Global Water Futures Impact Report: Advancing water science and leadership at the University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a key partner in Global Water Futures (GWF), one of the largest university-led water research programs in the world. Over the past eight years, GWF has served to position Canada as a global leader in water science, delivering innovative tools and knowledge to address critical threats to freshwater resources, aquatic ecosystems, and water security.
Today, the University of Waterloo is releasing the Global Water Futures Impact Report. The report provides examples of the scientific and societal impact that Waterloo researchers have made through their participation in the program.
A Pan-Canadian Initiative
Supported by a $78 million grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), GWF is a pan-Canadian research program uniting four core institutions: the University of Saskatchewan (lead), McMaster University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Waterloo. By working with Indigenous communities, government agencies, and other end users, GWF researchers have advanced water governance solutions to tackle the interconnected social and ecological challenges affecting communities across Canada and beyond.
The University of Waterloo’s Impact
As a key partner, the University of Waterloo played an integral role in shaping GWF’s achievements, making strides in research, education, and knowledge mobilization:
- Pioneering Research: Waterloo researchers collaborated across disciplines and with hundreds of end user organizations to address complex water challenges, producing several hundred peer-reviewed publications and impactful media releases.
- Training the Next Generation: Over 300 students and postdoctoral fellows have been trained through GWF at the University of Waterloo. These graduates are using their expertise to drive innovation in the water sector in Canada and globally.
- Knowledge Sharing: Through plain-language summaries, media outreach, and partnerships, Waterloo researchers have expanded the reach of their findings to inform policy and practice.
Sustaining the Legacy
Although the GWF program is wrapping up, its impact will endure. An expanded partnership—now with nine of Canada’s foremost post-secondary institutions—has leveraged an additional $115 million in funding to continue many of the program’s valuable initiatives through Global Water Futures Observatories (GWFO). Supported by an initial investment of $40+ million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the program will provide vital field observation and analytical capabilities to sustain cutting-edge water research.
Looking Forward
The University of Waterloo’s GWF team remains committed to advancing water science and innovation. Through partnerships with over 100 collaborators worldwide, Waterloo continues to contribute to science-informed solutions that safeguard freshwater resources and address rising water-related risks globally.
The legacy of GWF at Waterloo is a testament to the dedication of multidisciplinary researchers working toward a sustainable water future. By breaking boundaries in research and education, the University of Waterloo is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in water science, preparing for a future defined by unprecedented water challenges.
Explore More
To learn more about the Global Water Futures program and its lasting impact, visit https://uwaterloo.ca/global-water-futures-impact/
