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As I reflect on this first year as Vice-Dean Research, I am impressed and proud of the extraordinary achievements showcased in this report—achievements that represent years of dedicated teamwork and the sustained support of my predecessors in the research office, all contributing to weave the innovative fabric of our faculty.

Please take a moment to read all of the inspiring stories prepared by joint efforts from the research office and communications teams for the 2023-24 report; only a sneak peek is provided here.

Our groundbreaking research spans from the deepest reaches of our planet to the quantum realm. In Earth and Environmental Sciences, Pascal Audet's work decoding seismic signals from the Pacific depths provides crucial insights into how our planet's interior works, helping us better understand earthquakes and geological processes. Meanwhile in Biology, Odette Laneuville's pioneering research on how the human body changes in space is revolutionizing our understanding of space health—knowledge that will prove invaluable as humanity ventures further into space.

The innovative spirit of our researchers continues to challenge conventional wisdom across all our departments. In Physics, Ravi Bhardwaj is discovering that light doesn't always behave the way textbooks say it should, overturning decades-old assumptions about how photons interact with matter—findings that could lead to more efficient solar panels and better medical imaging.

From Mathematics and Statistics, Mike Wong is solving puzzles about how to measure and compare different types of knots, mathematical work that surprisingly connects to theories physicists use to understand the fundamental forces of nature. In Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, John Pezacki's engineering of enzymes to combat disease demonstrates how we can redesign nature's own molecular machines to fight illness.

Our commitment to excellence has been recognized at the highest levels. Zenghu Chang's appointment as a Canada Excellence Research Chair represents a tremendous achievement, bringing world-class expertise in ultrafast electron dynamics to our institution. Similarly, Xiaoyi Bao's recognition as a trailblazer in fiber optics and photonics highlights the international impact of our research community.

Collaboration remains at the heart of our success. Anne Broadbent's Canada-France partnership is using theoretical tools called "nonlocal boxes" to explore the fundamental limits of quantum physics—helping determine which extensions of quantum theory are physically realistic and which are impossible. This mathematical research has real-world implications for the development of quantum computers and quantum cryptography. Nicolas Corradi's fungal research points toward innovative solutions for a more sustainable future, while our researchers continue to address pressing environmental challenges. And make sure to read Jean-Michel Menard and Ali Maleki’s unexpected use of double-sided tape in terahertz photonics, a story that reminds us that innovation often comes from the most surprising places.

Our students continue to be our greatest source of inspiration across all five departments. From Mathematics and Statistics, Laura Maddison's precision in cryptography—the science of keeping digital information secure—to Physics student Alexander Duong's quantum research breakthroughs that could revolutionize computing. In Chemistry, Adam Cook is breaking molecular bonds to build new solutions for tomorrow's challenges, while Physics student Leah Frackleton explores light's deepest mysteries. From Earth and Environmental Sciences, Victor Garcia's quest to uncover Earth's earliest history helps us understand how our planet formed, and in Biology, Parisa Aris is advancing our knowledge of how ocean life works at the molecular level.

Beyond individual achievements, we remain committed to building a more inclusive scientific community. Our uOASISS initiative, led by Jaclyn Brusso and supported by our professors, demonstrates our dedication to supporting Indigenous students through meaningful mentorship and opportunities. This commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthens our entire research enterprise.

As we look toward the future, I am confident that our faculty will continue to push boundaries, forge new partnerships, and inspire the next generation of scientists. The discoveries and innovations highlighted in this report are not endpoints but pave the way for greater achievements.

- Alexandre Poulain, Vice-Dean, Research and Infrastructure