Thomas Anthony Brzustowski, a significant contributor to research and development in Canadian engineering, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the 2:00 pm. ceremony on Thursday, June 14, “in recognition of a most distinguished academic and public servant, and of a champion of research and innovation.”
Dr. Brzustowski is recognized for his inspirational leadership and devotion in the public sector, as well as for his dedication to education and research. During a 25—year career as a pioneering professor of engineering
in the University of Waterloo’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, he taught and carried out research in energy, thermodynamics and combustion. For the second half of that period, he was also Waterloo’s Vice President, Academic.
Between 1987 and 1995, Dr. Brzustowski served in the provincial public service of Ontario as deputy minister, first in the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, and later in the Premier’s Council. From 1995 to 2005, he was president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), where he promoted excellence in university research in science and engineering and in innovation across Canada. After retiring from NSERC, Dr. Brzustowski became the Royal Bank of Canada Financial Group Professorship in the Commercialization of Innovations at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management and at the same time the position of senior advisor and Chair of the Board of the Institute of Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.