As part of its mandate to develop a rich and dynamic physics outreach program, in August 2003, Perimeter Institute launched Young Physicists of Canada, a national two-week summer school designed to capture the scientific imagination of grade 11 students (secondaire V in Québec) and nurture their passion for physics through an exploration of the fascinating mysteries of our universe. The 20 select students from across Canada — 10 girls and 10 boys — were exposed to a wide range of fundamental scientific concepts, from the bizarre quantum world of atoms and subatomic particles to black holes, warped spacetime and the expanding universe. What past participants say about ISSYP| ........................................................................................................................................................................................... | | "ISSYP makes you immerse yourself in the fascinating world of theoretical physics. Whether it's during the lectures or lunch or even while playing pool, the enthusiasm of the participants to constantly expand their minds to new concepts is simply unparalleled. I gained an appreciation for this field that I'll carry with me throughout my academic career and life." | | Amrita Nag, Canada
2007 ISSYP Participant | | | ........................................................................................................................................................................................... | | " I found the ISSYP program to be particularly valuable because it pushed me out of my usual circle of acquaintances while giving me the chance to meet 49 other young people my age, most of whom I would have never otherwise had the chance to meet. I think the ISSYP program is particularly excellent in that it also brings physics students from around the world together to meet. I think this is a particularly important facet of the program as it creates international connections between teens just before they have to make decisions about post secondary. The part of ISSYP I enjoyed the most was the opportunity to meet the other students, particularly those from abroad and learning about the similarities and differences between us."
| | Thomas Zylstra, Canada
University of Alberta, Engineering Student
2007 ISSYP Participant | | | ........................................................................................................................................................................................... | | "ISSYP was a great program all around. It has helped me learn a great deal more about math and physics. In the future it may affect where I go for my doctorate and post doctorate degrees. ISSYP is an excellent program for anyone who has a passion in physics." | | George Webber, Canada
University of Victoria, Engineering Student
2007 ISSYP Participant | | | ........................................................................................................................................................................................... | | "Attending the ISSYP was an unbelievably great and unique experience because not only did I learn so much about areas which I find extremely fascinating, I was also able to meet some truly amazing people. The two weeks spent at the ISSYP were two of the most rewarding weeks of my life!"
| | Sophie Zhang, New Zealand
University of Auckland, Science Student
2007 ISSYP Participant | | | ........................................................................................................................................................................................... | | "I think the program is very enriching and very educational and it really gave me a paradigm shift about the whole idea of theoretical physics. ISSYP shaped me personally when it gave me a better view of different situations and the program simply tells me "what you've learned is not all that it is. ISSYP has reinforced my dream to be a scientist in the future and from there, I decided to pursue physics and applied physics in the future. ISSYP is an important program not only because it had taught me valuable things but most importantly, I got to make friends and it's this kind of unique friendship that made the program so enjoyable. Who knows, maybe people I befriended over there may be the next Einstein." | | Alvin Lee, Singapore
Meridian Junior College, Theoretical Physics Student
2007 ISSYP Participant | | | ........................................................................................................................................................................................... | |
| | ISSYP TIMELINE | 2003
PI launches the Young Physicists of Canada (YPC), a national two-week summer school for 20 Canadian students. 2004
Program name changes to the International Summer School for Young Physicists (ISSYP) as school expands to include international students. 2005
40 program participants. Includes 22 students from across Canada, and 18 international students from Brazil, Germany, Italy, Poland, Singapore, South Korea and USA. 2006
Participants from across Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Romania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Spain, UK, USA, and Brazil. 2007
100 program participants. Includes students from across Canada and international students from 22 countries. 2008
PI hosts two ISSYP summer camps with students from each province and territory in Canada, as well as young physicists from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, South America, and the USA. 2009
ISSYP students are the first "young scientists" to visit the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory Lab located two kilometres beneath the earth's surface. |
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