What an incredible year it has been. Since I arrived at Perimeter this past November as the new Executive Director, I have been inspired by the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds me. One of the greatest joys of my role is getting to witness, up close, the creative energies that fill this place. Every day I am reminded just how extraordinary it is to work alongside people who are pushing at the very boundaries of human knowledge.
Within these pages, you will catch glimpses of that spirit in action from examples across many of Perimeter’s research areas. Cross-disciplinary breakthroughs in quantum error correction are not only fuelling the development of quantum technologies but also deepening our understanding of quantum matter and even quantum gravity. We are exploring bold new techniques in optical intensity interferometry that promise to revolutionize astronomy, allowing us to see the universe with astonishing clarity. Probing the mysteries of quantum foundations, Perimeter researchers are asking daring questions like whether time itself is fundamental or an emergent property of the cosmos. Our scientists are inventing new mathematical tools to tackle complex problems in physics. We are also shining light into the “black box” of artificial intelligence, in the hope of making these tools clearer, more reliable, and ultimately more powerful for advancing science.
And Perimeter is not doing this alone. The Institute’s researchers are contributing to global collaborations that are transforming how we see the universe: from new evidence of evolving dark energy to the Euclid space telescope’s first science results, to the Event Horizon Telescope’s latest glimpse of a supermassive black hole, to preparations for the first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, now beginning its journey of discovery. Perimeter is also working closely in many disciplines with colleagues in universities and labs across Canada and is strengthening the Waterloo region through vibrant collaborations with the University of Waterloo, the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), and industry partnerships.
Perhaps most inspiring of all, much of the research highlighted here has been driven by young scientists: over 250 students and postdoctoral fellows in residence. They are tomorrow’s physicists, entrepreneurs, and innovators, already making their mark today. Their curiosity and courage to ask the deepest questions embody the very heart of Perimeter.
This year carries special meaning. It marks 25 years since Perimeter was founded on a bold idea: that encouraging brilliant minds to explore beyond conventional pathways will expand the boundaries of fundamental science. To celebrate, we have been reconnecting with partners and communities across Canada, from Halifax to Ottawa to Montréal, and we have upcoming visits to Calgary, Vancouver, and more. Canada’s research ecosystem is vibrant and growing, and Perimeter is proud to be part of shaping its future.
Perimeter was never meant to be a place apart. From the very beginning, it has stood on the belief that science is for everyone. This year, Perimeter’s outreach team expanded their global reach, creating new opportunities for physics education. We opened our doors to the public in new ways – from exhibitions like Galileo and His Ingenious Discoveries, hosted with the Italian Embassy in Canada, to a series of public lectures bringing the world’s leading thinkers into conversation with our community.
The amazing achievements of PI today are only possible because of the powerful vision of Mike Lazaridis. Perimeter thrives with the guidance of our Board of Directors, led today by Michael Serbinis, the continuous support of our government partners, and the generosity of our private donors. We are very grateful to all.
This year we mourn the loss of Ray Laflamme, who as a trailblazing scientist and a founding faculty member epitomized what Perimeter is all about. His legacy is all around us, in a quantum revolution that encompasses foundational science, computing, sensing, communications, and cybersecurity.
I invite you to explore this report with the same sense of wonder that drives all of us here. The universe still holds countless mysteries – and together, we are shaping what’s next.
Marcela Carena
Executive Director