Why Does Theoretical Physics Matter?
Imagine if Einstein – more than a century ago – had focused his life’s work on solving near-term problems like horse-carriage traffic jams or building better steam boilers, rather than contemplating the foundational nature of space and time.
The missed opportunities for humanity wouldn’t have been theoretical: it would have meant continuing to live in a world without GPS, without space exploration, without advanced communications; a world where harnessing the energy of the atom hadn’t yet come to pass.
Einstein – and many physicists before and since – recognized the value in understanding the world beyond Newtonian physics. They were driven to pursue the mechanics of the universe even beyond the molecular, and deep into the quantum realm. And because these theoretical physicists searched for answers to the biggest questions of the universe, their discoveries, the quantum physics breakthroughs of the 1920s, we have all benefitted. transistors, smartphones, computers, lasers, and an entire digital economy have arisen.
120,000 square feet of inspiration—Perimeter’s facility is home to over 250 researchers pushing the frontiers of physics.
“Special places like Perimeter encourage young scientists to be ambitious and bold. And I do believe in the limitless power of the human mind to understand the universe and to create the future.”
~ Stephen Hawking
It’s already happening!
In 2014, Perimeter faculty member Daniel Gottesman predicted a new kind of quantum error-correcting code, an essential element if we hope to have scalable quantum computers. Eight years later, the code he foresaw was discovered, helping identify and correct the errors caused by imperfect quantum computations, opening new paths for reliable quantum computing.
In another example, researchers from Perimeter collaborating with the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), including Beni Yoshida, broke new ground in the study of quantum information “scrambling.” Their insights, an idea that came from studying how black holes process information, became testable in the lab and have influenced the design of quantum error-correction codes now used by industry.
In 2023, Perimeter Associate Faculty member, Christine Muschik, and colleagues achieved the first quantum simulation of a two-dimensional particle physics theory using qudits, a higher-dimensional cousin of qubits that could dramatically reduce error correction overhead in future quantum computers.
The pattern is clear
Time and time again, for more than 100 years, theoretical physicists, asking bold, fundamental questions about the nature of the universe, have sparked breakthroughs, the results of which no one could have predicted ahead of time. Insights lead to innovations, and innovations lead to technologies, transforming our world and how we interact with it.
“Physics underlies everything around us – how the world was created, how it works, and what we can do with that knowledge in the future.”
~ Yasemin Sezer, Chair of Perimeter’s Emmy Noether Council
Advancing Canada: How Perimeter Strengthens Canada’s Global Innovation Standing
Perimeter Institute is known for being a leading centre for research, training, and outreach in theoretical physics. It brings together a diverse community of scientists; fosters new ideas about space, time, and matter; and advances discoveries that could shape our future.
But Perimeter is so much more: it’s a one-of-a-kind catalyst, a powerhouse of curious minds tackling fundamental scientific problems that elevates Canada’s place in the global innovation landscape.
Bridging research and innovation:
Global leadership and collaborations:
An unmatched reputation
A vital talent pipeline:
Filling the innovation gap
"We don’t know ahead of time what directions of research will lead to major breakthroughs. That’s why it is so important to follow your curiosity: an interesting lead might deliver big results down the road."
~ Katie Mack
Turning points in Perimeter’s scientific explorations
- Helped to capture the first image of a black hole
- Helped uncover the cosmic origin of gold
- Laid foundations for quantum key distribution, enabling secure communications
- Shaped advanced error-correcting codes for quantum computing
- Developed new methods to probe the cosmic microwave background
- Advanced multiple approaches to quantum gravity, a frontier that could transform our understanding of the universe
By thinking big, collaborating boldly, and training the next generation of scientific explorers, Perimeter is strengthening Canada’s global innovation standing, today and for decades to come.
Long-horizon discovery that strengthens Canada’s innovation pipeline, from quantum security to space-time science.
“Our company believes in innovation. We believe in fundamental research. The calibre of people at Perimeter is going to lead to advancements that will change our nation, change our world, and help us understand the universe better.”
~ Harbir Chhina, Cenovus Energy
Fund a Chair. Shape the Century.
Do you want to be part of the next big discovery? Do you want to play a part in advancing humanity’s understanding of the universe? You can.
Our future, the future of everyone on this planet, will be shaped by bold, creative minds asking deep questions about our universe – and discovering their transformative answers. Answering these questions doesn’t just expand the world’s knowledge, it lays the groundwork for breakthroughs that transform technology, society, and the way we live.
The next transformative discovery could come from one of our rising stars.
To make breakthroughs, brilliant young researchers need more than talent; they need stability, resources, and the freedom to take risks on big ideas. That’s where your support makes a difference.
Funding a Research Chair at Perimeter empowers outstanding early-career scientists with critical support to pursue groundbreaking work over the long term. Supporting a Research Chair funds salaries, research expenses, training, and collaboration, creating an environment where curiosity and innovation thrive.
“Perimeter is a long-term investment that will pay off exponentially. The work we do here will yield profound results – not only for the future of technology, but for the future of Canada and all of humanity”
~ Michael Serbinis, Chair of the Board of Directors
Meet Dr. Alex May
Our newest Murray Gell-Mann Chair in Theoretical Physics. Alex’s pioneering research in quantum information theory is pushing the boundaries of what quantum technologies can achieve. His work exemplifies the kind of leadership and promises your gift would nurture.
Your gift also comes with powerful incentives:
- Naming opportunities allow you to create a lasting legacy, linking your generosity to scientific discovery and future generations of researchers.
- The Lazaridis Matching Program doubles the impact of your donation, matching funds dollar-for-dollar to maximize the support going directly to research excellence.
Want to explore the secrets of the universe with us? Fund a Chair today. Help us provide young talent with a platform to tackle the universe’s toughest problems, and shape the science and technology of the century ahead.
“The public-private approach also provides PI with the flexibility to pursue unique research opportunities quickly and efficiently to position Canada at the forefront of research advancements and breakthroughs.”
~ Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Be an Explorer.
At the heart of every technological leap, medical breakthrough, or new frontier in science lies a deceptively simple force: theoretical physics.
It is an engine of discovery that transforms the unknown into the known, and the known into the tangible. The people who champion physics – through investment, advocacy, policy, and public engagement – are as essential to future breakthroughs as the scientists themselves. Their support fuels the work of tackling the universe's deepest mysteries, and builds the foundations for real-world innovations yet to come.
Join Us
You don't need a PhD to be part of Perimeter's mission. Curiosity is enough. Perimeter opens its doors – both real and virtual – to anyone who wants to explore, learn, and be inspired by the power of physics. Whether you're a student, teacher, science lover, or just curious about the cosmos, there's a place for you here.
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“Our father, Clay Riddell, a geologist by profession and a true explorer and entrepreneur at heart, was passionate about the possibilities the Perimeter Institute represents. He believed strongly, and our family agrees, that investing in exceptional people, who are passionate about their bold ideas and have the humility to learn and persevere, will lead to extraordinary outcomes. This epitomizes why we are confident investments we make in the Perimeter Institute will contribute to breakthroughs in theoretical physics that will profoundly influence the social order.”
~ Sue Riddell-Rose, Director, Riddell Family Charitable Foundation
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Perimeter Institute exists thanks to a bold and unique public-private partnership that shows what's possible when visionary governments and donors invest in basic science.
Supporting Perimeter means enabling world-class research that drives the long-term prosperity, global competitiveness, and intellectual leadership of Canada.
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