Mike Lazaridis, O.C., O.Ont., is Founder, Board Vice-Chair, and Chair of the Innovation Committee of BlackBerry (formerly Research In Motion Limited). A true visionary, Lazaridis transformed the communications industry with the development of the BlackBerry, launching the smartphone revolution. He is known in the global wireless community as an engineer and inventor of extraordinary talent. As a passionate advocate for the power of basic science to improve and transform the world, he founded the independent Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, where he also serves as Board Chair. Through his leadership, Perimeter has emerged as a leading international centre for research, training and outreach. His many efforts have also helped generate important private and public sector funding in support of the Institute. Lazaridis is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and has been named to both the Order of Ontario and Order of Canada. He was awarded Canada's most prestigious innovation prize - the Ernest C. Manning Principal Award - has been listed on the TIME 100 List of Most Influential People, and was honoured as a Globe and Mail Nation-Builder of the Year. Lazaridis holds honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Waterloo (where he formerly served as Chancellor), McMaster University, University of Windsor and Université Laval. In addition to his many professional and personal accomplishments, Lazaridis has also been honoured with an Academy Award and an Emmy Award for technical achievements.
Learn more:- The Power of Ideas and Impact of Science and Education - 2012 Keynote of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Thoughts on Theoretical Physics and Thanks to Perimeter Partners - 2011 Grand Opening of the Stephen Hawking Centre at Perimeter Institute
- Take the Long-Term View - 2009 Public Policy Forum Address following Testimonial Award honour
