Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics

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Perimeter Institute

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) is located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. It is an independent, resident-based research institute devoted to foundational issues in theoretical physics. Along with its research activities, PI operates an international outreach program. It hosts the ISSYP every summer, which is a physics camp for High School students.

PI was founded in 1999 by Mike Lazaridis, co-founder and co-CEO of Research in Motion. His initial donation of $100 million was announced on October 23, 2000. Research operations began in 2001.

Initially, PI operated out of Waterloo's historic post office on King Street. In October 2004, it moved into its custom-built facility on Caroline Street, across Silver Lake from Waterloo Park.

The building was designed by Montreal architects Saucier + Perrotte, which received a Governor General's Medal for Architecture for the design in May 2006. (The building next to PI, housing the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, won the same award for its architects in 1997.)

Perimeter Institute's building features an open glass facade along the north and west sides, contrasting with the slate-black metal walls of much of the rest of the building. Each researcher's office, as well as various lounge areas, features a full-wall blackboard for working out and theorizing in solo or group efforts.

Perimeter from behind

The Ontario budget announced in March 2006 included a commitment to provide $50 million in funding to PI from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.

[edit] Public outreach programs

Aside from its research mandate, PI has hosted a number of outreach programs that include physics lectures, dinners and musical performances. Its Black Hole Bistro often hosts reservation dinners featuring jazz, baroque and other ensembles. PI also hosts public lectures conducted at local high schools in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.