Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Perimeter Institute

The Inclusive Perimeter Platform

Founded in 2018, the Inclusive PI Platform is a grassroots, volunteer-led effort at Perimeter that aims to make the Institute a better place for all. It involves students, postdocs, faculty, and staff, and has working groups addressing issues ranging from respect in the workplace and codes of conduct, to empowering young researchers, to mental health and diversity in physics.

Every member of Perimeter’s community is welcome and encouraged to join. If you’re a PI resident interested in learning more, please contact [email protected].


The Dimensions Charter

Perimeter is signatory to the Dimensions charter, a set of principles that aims to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canada's research ecosystem.


Emmy Noether Initiatives

Perimeter Institute aims to effect real change in the underrepresentation of women in theoretical physics through a series of initiatives named after pioneering German mathematician Emmy Noether. The initiatives provide a continuous arc – outreach to high school girls, training for undergraduates and graduates, and career development for researchers up to the most senior levels – aiming to inspire and provide leadership.

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Simons Emmy Noether Fellows

Timed to support women at a critical stage of their careers, these annual fellowships enable visiting scientists to spend up to a year in Perimeter’s thriving, multidisciplinary community. The scientists gain a unique opportunity to pursue their work intensively, free of teaching and administrative duties, and develop new international peer networks.

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Some Recent Initiatives (2018/19)

  • Participated in consultations on the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Dimensions program and endorsed the new Dimensions Charter, a set of principles to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion across Canada’s academic landscape
  • Appointed quantum physicist and Perimeter Affiliate researcher Shohini Ghose as Perimeter’s first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Specialist
  • Formed the PI Inclusion Platform, an array of working groups comprising 60 students, scientists, and administrative staff; each of the working groups focuses on areas of collective interest, such as mental health, LGBTQ2A+, and career advancement
  • In partnership with our private and public supporters, enabled talented high school students, undergraduates, graduate students, and teachers to participate in training programs at no cost, ensuring economic background is not a barrier to access
  • Consulted with Indigenous teachers in northern communities to better understand their needs and to help shape educational resources and delivery methods for the future
  • Delivered ISSYP, a gender-balanced summer school for talented Canadian and international secondary school students (as Perimeter has annually since 2004)