Researchers Awarded More Than $37 Million

Waterloo researchers continue to shine as unconventional leaders and problem-solvers for some of the world's pressing issues. From research projects in geothermal energy and storage, security and cryptography to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the environment, the breadth of our researchers' work is unmatched.

Recently, Waterloo researchers were awarded more than $37.3 million to support their research projects.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry at l'Université de Montréal.

"When we invest in science and innovation, we are investing in our well-being and prosperity," Rodriquez says. "Our researchers continue to distinguish themselves internationally and, by supporting them, we are helping them to continue to improve our quality of life, fight climate change and inspire the next generation of researchers across the country and around the world."

Six Waterloo researchers will receive funding under the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Fund. The CFI is a non-profit corporation that invests in research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions.

Scott Hopkins

Associate Professor, Chemistry

$10,006,500

Project title: A Canadian Free Electron Laser

The Canadian Free Electron Laser (FEL) project will be getting $10 million in funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to put towards the $50+ million facility to be built on the Waterloo Campus. The facility will enable fundamental science concerned with monitoring energy flow through molecules and materials, with applications in light harvesting and photo-control of molecular properties. New research in chemical, spatial and temporal mapping of living biological materials will also become possible. The FEL will be an important tool for nanotechnology researchers who are interested in probing nanostructured materials and developing, for example, new sensors, as well as investigators who are interested in exploring the effects of radiation on molecules, materials and biological systems.