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From preserving our most precious natural resource to harnessing the potential power of the quantum universe, Waterloo Science is poised to make a significant impact on Canada and the world thanks to the addition of two internationally-recognized researchers.

 The faculty has been awarded two of only 19 Canada Excellence Research Chairs by the Government of Canada, each funded at an unparalleled level—up to $10 million over seven years. These prestigious awards are given to Canadian universities to help them attract and support world-class researchers in fields such as environmental sciences and information and communication technologies—areas of strategic importance to Canada.David Cory

David Cory has been appointed CERC in Quantum Information Processing, while Philippe Van Cappellen will hold the CERC in Ecohydrology.

A pioneer and leader in quantum information processing, Cory’s research is expected to contribute toward the world’s first generation of practical quantum devices. These new quantum technologies will have immediate and future applications in medicine, communications, biochemistry, physics, and nanoscience.

“Over the past decade, the engineering of quantum systems has become a reality,” says Cory. “Now we aim to deploy quantum devices.”

Van Cappellen will seek to increase understanding of how groundwater and surface waters interact, and how they affect the health of human populations and aquatic ecosystems. His research focuses on the movement of nutrient elements and toxic metals between groundwater and surface water.Philippe Van Cappellen

“The most beneficial outcome is that we will have a much better characterization of how humans impact water quality and quantity,” says Van Cappellen. “That will help develop guidelines to better manage our limited water resources by balancing the water needs of society with those of natural ecosystems.”