Perimeter Institute is dedicated to addressing foundational issues in current theoretical physics research. We are determined to provide a dynamic atmosphere of intense scientific interaction where resident and visiting researchers of varying ages and nationalities can focus on profound issues in several overlapping sub-disciplines of basic research.

An essential aspect of the Institute’s research mandate is to maintain a balanced involvement of formal and more phenomenologically-oriented issues, as befitting a physics, rather than a mathematics, institution.

We strongly encourage interaction between a large cross-section of foundational thinkers of different orientations and specializations, developing a culture where both orthodox and more speculative approaches are pursued simultaneously.

Although Perimeter is a private, autonomous institution, we are strongly motivated to constructively interact with the surrounding academic community through joint seminars and workshops, cross-appointments and our affiliate and associate member program.

Perhaps the most significant method of interaction between the Institute and the surrounding academic milieu, however, occurs through the presence of graduate students. While the Institute is not formally a degree-granting institution, it was deliberately structured to accommodate graduate students, who are recognized as vital contributors to the Institute’s dynamism and culture. By working closely with surrounding universities, it is further envisioned that the presence of the Institute will greatly enhance theoretical physics graduate programs throughout the region.