Internship at the Perimeter Institute

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of securing an internship at the Perimeter Institute (PI) for undergraduate students, particularly in the field of theoretical physics. Participants share their experiences, opinions, and information regarding internship opportunities and the environment at PI.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in an internship at PI, having been inspired by a documentary featuring the institute.
  • Another participant suggests that PI likely does not accept undergraduate interns, emphasizing the need for a strong impression to be considered.
  • There is a belief that internships may be available for students from the University of Waterloo, which is affiliated with PI.
  • A participant questions the validity of enjoying the atmosphere of PI without having visited it in person, suggesting a disconnect between perception and experience.
  • One participant shares a link to PI's application page for undergraduate opportunities, indicating previous interest but dissatisfaction with available topics.
  • Another participant comments on the perceived dominance of superstring theory over loop quantum gravity (LQG) in research opportunities, attributing this to a lack of progress in superstring theory recently.
  • A participant claims to know several undergraduates who have completed internships at PI, describing it as an interesting place for those interested in obscure theoretical physics.
  • One participant expresses intent to seek further information from their theoretical physics instructors regarding internship opportunities.
  • A participant mentions living close to PI but not having visited, and recommends a thread for insights into the atmosphere and classes at the institute.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the availability of internships for undergraduates at PI, with some asserting that they are unlikely to be accepted while others share anecdotal evidence of past internships. The discussion reflects differing opinions on the atmosphere of PI based on personal experience versus media representation.

Contextual Notes

Some claims regarding internship availability are based on personal experiences and perceptions, which may vary. There is also uncertainty regarding the specific criteria for acceptance into internship programs at PI.

IRobot
Messages
86
Reaction score
0
Hi, I am currently studying fundamental physics at University Paris 6 as an undergraduate (accomplishing my 4th year). I have to make an intership for 3months next summer, and I would like to it in theoretical physics (already did one in an experimental lab and i would like to see the other side)

So, recently i have seen a documentary on bbc about cosmology, in which most of the speakers where from PI. It sounds mindless but I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the place; and would love to go there meet interesting people and learn physics. So my point is: do they accept undergraduate students for internship? I looked for this information on their site but beside summer schools, haven't found anything.


Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'm pretty sure they don't take undergrads for internships. I'm not saying they won't, but you would have to make a fantastic impression on someone to get in there.
 
I believe that they might possibly take internships from the University of Waterloo, which is affiliated with Perimeter Institute. Yes, PI is a fantastic place considering their research capacity will double with its new, magnificent expansion.
 
Last edited:
How can you enjoy the atmosphere of a place when you've never been to perimeter instutute at all? This doesn't make sense. Unless i misread and you've actually been to PI instead of watching it in a documentary, you have not experienced the atmosphere.
 
Like this http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/Scientific/Applications/Undergraduate/ ?

I wanted to apply last year but didn't like any of their available topics.

less LQG more string next time plx
 
I'm surprised, I thought superstring theory would displace LQG in research opportunities, this is probably due to Lee Smolin and superstring theory's lack of progress in the last few years.
 
I have known a number of undergrads that have done summer internships at PI, it is a really interesting place if you are into really obscure theoretical physics. If not, at least the design and architecture of the building is really interesting.
 
Thank you for the link negru, even if it's still empty of proposition, I will keep an eye on.
I think I am going to ask some of my theoretical teaches that might now it, maybe that have my answer.Btw, I totally agree with you AndersonMD, the architecture seems really intertaining. ;)
 

Similar threads

Programs What is an appropriate way of asking a professor for a project?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Plasma Physics PhD from an EE undergrad
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Other How can I do an internship? What alternatives are there?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Looking for physics internships requiring one letter of recommendation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How often are summer internships awarded to pre-meds?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Schools Do Extra-Curriculars and Internships matter for grad school?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Fall Undergraduate Internship: School vs Research Experience
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Critique my statement of purpose for Perimeter Scholar Program
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Any tips for doing a PhD in theoretical physics?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
From software development to physics PhD
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K