Perimeter among top winners at CCAE awards
The ceremony looked a lot different this year, but the results were much the same, as Perimeter Institute was recognized for its efforts in media relations, communications, and advancement by the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) in late May.
The annual Prix d’Excellence awards are the benchmark for achievements in educational advancement across Canada. Perimeter won three golds and a bronze, marking the third consecutive year that the Institute received recognition in multiple categories. Perimeter’s three golds also tied it for the most earned by one institution, alongside McGill University, St. Francis Xavier University, and neighbouring Wilfrid Laurier University.
Perimeter won gold in the “Best Media Relations Initiative” and “Best Advertisement or Poster” categories, both tied to the April 2019 announcement of the first image of a black hole by the Event Horizon Telescope. Perimeter played a leading role in media relations efforts that helped land the image on the cover of every major newspaper in the world. The two free posters released by the Institute to coincide with the announcement were downloaded by thousands.
Perimeter also won gold for “Best Use of Social Media” for an extensive campaign centred on two contests tied to the release of Secrets of the Universe, an immersive 3D documentary produced in association with Perimeter. Each contest sent a lucky winner on a dream vacation for science aficionados – a prize that drew more than 40,000 entrants. Lastly, Perimeter received bronze in the “Best New Idea: Creativity on a Shoestring” category for its physics-themed wallpapers.
“We’re thrilled and honoured with this recognition from the CCAE,” said Greg Dick, Perimeter’s Executive Director of Advancement and Senior Director of Public Engagement. “Our scientists made some incredible advances this year. It’s gratifying to see our efforts to amplify their work appreciated as well.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was spread across four days and took place via Zoom. The full list of winners and video of the celebrations are available via the CCAE website.
About PI
Perimeter Institute is the world’s largest research hub devoted to theoretical physics. The independent Institute was founded in 1999 to foster breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of our universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. Research at Perimeter is motivated by the understanding that fundamental science advances human knowledge and catalyzes innovation, and that today’s theoretical physics is tomorrow’s technology. Located in the Region of Waterloo, the not-for-profit Institute is a unique public-private endeavour, including the Governments of Ontario and Canada, that enables cutting-edge research, trains the next generation of scientific pioneers, and shares the power of physics through award-winning educational outreach and public engagement.
