Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics honoured for science promotion

Waterloo, Ontario , June 4, 2008 - On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry, Dr. Suzanne Fortier, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), announced today that the  Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) is this year’s recipient of NSERC’s Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion.

PI’s educational initiatives include monthly public lectures on hot topics in science by world-renowned researchers, an in-class lecture series called Physica Phantastica, an International Summer School for Young Physicists each summer, and workshops across the country that introduce teachers to the latest advances in modern physics and tutors them on methods of relaying these concepts and ideas to students.

"The presentation of this award to the Perimeter Institute shows the value of the Government of Canada’s investments in leading-edge organizations with a commitment to furthering research and education,” said Minister Prentice. "This type of partnership furthers the Government’s Science and Technology Strategy by helping to foster interest in science, especially among young people, which will help strengthen the People Advantage this country already enjoys."

Budget 2007 provided $50 million to the Perimeter Institute in 2006–07 to support its leading research, education and public outreach activities. The Government of Canada is committed to partnering with other levels of government and the private sector to create centres that operate at international standards of excellence and put knowledge to work for the social and economic benefits of Canadians.

Part of PI’s mandate is to help further understanding of physics and foster interest in scientific research, discovery and innovation among students, teachers and the general public.

"The Institute’s extensive education programming and impressive achievements in increasing awareness of scientific research and innovation makes it a worthy recipient of this award,” said Dr. Fortier. "The dedication to education and awareness shown by the Perimeter Institute and its talented staff help Canadians understand cutting-edge scientific theories and ideas. They share the drive and determination personified by Michael Smith during his life and career."

In February, PI unveiled its latest educational tool for high school physics teachers called "Perimeter Explorations" that is designed to complement and enhance classroom lessons. The first module explores "The Mystery of Dark Matter."

NSERC’s Michael Smith Awards for Science Promotion, named after the late Canadian Nobel laureate, are presented annually to honour individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the promotion of science in Canada. The group award includes a medal and a $10,000 prize to further science promotion activities. Announced earlier this year, the individual award went to University of Alberta biology instructor John Acorn, also known as the "Nature Nut" to a generation of children and their parents.

NSERC is a federal agency whose vision is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports some 25,000 university students and post-doctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 11,000 university professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging more than 1,400 Canadian companies to participate and invest in university research projects.

For more information, contact:
Doré Dunne
Manager, Public Affairs
NSERC
Tel.: 613-996-4690
Cell: 613-851-8677
dore.dunne@nserc-crsng.gc.ca