Perimeter Institute Celebrates 25 Years of Quantum Advancements

The Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Canada, marked its 25th anniversary on September 25, 2023, celebrating a legacy of groundbreaking research and advancements in quantum science. Founded by Canadian entrepreneur Mike Lazaridis, who co-founded BlackBerry, the institute has become a global leader in theoretical physics, cosmology, and quantum computing.

The origins of the Perimeter Institute trace back to an informal lecture that Lazaridis attended decades ago at the University of Waterloo, where he studied electrical engineering. During this time, professor Lynn Watt presented findings from Alain Aspect, which confirmed the existence of entangled particles—a cornerstone of quantum mechanics. This lecture profoundly influenced Lazaridis, who later donated over $100 million to establish the Perimeter Institute in 2000, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and theoretical research.

In his speech during the anniversary celebration, Lazaridis reflected on the significance of unifying Einstein’s theory of relativity with quantum mechanics. He emphasized that historically, the unification of different forces has led to technological revolutions and economic prosperity. “This is true, this has happened every single time,” he stated, highlighting the potential for future innovations stemming from this foundational research.

This year also coincides with the United Nations’ International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, commemorating a century since the birth of quantum mechanics. The Perimeter Institute has played an instrumental role in advancing this field, contributing to major scientific breakthroughs, including the first images of a black hole published in 2019 through the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration. Lazaridis recalled witnessing the global media coverage of these images, expressing immense pride in the institute’s contributions to this monumental achievement.

Among the distinguished guests at the anniversary event was Art McDonald, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for his work on neutrinos. McDonald highlighted ongoing research at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, now known as SNOLAB, where a new $60 million experiment is set to begin to investigate dark matter particles, theorized to constitute approximately 85 percent of the universe’s mass.

Another notable figure at the event was Katie Mack, the Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication at the Perimeter Institute. Mack discussed the importance of making complex scientific concepts accessible to the public, stressing that foundational research is vital for technological advancement. “I am going to help you find the connection where you can get there,” she remarked, aiming to bridge the gap between abstract theories and public understanding.

The institute also celebrated the achievements of Donna Strickland, who won the Nobel Prize in 2018 for her groundbreaking work in laser technology. Strickland noted that foundational research often leads to unexpected advancements, underscoring the unpredictable nature of scientific discovery.

The Perimeter Institute has fostered a vibrant quantum ecosystem, collaborating with various organizations, including the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Quantum Valley Ideas Lab. Lazaridis mentioned that the Quantum Valley Ideas Lab has already spun out its first company, focusing on developing quantum antennas and spectral analyzers.

As the world stands at the brink of two significant revolutions—one in quantum technology and another in artificial intelligence—Carena Marcela, executive director of the Perimeter Institute, outlined the institute’s commitment to tackling fundamental questions about the universe, such as the nature of dark energy and gravity. “Deepening our understanding of how nature works ultimately leads to developing new technologies that touch people’s lives,” she stated.

The anniversary celebration not only commemorated the past achievements of the Perimeter Institute but also set the stage for its future endeavors in advancing theoretical physics and quantum science. Through continued research and collaboration, the institute aims to inspire new generations of scientists and innovators, contributing to the ongoing quest for knowledge in the vast and mysterious universe.