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Very rubin observatory, Credit: Rubin Obs/NSF/AURA

Perimeter participates in #STRIKE4BLACKLIVES

On June 10, researchers and staff at Perimeter participated in the global science strike to support the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement and efforts to combat racism against Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC).

On June 8, Perimeter Director Robert Myers sent a message to the entire Perimeter community encouraging all researchers, students, and staff to take the day away from physics, inspired by the #Strike4BlackLives movement, as well as #ShutdownSTEM and #ShutdownAcademia.

“As scientists, we have the enormous privilege to pursue and teach the discipline we love. For me, that privilege has been made even more stark in recent weeks,” wrote Myers. “Science must learn to stand for lack of bias and free debate, passion and compassion, critical thinking and collaboration.

“I want to acknowledge that we all have a long way to go to reach these ideals — as individuals, as an institute, and as a society. As a personal step, I am choosing to set aside my work at Perimeter and spend Wednesday educating myself about the injustice that has given me such privilege, and the systemic racism against Black and Indigenous peoples in Canada. This choice is inspired by the call for a Strike for Black Lives.

“I strongly encourage everyone at Perimeter to take the day away from physics (and supporting physics) to engage in some of the suggested activities on the Particles for Justice website.”

Learn more about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts at Perimeter.

Update: Following on Perimeter's participation in the Strike for Black Lives, the Institute has formed a new working group as part of the Inclusive Perimeter Platform to advise and recommend concrete actions. “We can and must do more, said Myers. “I look forward to sharing more about our progress as an ally of the BIPOC communities in the fall.”

À propos de l’IP

L'Institut Périmètre est le plus grand centre de recherche en physique théorique au monde. Fondé en 1999, cet institut indépendant vise à favoriser les percées dans la compréhension fondamentale de notre univers, des plus infimes particules au cosmos tout entier. Les recherches effectuées à l’Institut Périmètre reposent sur l'idée que la science fondamentale fait progresser le savoir humain et catalyse l'innovation, et que la physique théorique d'aujourd'hui est la technologie de demain. Situé dans la région de Waterloo, cet établissement sans but lucratif met de l'avant un partenariat public-privé unique en son genre avec entre autres les gouvernements de l'Ontario et du Canada. Il facilite la recherche de pointe, forme la prochaine génération de pionniers de la science et communique le pouvoir de la physique grâce à des programmes primés d'éducation et de vulgarisation.

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Mike Brown
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416-797-9666