Our Network

Perimeter Institute logo

Perimeter Institute is the world’s largest research hub devoted to theoretical physics. The independent Institute was founded in 1999 to foster breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. Research at Perimeter is motivated by the understanding that fundamental science advances human knowledge and catalyzes innovation, and that today’s theoretical physics is tomorrow’s technology. Perimeter’s nine core research areas include particle physics and cosmology, which overlaps with the McDonald Institute’s experimental research program. In particular, the search for dark matter and new forces is a key area of research among Perimeter’s particle theorists.

A number of Perimeter scientists conduct research particularly relevant to the dark matter and neutrino studies that are the main focuses of most McDonald Institute experiments. Asimina Arvanitaki draws ideas from several fields to propose novel theoretical and experimental approaches to longstanding problems such as the nature of dark energy and dark matter. Her research on black hole superradiance, for example, uses data from gravitational wave observatories like LIGO to investigate fundamental particles. Associate Faculty member Maxim Pospelov (jointly appointed with the University of Victoria) has worked on many topics in astrophysics including Big Bang nucleosynthesis, and dark matter. Additionally, McDonald Institute faculty member Joseph Bramante, who is based at Queen’s, is a visiting fellow at Perimeter Institute. His theoretical work focuses on dark matter, physics beyond the Standard Model, and cosmology.

Each year, Perimeter hosts approximately 12 international conferences, workshops and summer schools that explore the latest advances in theoretical physics and ideas for new experiments. Perimeter also partners with SNOLAB and TRIUMF to present the annual Tri-Institute Summer School on Elementary Particles (TRISEP) for graduate students. Scientific events like these give a valuable opportunity for experimental physicists to connect with theorists and spark new ideas for technologies and experimental approaches.


The Perimeter Institute resides on Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee territory.