York University Lauds Corporate Donation to Launch Perimeter Institute Devoted to Pure Research

TORONTO, October 24, 2000 -- York University President, Dr. Lorna Marsden, today praised Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM) founder Mike Lazaridis for his $100-million contribution to the study of theoretical physics, calling it "a gesture of tremendous foresight that demonstrates a visionary concern for the future of innovation in Canada."

Lazaridis announced the donation, in the form of RIM stock holdings, on Monday in Waterloo, Ont., saying it would help to launch a world-class, autonomous research centre to be called the Perimeter Institute, based at Kitchener-Waterloo and dedicated to the study of theoretical physics. The institute will seek matching funds from the Ontario and federal governments and additional private sector funding.

Marsden said the donation was a wise investment in the community that ultimately drives industrial innovation and economic growth. "Just as entrepreneurs understand the importance of channelling profits back into the enterprise, Mr. Lazaridis understands the necessity of long-term investment in pure research that will ensure that Canada and Canadians remain players in the new global economy."

York's Dean of Pure and Applied Science, Dr. Robert Prince, said a donation of this magnitude to support research of such fundamental significance was very welcome to the physics community in Ontario, Canada, and beyond. "It shows extraordinary foresight, and an understanding of the need to seek answers to the most fundamental questions in physics, namely a comprehensive description of the basic forces of nature themselves. It will allow free inquiry into these areas without the pressure to produce economic advantage in the short-term. By their very nature, the areas of research to be addressed by the Perimeter Institute will require the prolonged efforts of the world's best minds," said Prince, adding that York's theoretical physicists look forward to working in close collaboration with the institute on related scientific research.

The Perimeter Institute is expected to open in the fall of 2001 with an initial group of 10 to 15 resident physicists, expanding to some 40 scientists and researchers within five years, according to the institute's executive director, Howard Burton.

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For further information, please contact:

Dr. Robert Prince
Dean of Pure & Applied Science
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22316
rhprince@yorku.ca

Susan Bigelow
Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22091
sbigelow@yorku.ca
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