix competition year, which includes seven finalists from the Faculty of Science.

Dr. Raymond Laflamme, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and founding director of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), has been named co-chair of the National Quantum Strategy’s (NQS) Advisory Council. The NQS will amplify Canada's strength in quantum research; grow its quantum technologies and cement our global leadership in quantum science and its commercialization.

The spread of disinformation and misinformation — often fuelled by skepticism — is on the rise. Combating this trend and understanding why some people deny, doubt or resist scientific findings and explanations is crucial to addressing the complex and existential issues impacting our societies.

The Faculty of Science is proud to congratulate Benjamin MacLellan, a PhD student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and IQC at the University of Waterloo, for being selected as a Vanier Scholar this year.

Waterloo's Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland received top honours from Canada and France last week in Ottawa for her contributions to science. She was appointed the Companion of the Order of Canada medal and named a Knight of the Legion of Honour.

For the first time in experimental history, scientists have created a device that recreates the properties of light using neutrons. This breakthrough  provides a brand new avenue for researchers to study the development of next-generation quantum materials with applications ranging from quantum computing to identifying and solving new problems in fundamental physics.