Sept. 20, 2024
Rendering of the future electric vehicle (EV) battery cell gigafactory in St. Thomas, Ont. (Photo source: Volkswagen AG)
Volkswagen’s planned $20-billion EV battery gigafactory will transform the region’s economy and Western is set to play a pivotal role.
The Centre for Network Science will be housed in The Laurene O. Paterson Building, Western Science Centre (Photo source: Mitch Zimmer/Western Science)
Western and the prestigious Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences have partnered to establish the Fields-Western Collaboration Centre, a new satellite campus dedicated to hosting workshops, conferences, international researchers, summer schools and a Centre for Network Science.
Also covered by: Academica's Top Ten Newsletter
Maryanne Oketch (Photo source: Robert Voets/CBS)
As the winner of Survivor season 42, first-year Schulich Medicine & Dentistry MD student Maryanne Oketch is using lessons of perseverance and resilience from the show to help her become a physician.
Also covered by: Global News, CTV London, CBC Afternoon Drive and London Live on AM980
Deshkan Ziibi (Thames River) (Photo source: Crystal Mackay/Western Communications)
For the third year, the campus community is invited to connect with the Deshkan Ziibi (Thames River) through a series of Riverfest events this month, featuring storytelling by Indigenous leaders and a photography exhibit.
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Ivey Osei (Image source: Crystal Carter/Western Communications)
Ivy Osei: How cultural identity lives through sport.
Coming Up
September 21 (9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Doors Open London: Don Wright Faculty of Music
Explore the Don Wright Faculty of Music during the 23rd annual Doors Open London. Talbot College lobby.
September 23 (10 a.m.)
Orange shirt flag-raising ceremony
Wear an orange shirt and join the Office of Indigenous Initiatives on Concrete Beach for the annual flag-raising ceremony recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. View additional events on Western's Indigenous Events Calendar.
September 25 (7 to 9 p.m.)
Free film screening: An Unfinished Journey
The Western Centre for Research on Migration and Ethnic Relations and several community partners are hosting a film screening of An Unfinished Journey, a documentary about four Afghan women now living in Canada fighting for women’s rights in Afghanistan. A discussion with Homaira Ayubi, one of the women featured, will follow the film. Hyland Cinema, 240 Wharncliffe Rd.
September 26 (2 to 3 p.m.)
Webinar: Tips to create positive habits
Learn how to be more productive at work, including emailing more effectively, avoiding interruptions and dealing with changing technology, during this Telus Health webinar hosted by Living Well @ Western. Register online.
Working at Western
(Image source: Rob Potter/ Western Communications)
Deadline extended: Western Award of Excellence
This award is the highest level of recognition for staff members and teams who demonstrate dedication, talent, innovation and initiative. Nominations are welcome from faculty, staff, students and alumni until Oct. 25.
Volunteer for autumn convocation
Autumn convocation is Oct. 23 to 25. Members of the Western community are invited to take part in a variety of volunteer roles. Learn more and sign up as a volunteer online.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy Boot Camp
This six-week program developed by WORLDiscoveries in partnership with Western Law features six 90-minute virtual sessions that explore key aspects of IP management and commercialization. The program is open to faculty, staff and students looking to protect and commercialize their innovations through trademarks, patents and other IP rights. Apply online by Oct. 4.
Photo of the Week
This week, physics and astronomy professor Jan Cami captured a shallow partial lunar eclipse from his backyard. This eclipse marks the beginning of the year’s second "eclipse season", following the solar eclipse on April 8 and the lunar eclipse on March 25. In this season, a solar eclipse will occur on Oct. 2 but won’t be visible from London. (Photo source: Jan Cami)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Angela Roberts (Photo source: Western Communications)
Toronto Star
They weren’t looking for love in their 70s, but their late-in-life romance may just have prolonged their lives
Participants in a study of Canada’s “SuperAgers” led by health sciences and computer science professor Angela Roberts were featured on the front page of Saturday's Toronto Star. Roberts and her team are exploring what they believe is one of the secrets to aging well: healthy relationships.
Popular Science
Astrophysicist predicts (slightly) higher chance for major asteroid impact in 2029
Physics and astronomy professor Paul Wiegert shares his research exploring the likelihood of the asteroid Apophis colliding with Earth in the next five years.
The Globe and Mail
Instagram launches teen accounts with private settings, limited capabilities amid mounting scrutiny
As Instagram introduces new privacy settings for teens, sociology professor Kaitlynn Mendes explains why she believes the social media platform needs to do more to safeguard against bullying and inappropriate content.
