University of Waterloo researchers win Ig Nobel Prize for urinal design

Researchers from the University of Waterloo have won the 2026 Ig Nobel Prize in Physics for designing urinals that minimize splashback. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, identifies that the most efficient designs mimic the geometric strategy used by dogs to avoid wetting their paws.

By analyzing the angle of incidence, the team developed models named ‘Cornucopia’ and ‘Nautilus’. These designs utilize an angle of 30 degrees or less to reduce urine splashing, which typically creates unhygienic environments and increases cleaning costs. The ‘Nautilus’ model specifically demonstrated a reduction in splashback to just 1.4% compared to traditional designs.

The Ig Nobel ceremony, which honors research that ‘first makes people laugh, and then makes them think’, was held on September 3, 2026, in Zurich, Switzerland. This marks the first time the event has been hosted in Europe, following previous ceremonies held in the United States.