Stephen Hawking to Join Research In Motion Backed Scientific Institute

Published on: 27th November 2008

Legendary scientist Prof. Stephen Hawking has been appointed to the post of Distinguished Research Chair at Canada's Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI). The institute was founded by Mike Lazaridis, founder and Co-CEO of Research In Motion (RIM), maker of the ubiquitous BlackBerry phone.

Prof. Hawking will conduct regular stays at PI in coming years, beginning in the summer of '09, and says, "I am honoured to accept the first Distinguished Research Chair at the Perimeter Institute. The Institute's twin focus, on quantum theory and gravity, is very close to my heart and central to explaining the origin of the Universe. I look forward to building a growing partnership between PI and our Centre for Theoretical Cosmology, at Cambridge. Our research endeavour is global, and by combining forces I believe we will reap rich rewards."

In announcing that Prof. Hawking will visit PI for extended periods each year, PI Director Neil Turok said, "The appointment marks a new phase in our recruitment that will see leading scientists from around the world establish a second 'research home' at Perimeter Institute. I am delighted that Stephen has agreed to accept the first of a projected 40 such visiting Chairs. We look forward to hosting Stephen in Waterloo, Ontario, to benefiting from his wise mentorship and guidance which has been so successful in Cambridge, and to the many stimulating scientific collaborations which will undoubtedly emerge."

Perimeter Institute began in the summer of 1999, and since research operations began in the fall of 2001, the Institute has grown to include over 60 resident researchers who are involved in day-to-day operations.

 

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