Federal Investment Welcomed by PI

In today’s budget plan, tabled in the nation’s capital by the federal government, clear reference was made to Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) in Waterloo, Ontario, as a leading centre of excellence fostered through public-private partnership and funding was committed.

In his address to Parliament, Federal Finance Minister James Flaherty said: “…in addition to creating a future generation of leaders, we are also investing in leading research institutions. Budget 2007 sets aside the funding necessary to make that happen, and will help fund leading-edge institutions like the Life Sciences Research Institute in Nova Scotia, the National Optics Institute in Quebec, the Perimeter Institute in Ontario, the Canada School of Sustainable Energy in Alberta, and B.C.’s Brain Research Centre, among others.” 

This news follows other, positive recognition in the fall of ’06 when the Institute was objectively assessed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The federal review provided a rigorous, peer-reviewed assessment of all activities and determined PI’s international excellence in scientific research and educational outreach to date as well as plans moving forward. To review specific information drawn from the final NSERC report, click here.

The March 19^th budget plan states: “The value of the centres of excellence is highest where there is coordinated approach that brings together research institutions, governments and the private sector to set priorities and share resources. The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, which is devoted to the study of foundational issues in theoretical physics, is an example of such a world-renowned research institute. Since its creation in 1999, the Perimeter Institute has become a leader for Canadian research in the emerging field of quantum physics and a model for science education and outreach. The Perimeter Institute has demonstrated outstanding scientific merit, has a national reach and has received significant funding commitments from the private sector and the Government of Ontario.”  The budget provides $50 million to PI for ongoing scientific research and educational outreach operations. 

Howard Burton, Executive Director of Perimeter Institute, says “The Institute warmly receives this strong endorsement of its past accomplishments and future plans from the Government of Canada and looks forward to continuing its growing tradition of research and outreach excellence in the years to come.”