Perimeter kicks off 25th anniversary year

Celebrations of Perimeter’s 25^th anniversary have officially begun, with a kick-off event at Perimeter’s Waterloo campus on December 12, 2024. The event included approximately 200 Perimeter residents and invited guests, including the Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities, Nolan Quinn. 

“We know that when we invest in research, we’re investing in our province’s future.” said Quinn. “I am confident that the advancements made at Perimeter Institute will ensure Ontario remains on the cutting edge of development, whether that is through AI, financial technology, or advanced logistics.”

Founded by tech visionary Mike Lazaridis in October 2000, Perimeter Institute has cemented itself as a global force in the world of theoretical physics research. From its humble beginnings of nine talented scientists, Perimeter now boasts over 50 faculty and 70 postdoctoral fellows working on cutting-edge research in cosmology, quantum computing, and more.  

“Perimeter has the uncommon advantage of bringing together nearly all branches of physics together under one roof,” said Marcela Carena, Perimeter Institute’s Executive Director. “This idea was distinct and extraordinary 25 years ago when our founder, Mike Lazaridis, put his plans for PI together. This idea, 25 years on, is still exceptional, and gives us all great hope for our future.” 

The event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration to come. Past and present members of the Perimeter community had an opportunity to reconnect, and to hear from Perimeter leadership. The evening included a special musical presentation by the Perimeter orchestra, “A Trip to the Moon.”

Throughout the upcoming year-long celebrations, Perimeter will open its doors to the Canadian public for lectures and events, while strengthening connections with the growing Canadian research community through scientific conferences and research partnerships. 

Public events will begin in February 2025 with a special exhibition, ‘Galileo and his Ingenious Discoveries.’ Presented in concert with the Embassy of Italy in Canada and Galileo Museum in Florence, the exhibition features inventions from the famous Italian astronomer’s time and writings on the theme of geolocation, all on display for the first time ever outside Europe. Carlo Rovelli, Perimeter Visiting Distinguished Researching Chair and author of the popular science book ‘Seven Brief Lessons on Physics,’ will give a public lecture for the 25th anniversary celebrations that same month.

The centrepiece of Perimeter’s celebrations next year will be a one-of-a-kind, week-long festival from September 20 to 26. The event will be timed alongside Doors Open Canada and Waterloo’s Lumen Festival, culminating in a signature event on September 25 to honour the Institute’s founders and the Institute’s unique history.

In addition to hometown events, Perimeter’s celebrations will take the wonder and discovery of theoretical physics across Canada. With stops in Halifax, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, and more, Perimeter will connect with researchers, universities, and partners across the nation to celebrate Canada’s leadership in scientific innovation.  

“Of course we’re here to celebrate Perimeter and its achievements, but that celebration doesn’t rightly belong to Perimeter alone,” said Paul Smith, Perimeter Institute’s Chief Operating Officer. “We’re inviting the public in, we’re going across the country, and we’re hosting a week-long festival celebration, in honour of all those believers and builders who made what we’ve accomplished possible.”

Stay connected to 25th anniversary events and more by following Perimeter Institute on social media (Instagram @perimeterinstitute and Facebook @pioutreach) and by visiting https://perimeterinstitute.ca/25-years.