U of G claims ties to Waterloo research institute that explores the most fundamental aspects of science
BY ANDREW VOWLES
A longtime U of G mathematician was honoured during this fall's gala opening of a research institute intended to help decipher physical laws governing everything from infinitely small subatomic particles to the universe itself.
A black-tie opening ceremony held Oct. 1 in Waterloo to open the new home of Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics included the dedication of the George Leibbrandt Library.
The library is named for the late professor George Leibbrandt, a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics from 1966 until his death in 2001. He was the only academic scientist on the board that created the Perimeter Institute.
“George had the perfect mix of scholarship, humility, probity and interest for the vision we were trying to put together,” said Perimeter executive director Howard Burton just before Leibbrandt's son, George, unveiled the library's nameplate.
CPES dean Peter Tremaine, who also attended the opening ceremony, notes that this was “a major event, attended by a who's who of Canadian and international science, including the heads of all the science granting councils, Nobel laureates, provincial and national politicians, businesspeople and the prime minister of Canada.”
Perimeter Institute is an independent research facility funded by both public and private money. The largest share, $100 million, came from Mike Lazaridis, founder and co-CEO of Waterloo-based Research in Motion Ltd.
Theoretical physicists at Perimeter study the fundamental laws of nature governing space, time and matter, including quantum theory, quantum information theory, quantum gravity, string theory and related areas.
Although their emphasis lies in fundamental research, their work is helping other investigators involved in everything from new super-fast computers to extra-secure cryptographic codes.
Originally established in a former post office in Waterloo three years ago, the institute is now located in a brand-new $25-million home. The four-storey building, designed by Montreal architects Saucier and Perrotte, has attracted wide interest and critical acclaim for its architecture and amenities.
Outside, the enigmatic appearance of the building's south-facing wall with its geometrically patterned black panels is meant to underline the nature of its occupants' investigations of mysterious natural forces. Indoor features include a rooftop bistro, atrium, wood-burning fireplaces and signature chalkboards lining the walls.
The main entrance of the two-storey library claims a prominent place on the ground floor near the reception desk.
Leibbrandt, who studied mathematical models relevant to theoretical physics, was a keen supporter of Perimeter, says Prof. Brian Allen, chair of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “He played a key role in the early establishment of Perimeter Institute and also in the design of the building.”
Allen, who took a calculus course from Leibbrandt in 1969 during his own undergraduate days, remembers the professor's methodical, precise courses and teaching style, including his insistence on proper grammatical form for assignments.
Prof. Maxim Pospelov of the Department of Physics divides his time equally between U of G and Perimeter, where he is an associate member. As a theorist studying particle physics, he values the opportunity to discuss ideas with other researchers at the institute.
“It's important to have the right environment,” he says.
Along with Perimeter researcher Robert Myers, a leading Canadian physicist in the study of string theory, Pospelov has examined potential violations of Einstein's theory of special relativity.
Referring to public interest in the opening of a research institute dedicated largely to seemingly esoteric-sounding topics, he recalls discussing his field with seatmates on a recent airplane flight from Calgary to Victoria.
“Both my neighbours knew about the Perimeter Institute and were quizzing me for the duration of the flight.”
Prof. Eric Poisson, Physics, an affiliate member of Perimeter, says it's a place where researchers work on the most fundamental aspects of science. Borrowing a Douglas Adams title, he adds: “It's life, the universe and everything.”
