Waterloo Researchers Secure Over $1.3 Million from Global Futures Fund to Tackle Pressing Global Challenges

The University of Waterloo is once again at the forefront of global innovation, with its researchers securing an impressive allocation of over $1.3 million from the prestigious Global Futures Fund (GFF). This significant funding empowers Waterloo’s leading minds to embark on groundbreaking projects designed to confront some of the most critical issues facing our planet, spanning from the urgent climate crisis to advancements in sustainable development and vital health initiatives.

The Global Futures Fund, a visionary $17.8 million initiative spearheaded by Universities Canada with crucial funding from Global Affairs Canada, is dedicated to mobilizing Canada’s formidable research community.

Its core mission aligns perfectly with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to foster impactful collaborations that transcend borders and build a more resilient, equitable world.

In its inaugural round, the GFF has championed 16 diverse research collaborations involving Canadian and international teams across 10 Canadian universities.

Remarkably, the University of Waterloo is leading three of these pivotal projects and is a key partner in a fourth. This strong representation underscores the university’s unwavering commitment to pioneering solutions that deliver tangible benefits to society on a global scale.

Among the impactful projects receiving GFF support, we find Professor Mohammad Kohandel from Applied Mathematics.

His innovative research focuses on developing sophisticated mathematical frameworks and computational models to optimize decision-making strategies in the face of various risks. This work promises to deliver clearer insights and more effective approaches for critical sectors such as health, environmental policy, and financial strategies, with the University of Ghana as a key international partner.

Another groundbreaking initiative is led by Professor Jennifer Dean from the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development.

Her project explores the profound potential of traditional food systems in Ghana, leveraging indigenous knowledge to drive sustainable climate action and enhance food security. This collaborative effort, also in partnership with the University of Ghana, highlights the power of culturally sensitive, community-led solutions.

In the realm of clean energy, Professor Sanjeev Chandra from Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering is leading a project dedicated to developing more efficient and cost-effective methods for generating hydrogen.

As a cornerstone of future sustainable energy, making hydrogen production more accessible and affordable is crucial. His research, undertaken with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, aims to overcome significant barriers to the widespread adoption of this vital clean fuel.

Furthermore, the University of Waterloo is a proud partner in a project spearheaded by the University of Ottawa, with Professor Heather Douglas from Philosophy contributing her expertise.

This collaboration delves into the critical area of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) within Climate Change Adaptation, ensuring that scientific advancements are not only effective but also ethically sound and socially beneficial.

These significant awards from the Global Futures Fund underscore the University of Waterloo’s reputation as a hub for world-class research and innovation.

By supporting these diverse and impactful projects, the GFF and Waterloo are collectively advancing the frontiers of knowledge and creating a brighter, more sustainable future for communities worldwide.