Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, October 30, 2009 – Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) is pleased to share news of an important new initiative and appointment.  Suzanne Corbeil, a key figure in Canada’s science and technology community, has agreed to head PI’s Global Outreach initiative which will be complementary to our existing and highly successful outreach program. 

Through its Global Outreach efforts, PI aims to serve as a stimulus for theoretical physics globally and, in the process, further enhance Canada’s leadership in the promotion of science and innovation, worldwide.   Global Outreach at PI will:

• Accelerate the emergence of centres of excellence in math and physics around the world by exporting PI’s expertise in building impactful research and training institutes;
• Assist in unlocking the vast untapped pool of scientific talent in the developing world – talent that is vitally needed to build science and technology capacity within developing nations; 
• Strengthen the flow of brilliant young people from around the world into scientific research, bringing important new energy and creativity into the field;
• Create a two-way flow of exceptional young researchers into Canada for training and research and back to their home countries with widely applicable skills;
• Build strong relationships with emerging centres in developing nations through PI researchers with particular interests and connections to those countries;
• Extend the reach of PI’s award-winning outreach program by sharing advice with emerging centres on the development of their own outreach programs, specifically suited to students, teachers and the general public in their country;

About Suzanne Corbeil
Since 2000, Ms. Suzanne Corbeil has served as Vice-President of External Relations and Communications at the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).  During her tenure at CFI, she was responsible for the promotion of scientific activities across the country, was a key player in advancing the public agenda in S & T and was instrumental in building strong relationships in all levels of government and among a variety of academic and non-profit partners.   Before joining the CFI, Suzanne held positions within the Ontario Government and the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat.  She has extensive experience in the social services arena through her work and volunteering with a number of Ontario colleges, community agencies and non-profit groups.  Suzanne is engaged with many of the same science communication groups as PI, including the World Federation of Science Journalists and the Banff Centre for Science Communication.  She is also the Founding Chair of the Science Media Centre of Canada.  Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law & Justice and Psychology from Laurentian University, an Advanced Management Certificate from McGill, and an Honours Diploma in Social Sciences from Cambrian College.  In her private life, Suzanne enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, curling and travelling. She will begin with Perimeter Institute on October 26, dividing her time between Waterloo and Ottawa.

For Additional Information
Contact John Matlock, Director of External Relations and Communications, at jmatlock@perimeterinstitute.ca