Queen’s Research Celebrates Major Milestones in 2025

December serves as a reflective month, allowing individuals to consider the achievements of the past year. For Queen’s University, 2025 was marked by significant milestones, including a decade since the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physics to Dr. Art McDonald and the introduction of a new Strategic Research Plan. This article highlights some of Queen’s most notable research accomplishments throughout the year, ranging from advances in nanoscience to the application of artificial intelligence in legal contexts.

Breakthroughs in Nanoscience

At the forefront of innovation, Queen’s Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI) is pioneering the use of thin organic coatings to enhance metal protection. This groundbreaking work has implications far beyond industrial applications. Researchers are exploring how these coatings can be utilized in developing a novel cancer therapy that specifically targets and destroys tumors while preserving healthy cells. The transformative potential of this approach could change the landscape of cancer treatment, offering hope to patients worldwide.

Advancing Legal Accessibility through AI

In efforts to democratize legal support, the Conflict Analytics Lab (CAL) at Queen’s has introduced OpenJustice, a no-code AI platform designed to enhance accessibility for small law firms and pro-bono lawyers. The initiative has garnered substantial backing, receiving $1.3 million in funding to ensure high-quality AI assistance is available for legal professionals across Canada and beyond. This project aims to bridge the gap in legal resources, making it easier for practitioners to navigate complex legal challenges.

Another highlight of 2025 was the recognition of Bhavin Shastri, a leading researcher in physics, engineering physics, and astronomy. His work on neuromorphic photonics, which mimics the brain’s ability to process information in parallel, has positioned him as a key figure in the development of faster and more energy-efficient light-based computing systems. For his significant contributions, he was awarded the prestigious 2025 Sloan Research Fellowship in Physics, underscoring the importance of his research to the future of computing technology.

Together, these achievements reflect Queen’s University’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. The year 2025 not only celebrated past successes but also set the stage for future advancements in various fields. As the university continues to foster research that addresses pressing global challenges, its impact on society is sure to resonate for years to come.