PSI START Program

Perimeter Scholars International — Students’ Training Accelerator for Research in Theory (PSI START)

Perimeter Institute invites students to join its world-leading research community for a part-time 10-week online school in theoretical physics beginning in May 2022. In addition, some of these students will also come to Perimeter to participate in groundbreaking research through a paid internship program. All students will learn research tools and collaboration skills while immersed (online or in person) in the multi-disciplinary environment of the world’s largest independent theoretical physics research centre.

Perimeter Institute’s PSI START program consists of three parts, and is for students who intend to apply to a physics graduate program, such as Perimeter’s PSI Master’s program, with a start date in 2023. Students who will enter the final year of an undergraduate program in 2022, students who will begin a one-year Master’s program in physics or math in 2022, and others who intend to pursue graduate studies in theoretical physics may also apply.

Ten-week online school

Approximately 50 successful applicants will take part in four courses on cutting-edge subjects in theoretical physics, taught by exceptional researchers and teachers. Students will also have the opportunity to work on online group projects that examine topics in modern theoretical physics. The school will involve 4.5 hours of synchronous content and one-to-two hours of independent work or study each week for 10 weeks total. There is no cost to participate in the online school. Learn more about the ten-week online school.

Research internship

Applicants may also apply for an optional paid research internship in person at Perimeter Institute for up to 16 weeks. Ten accepted students will be fully immersed in Perimeter’s renowned research environment, work on projects alongside Perimeter researchers, and potentially even publish their work. Students will have the rare opportunity to develop their research skills and absorb the rich variety of seminars and discussion groups at Perimeter Institute. Students chosen for an internship will be emailed the project proposals in February. Selection for the internship will occur at the same time that online school students are selected. Learn more about the research internship.

PSI START Bridge

Perimeter Institute recognizes that students can face many barriers in reaching their full potential. To help students overcome these barriers and acquire skills that will help them apply to a physics graduate program, Perimeter Institute will make a limited number of invitations to online school participants to receive continued academic training following the completion of the online school. PSI START Bridge is a part-time online program designed to supplement the final year of a degree program or facilitate the transition from full-time work to graduate school. Learn more about PSI START Bridge.

Application process for Students’ Training Accelerator for Research in Theory

On the online application form, applicants can apply for the online school or for both the online school and the research internship. Applicants can also indicate their interest in the PSI START Bridge program. The online school and paid internship positions will be awarded by the end of February 2022. PSI START Bridge positions will be awarded by the end of July 2022. Those students selected for the research internship will be contacted in February with research project descriptions. All research interns must complete the ten-week online school. Learn more about the application process.

Perimeter Institute is committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Perimeter Institute provides support throughout the application process for applicants with disabilities. We work with you to understand the impact of your disability to appropriately accommodate you during the application process. Please contact accessibility@perimeterinstitute.ca for assistance.