Quantum-Nano Centre to open this week

Two world class institutes. One state of the art building.

That's been the promise since shovels went into the ground on the B2 Green on June 9, 2008. More than 1,560 days later, the finishing touches are being applied to the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre, which opens this Friday, September 21 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. in the building's central atrium.

"It will be a momentous occasion when the curtain is lifted on this remarkable new building, unique in the world, which will add tremendous new capacity to the University of Waterloo's global impact in research and discovery," said Feridun Hamdullahpur in the official announcement. "This is a state-of-the-art research facility where scientists and students from many disciplines will work together towards the next big breakthroughs in science and technology."

The 285,000 square-foot facility will be shared by the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) and will give researchers the tools and collaborative opportunities they need to perform groundbreaking experiments, investigate new processes and materials, and build innovative technologies.

"Just as the discoveries and innovations at The Bell Labs led to the companies that created Silicon Valley, so will, I predict, the discoveries and innovations of the Quantum-Nano Centre lead to the creation of companies that will lead to Waterloo Region becoming known as The Quantum Valley," said Mike Lazaridis, whose generous donation of more than $100 million to the project has supported the Centre's creation.

Since 1999, Mr. Lazaridis' philanthropy and fund-raising efforts have netted more than $600 million towards this vision, including funding for IQC, WIN, QNC and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.

The grand opening will feature students, researchers, university leaders, community and political leaders and the building's architects to celebrate the creation of this unique, world-class facility.

"This remarkable facility will give Waterloo scientists the cutting-edge tools and collaborative environment needed to make revolutionary breakthroughs in quantum information and nanotechnology," said Raymond Laflamme, Executive Director of the Institute for Quantum Computing. "By harnessing the quantum properties of the nano-scale world, researchers will pioneer new technologies that will change the ways we work, communicate, play and live."

The $160 million building meets the most stringent standards for quantum-scale experiments — precise controls for vibration and temperature, for example — and features a large, six-storey central atrium at the heart of the building surrounded by flexible spaces to encourage interaction and collaboration.

"Quantum devices of the future will be built with nano materials, and will be enabled by nanotechnology, making nanotechnology the bridge to quantum," said Arthur Carty, Executive Director of the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology. "Clearly this is an incredible opportunity for collaboration that has the potential to change our world."

Scientifically and aesthetically, the building promises to become a magnet that will attract many of the world's top minds to Waterloo, further enhancing the university's long-standing reputation as an international hub of research and innovation.

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Conrad Grebel construction update

Lest you think that the completion of the Quantum-Nano Centre is going to result in a reduction in the number of hard hats and steel toed boots on campus, here's an update from across the creek from Mimi Hollinger-Janzen, booking coordinator and
administrative assistant to the Director of Operations at Conrad Grebel University College:

"The construction project at Conrad Grebel University College is progressing, and there will be a few changes that may impact the campus community."

"On Thursday, September 20, the main entrance to Conrad Grebel (doors on the main level, Westmount side) will be closed temporarily. People entering from this side of the building will be directed through the lower entrance and up the stairs (or elevator) to the main level."

"On Monday, September 24, our elevator will cease service to the library and archives on the third floor. The library and archives will continue to be accessible via the stairs, and the elevator will continue to travel between the first and second floors of the building. If you are unable to access the library due to the elevator closure, please contact the library in advance of your visit to arrange for library services. Please be aware that evening and weekend service may be limited."

"We are eagerly anticipating our new building and appreciate your forbearance during our construction project," concludes Hollinger-Janzen.

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Monday's notes

The university's Senate will hold its first meeting of the Fall term this afternoon and will discuss, among other things, a proposal to change the name of the Office of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) to AccessAbility Services. The rationale for the change is explained in the background to the motion for the senate's consideration: "The mission of the Office for Persons with Disabilities (OPD) was revised in 2009 to reflect its primary purpose to support the potential and academic “Ability” of students with disabilities."

The statement continues: "As part of a larger university plan to encourage students to access services and resources available to them to support their academic goals, the shift from “OPD” to “AccessAbility Services” reinforces this value to students. The new name incorporates the principles of inclusivity, aligns with feedback from student ambassadors and will help to remove the stigma that may accompany registration with the department for students."

Senate will also hear a presentation from Professor Francois Paré of the Department of French Studies.

The Federation of Students is hosting the Feds’ Get Involved Fair on September 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre's Great Hall. Volunteers from a variety of Feds’ services will be present to speak with students and get them involved in campus life. "By getting involved, students will broaden their horizons and have a more rewarding university experience," writes Jacqueline Martinz, the federation's
communications coordinator.

And a reminder for those interested in the topic of pensions: Human Resources will be offering a "Lunch and Learn" information session on Wednesday, September 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in DC 1302. Information about future pension info sessions can be found on the HR website.

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