Landmark Partnership Between Perimeter Institute and Bishop’s University Brings Prestigious Physics Program to Quebec 

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (Perimeter) and Bishop’s University are proud to launch the first-ever Canadian satellite of the Perimeter Scholars International Start Program (PSI Start), as part of a mutual commitment to supporting the next generation of scientific explorers and helping students advance their academic goals. 

Launched in 2019, PSI Start is a 10-week online program, combined with an in-person research internship, dedicated to providing undergraduate students with an entry point into advanced lessons in theoretical physics, taught by world-leading experts in topics such as statistical mechanics and quantum information. The program is highly competitive and only open to students intending to apply to a physics graduate program upon the conclusion of their undergraduate degree. 

This year, as part of a formal partnership agreement, Bishop’s University will host the PSI Start program on its campus in Sherbrooke, Quebec, marking the first time this prestigious program will attract the world’s brightest physics students to a university campus in Canada. 

“This marks an exciting new chapter for PSI Start, which truly reflects the remarkable progress Perimeter has made in our training programs over the past 25 years,” said Dan Wohns, Associate Director, Training Programs at Perimeter. “Driven by our commitment to inspire students at every stage, PSI Start empowers undergraduates with knowledge and resources to explore the most profound questions in theoretical physics, supporting them as they advance in their academic journeys. We are thrilled to partner with Bishop’s University to make this opportunity a reality as we continue to develop the program.” 

Bishop’s University, which is situated in the heart of Quebec’s quantum innovation zone, offers robust theoretical physics curricula – with a specialization in dark matter, quantum mechanics, cosmology, and astrophysics – for both undergraduate and graduate students. With PSI Start, Bishop’s University is offering a new tool to help undergraduate students transition into the next phase of their scientific learning, unlocking potential for exciting new discoveries. 

“This is about creating things that will improve our understanding of the world. The PSI Start program is more than academics—it is transformational,” said Valerio Faraoni, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Bishop’s University. “Our students get to be among the brightest physics students from around the globe, learn from the best, ask bold questions, and imagine their futures in science with confidence. Having this satellite program at Bishop’s demonstrates what is possible when a small university dares to think big. It’s not just good for our students—it’s good for Canada.” 

The satellite program will run from May 18, 2025, to June 1, 2025. Please visit this link for more information. 

About Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics  

Perimeter Institute is the world’s largest research hub devoted to theoretical physics, fostering breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of our universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. For 25 years, Perimeter’s innovative approach has empowered scientists worldwide to explore emerging scientific fields, giving researchers the freedom they need to question assumptions and blaze new trails. 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. Founded by visionary Mike Lazaridis in 1999 and located in the Region of Waterloo, the not-for-profit Institute is a unique public-private endeavour, including the Governments of Ontario and Canada, that enables cutting-edge research, trains the next generation of scientific pioneers, and shares the power of physics through award-winning educational outreach and public engagement.  

About Bishop’s University 

Founded in 1843 and located on the traditional territory of the Abenaki people (W8banakiak wdakiw8k), Bishop’s University is a unique English-language, primarily undergraduate institution situated in the bilingual Eastern Townships of Québec. Our 220-hectare campus offers an immersive education experience within a close-knit community. With a student population of approximately 2,600 full-time students—including more than 10% international students—Bishop’s fosters deep academic engagement through small class sizes and meaningful collaboration between students and professors. We offer over 100 programs across five faculties: Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business, and Education. For more than 180 years, Bishop’s has cultivated leaders and changemakers through interdisciplinary learning, experiential opportunities, and personalized mentorship. Whether studying abroad, conducting research, launching a startup, or learning by doing, Bishop’s students are empowered to pursue academic excellence and personal growth in an inclusive and dynamic environment. 

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Contact:

Perimeter Institute: 
Mark Healy 
mhealy@perimeterinstitute.ca 

Bishop’s University: 
Sonia Patenaude 
spatenau@UBishops.ca