Theoretical physicists are driven by their curiosity to understand the universe at the most fundamental level. Their discoveries stimulate technological breakthroughs that permeate our everyday life, from the world wide web and computer chips to medical technologies like X-rays and MRI. New research has the potential to transform our future, through technologies.
Group photo from the 2026 WITP Summer School and Student Symposium.
To help with this quest, the long-standing Winnipeg Institute for Theoretical Physics (WITP), (a joint institute that includes UWinnipeg, UManitoba, and Brandon University) has entered into a historic partnership agreement with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI) and Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA). The PI is an independent research institute based in Waterloo, Ontario; and QHA is a new Alberta-wide initiative to expand foundational knowledge of quantum science. The WITP, founded in 1990, is the largest center for theoretical physics in Canada aside from the PI.
The WITP, and the WITP summer school, is one way in which UWinnipeg, UManitoba, and Brandon U, are jointly stepping up' for Canadian students, by creating a homegrown space where Manitoba students can meet and learn from major names in the field without leaving the country.
Dr. Evan McDonough
As part of the agreement, PI and QHA are financially backing an annual "theoretical physics summer school" in Manitoba. This summer school will bring together world-class physicists sharing their discoveries and will also showcase research by UWinnipeg students and their colleagues from universities across the province.
"Thanks to this partnership, students in Manitoba will have direct access to world-leading physicists at home to help them better understand the universe," explained Dr. Evan McDonough, UWinnipeg Physicist and Director of WITP.
The inaugural PI- and QHA- funded summer school was held Aug 19-21, 2026, and welcomed over 50 students from across the province and the prairies, with 21 students presenting their own research while learning alongside and networking with five invited scientists of international standing.
Dr. Edward Kolb, a pioneering cosmologist at the University of Chicago and invited speaker, said of the event "[it] was a resounding success. I was really impressed by the student presentations. There is a lot of talent in the Manitoba region. Kudos to Professor McDonough and his team for putting together such a wonderful event." Other invited speakers included Lauren Hayward, the Associate Director of Training Programs at the Perimeter Institute. Hayward gave lectures on the application of artificial intelligence to quantum physics.
Also included in the summer school lineup was Smit Panchal, a physics student in his fourth year at UWinnipeg. Smit presented his research on black holes completed as part of his UWinnipeg USRA-International award.
Smit says the event "was an extraordinary experience," adding that "beyond the content itself, it was inspiring to see how much effort everyone puts into expanding our collective understanding of the universe. This type of event inspires me to pursue theoretical physics."
Smit was one of eight UWinnipeg-based student researchers who presented at the event, and one of four students who jointly presenting new research on quantum information theory and black holes.
This builds on a strong tradition of student-focused events. Brandon Wittmeier, fourth-year student at the UWinnipeg presented his work at a one-day WITP Student Symposium in 2025 as part of a Pathway to Graduate Studies (P2GS) internship.
P2GS is a UWinnipeg program that offers research opportunities for Indigenous students in STEM.
"Presenting at WITP was a great learning experience that allowed me to better present my ideas in front of professionals that can help me expand my ideas," shared Wittmeier, whose subsequent presentation at the 2025 Randy Kobes Poster Competition netted him the first prize in the mathematical and physical sciences category.
Dr. McDonough notes that this new summer school gives Manitoban students who are interested in theoretical physics the opportunity to present and learn from top researchers in physics without incurring the cost or visa barriers of an international trip. In the past, many students turned to the United States or abroad to network at conferences or to meet leaders in their field.
"The WITP, and the WITP summer school, is one way in which UWinnipeg, UManitoba, and Brandon U, are jointly stepping up' for Canadian students, by creating a homegrown space where Manitoba students can meet and learn from major names in the field without leaving the country," shared Dr. McDonough.
