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Emmy Noether initiatives

Perimeter Institute aims to effect real change regarding under-represented groups within theoretical physics through a series of special initiatives named after pioneering German mathematician Emmy Noether.

These initiatives are backed by a group of funders and champions of women in science called the Emmy Noether Circle. Strategic expertise to help drive and promote this mission is provided by volunteer leaders as members of the Emmy Noether Council.

To that end, Perimeter with the support of the Council, makes efforts to fuel the emerging talent pipeline by:

  • sponsoring and hosting conferences, camps, and workshops devoted to women in physics;
  • use educational outreach and communications channels to showcase the contributions women make to physics;
  • strive toward gender equity in Perimeter Scholars International (PSI) master’s and PhD programs and other training projects; and
  • funding individual fellowship opportunities and chair positions to attract and retain outstanding women researchers.

“My education in science has been a great asset in my career. From critical thinking and problem solving, to the importance of process and fact-based decision making: science teaches you all of that. Those are great skills to have regardless of where you end up.”

Linda Hasenfratz, CEO Linamar,
Sponsor of Inspiring Future Women in Science

Discovery begins here. Perimeter Faculty pursue many of the biggest questions in science. How did the universe begin? What is it made of? How does the quantum world work? We seek the boldest thinkers and challenge them to push the limits of human knowledge.

Unlike traditional university positions, Perimeter faculty members have no mandatory teaching duties and few administrative burdens. Research Chairs are provided additional supports for their cutting-edge research, enabling them to pursue breakthrough science.

 

“I’ve worked at fantastic places like Berkeley, Stanford, and CERN, but Perimeter is unique. Here it feels like my possibilities are endless.”

Asmina Arvanitaki, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Aristrchus Chair,
winner of the 2017 New Horizons Prize & 2022 CAP-TRIUMF Vogt Medal

Science is fuelled by new ideas and perspectives. Perimeter’s Emmy Noether Visiting Fellowships bring talented researchers to the Institute at a critical stage of their careers. Fellows enjoy uninterrupted research time immersed in Perimeter’s collaborative environment. Additional family supports ensure all researchers have equal access to the program.

 

“The Emmy Noether fellowship made it possible to move our family halfway across the globe for a year which is no mean feat. This experience has injected great energy and inspiration for my research, which is invaluable.”

Sumati Surya, 2016/17 Emmy Noether Fellow and Associate Professor,
Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, India

Perimeter’s prestigious Postdoctoral Fellows program provides unique mentoring for intellectually adventurous young theorists, who go on to flourish in academia and industry.

Young researchers are the lifeblood of science. By supporting brilliant young women at the launch of their careers, these awards provide Perimeter Scholars International (PSI) master’s and PhD students the training and confidence to do groundbreaking science or anything else those choose to do – at the highest level. They work in a diverse, collaboration and inclusive community, interacting with research leaders from around the world, laying the foundation for a future career in physics.

 

“Perimeter’s efforts are helping to shape today’s female scientists into mentors for the next generation.”

Lauren Hayward Sierens, Perimeter Scholars International (PSI) alumna,
PSI Fellow, and one of “Canada’s Future Leaders” (Macleans)

Caroline de Lima Vargas Simoes is the 2021/22 recipient of the Emmy Noether Scholarship, a PSI Honorary Award supported by the Emmy Noether Circle to help increase the number of women in physics and mathematical physics at Perimeter. Past recipients are Fionnuala Ni Chuireain (2020/2021) and Dalila Pîrvu (2019/2020).

Boys and girls are equally interested in science. After high school, however, a gulf opens up, and men greatly outnumber women in STEM Careers. Perimeter’s International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP), GoPhysics science camps ensure equal representation and the Inspiring Future Women in Science events introduce young women to the potential and promise of sticking with science.

 

“Asking questions is the way to push boundaries. My experiences at Perimeter enabled me to do just that – to ask many, many questions, to push my own boundaries.”

Maya Burkanpurkar, ISSYP Alumna, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee,
medallist, now studying at Harvard

Meme with a quote about women in physics on one side with a portrait of a man on the other

Upcoming events

  • Annual Virtual Emmy Noether Forum for Advancing Women in Physics – inaugural event May 2, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm  Register Here
  • Emerging Talent Award Celebration – virtual – Fall dates TBA

Founding donor

  • The Bluma Appel Community Trust

Transformational gifts

  • The Simons Emmy Noether Fellows Program at Perimeter Institute ($600,000)
  • Linamar Corporation
  • Dr. Scott and Sherry Vanstone and family**
  • Anne-Marie Canning
  • Brian Sullivan

Thank you to our one donor who generously gave anonymously at the transformational gift level.

Directors circle ($10,000 to $100,000)

$25,000+

  • Andrew and Lillian Bass
  • Harbir and Monica Chhina
  • Cenovus Energy Matching Gifts Program
  • Dorian Hausman
  • Patrice E. Merrin

$10,000+

  • Jane Kinney & Christian Bode
  • TENUMBRA
  • Wendy Reed

Friends (up to $9,999)

$5,000+

  • Jerome Bolce
  • Paul Smith
  • Kim Tremblay

$1,000+

  • Sara Angel
  • Nancy Coldham
  • Shelley Fisher
  • Andrea Grimm
  • Lisa Lyons Johnston
  • Susan Monteith
  • Jo-Anne Mancini
  • Laura Reinholz
  • Mary & Lee Sauer
  • Michelle Savoy
  • John Sechrist
  • Semith Sezer
  • Yasemin Sezer 
  • Patricia M Woroch
  • ODC Tooling

$250 to $999

  • Byron Bellows
  • Tania Framst
  • Tom & Cheryl Hintermayer
  • Sheri and David Keffer
  • Jessica Knox
  • Sebastian Mizera**
  • Douglas Mortley-Wood
  • Beth Horowitz & Pat Munson
  • Neil Steven Rieck
  • Leslie Rogers

15  donors have contributed gifts up to $250. 

Gift of celebration, honour, and memory

  • Mrs. Maragaret Tovell, in memory of Mr. David Tovell

**Supporter of Friends of Perimeter Institute Inc. a 501( c ) (3) public charity in the United States dedicated to promoting and supporting education, research, and programs that expand the public knowledge and understanding of theoretical physics. This list reflects gifts received between August 1, 2021 and July 31, 2022 and multi-year commitments of $50,000 or more.

Imagine if – we harnessed all of the brightest minds.

Imagine More – more girls sticking with science through high school and university. More early-career scientists becoming research stars. More-women led breakthroughs.

Learn more - about our resources and how you can support these initiatives and get involved contact Andrea Grimm at [email protected] or Tony Lee at [email protected].

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