University of Waterloo PhD student Kaveeshan Thurairajah, while not a Nobel Prize recipient, proudly holds an Ig Nobel Prize. The Ig Nobels, a playful spin on the serious Nobel Prizes, acknowledge the most unconventional and innovative research in academia. Thurairajah and his team clinched the Ig Nobel Physics Prize this year for their work on creating a urinal that prevents splashing.

Upon receiving the good news from his supervisor, fluid physicist Zhao Pan, Thurairajah expressed his excitement at the achievement. The team experimented with various urinal prototypes, such as the Nautilus and Cornocopia designs, to develop a more hygienic and easy-to-clean solution. According to Thurairajah, the Nautilus design proved to be the superior choice.

Attending the awards ceremony in Zurich, Thurairajah and his colleagues sported bright yellow raincoats, ready to bask in the recognition of their quirky research. Despite the unconventional nature of their study, Thurairajah clarified that no actual urine was involved in their testing process.

While acknowledging the humor in their work, Thurairajah emphasized the societal value of improving public restroom facilities. The team’s findings were published in the journal PNAS Nexus last year, showcasing the practical implications of their research.

In addition to Thurairajah’s team, other Canadian researchers were also honored at the ceremony. A team from the University of Toronto received the Economics Prize for their study on unethical behavior among affluent individuals. Meanwhile, scientists from McGill University were part of the group recognized for their innovative use of mosquito proboscises in 3D printing.

The event, organized by the Annals of Improbable Research magazine, was held in Europe this year due to visa accessibility concerns. Thurairajah highlighted the international nature of the scientific community and the importance of inclusivity in such gatherings. He emphasized the value of global collaboration and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with researchers from diverse backgrounds.