In 2017, the University of Waterloo celebrates 60 years of innovation — an exciting milestone for all of us. Whether you are a student, alumnus, faculty, staff, donor, supporter or friend, you are an important part of our growing story. 

In only 60 years, we have redefined higher education as experience-rich, deeply connected, societally relevant and globally impactful — a place where ideas become reality, ignited by an unmatched spirit of innovation. Over the next 60 years, the pace of innovation and change will increase exponentially. What will our world look like by 2077, and how will we continue to influence solutions and respond to global challenges?

As we approach this milestone year with a keen eye to the future, Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, invites you to join us for Beyond 60, a kick-off event featuring leaders who challenge the status quo and connect us with the potential of tomorrow. Their thought-provoking questions and conversations will take us beyond disciplines, beyond the present day and beyond borders.

ABOUT THE MAIN EVENT

To change the future, we must first understand the great challenges and opportunities ahead. The intersection of the human condition with new technologies — from quantum computing to artificial intelligence — has the world teetering on the brink of a wild new frontier, where the private can become public at the click of a button, and lines between person and machine are increasingly blurred.

Join Waterloo at the vanguard of the coming information and intelligence revolution, with keynotes and panelists including:

  • Edward Snowden (via video-conference), who sparked a global debate over mass surveillance, government secrecy and the balance between national security and information privacy.
  • Kate Darling, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab research specialist and fellow at the Harvard Berkman Center, whose research examines the intersection of technology and society.
  • University of Waterloo panel:
    • Beth Coleman, associate professor, Experimental Digital Media, Faculty of Arts
    • Dana Kulic, associate professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
    • Michele Mosca, professor, Combinatorics and Optimization, Faculty of Mathematics, University Research Chair, quantum cryptography expert

Welcome remarks by Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor, University of Waterloo.

WHEN: Monday, January 9, 2017 | 7 p.m.

WHERE: Humanities Theatre

Join us January 9, 2017, as we launch this milestone year, and look 60 years into the future.

Update January 9 - All events are now sold out. Thank you!