Dr. Pierre Berini, a professor at the School of Information Technology and Engineering, has been awarded the University of Ottawa chair in surface plasmon photonics. Winners of the University of Ottawa Research Chairs, which were established to recognize outstanding accomplishment, receive a $20,000 research grant. Berini, the recipient of the NSERC Steacie Fellowship in 2008, has explored many innovations in information technology, including finding approaches to using light rather than electrical signals in devices for telecommunications and computing. Potential applications include the development of sophisticated biosensors to detect cancer cells in blood, or harmful pathogens in food and water. Committed to research excellence, the university encourages an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge creation, which attracts academic talent from across Canada and around the world. For more information, visit: www.uottawa.ca