Renowned particle physicist Dr. Marcela Carena has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, a leading research hub devoted to theoretical physics. She takes over from Robert Myers, one of Perimeter’s founding faculty members, whose five-year term ended this fall. Carena is no stranger to the institute, having previously held a post as a Distinguished Visiting Research Chair and serving as the Chair of Perimeter’s Scientific Advisory Committee since 2022.
With her impressive scientific record, including serving as Head of the Theory Division at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and a physics professor at the University of Chicago, Carena is well-positioned to lead Perimeter into its next quarter-century. Her research explores connections between the Higgs boson, dark matter, and the origin of matter in the early universe, and she has implemented this kind of research at Fermilab and the University of Chicago in partnership with physicists at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider.
Carena is particularly keen to enhance Perimeter’s role as a training ground for young scientists and innovators, building on her experience establishing scientific collaborations and promoting diversity. As Perimeter celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, Carena’s leadership is expected to guide the institute into a bright and exciting future.
New Leadership at Perimeter Institute: Dr. Marcela Carena Takes the Helm
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics has welcomed a new Executive Director, Dr. Marcela Carena, a renowned particle physicist with a distinguished scientific record. As the first woman to lead the institute, she takes over from Robert Myers, one of Perimeter’s founding faculty members, whose five-year term as Director ended in the fall of 2024.
Dr. Carena is no stranger to Perimeter Institute, having previously held a post as a Distinguished Visiting Research Chair and serving as the Chair of Perimeter’s Scientific Advisory Committee since 2022. Her expertise in particle physics and her commitment to diversity and training students make her an ideal candidate to steer the institute into its second quarter-century.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen as Perimeter’s new Executive Director,” said Carena. “Perimeter is one of the world’s foremost institutes pursuing breakthroughs in a one-of-a-kind, innovative environment.” She is particularly keen to enhance Perimeter’s role as a training ground for young scientists and innovators, recognizing that the people make all the difference.
A Strong Background in Particle Physics
Dr. Carena brings an impressive scientific record to her new role, having served as Head of the Theory Division at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) and a physics professor at the University of Chicago. Her research focuses on experimental and theoretical particle physics, with a particular interest in quantum science, particle physics, and cosmology.
Her work has led to significant advances in our understanding of the universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. As a leading expert in her field, she is well-positioned to guide Perimeter Institute into its next stage of evolution.
Commitment to Diversity and Training
Dr. Carena’s commitment to diversity and training students is evident in her previous work. She has established programs that bring students from diverse backgrounds, including Latin America, to Fermilab to pursue research projects. Her efforts have also led to the development of agreements with research councils and institutions across the globe.
As Executive Director, she is expected to continue promoting collaboration between Perimeter Institute and international partners, fostering a strong research ecosystem that benefits everyone.
A New Era for Perimeter Institute
Dr. Carena’s appointment marks a new era for Perimeter Institute as it enters its 25th anniversary year. Mike Serbinis, Chair of Perimeter’s Board of Directors, welcomed her arrival at the institute, stating, “As Perimeter enters its 25th anniversary year as one of the leading theoretical physics institutions on the planet, Marcela’s depth of expertise in experimental and theoretical particle physics, as well as her commitment to diversity and training students will strongly position us for the next 25 years.”
Robert Myers, Executive Director since 2019, welcomed Carena’s arrival at the institute, saying, “It has been an honor to serve as Perimeter’s Director these last five years, and it is a pleasure to pass the baton now to Marcela. With her outstanding record of innovative research and exceptional service to the physics community, I am certain that her leadership will guide Perimeter into a bright and exciting future.”
A Legacy of Innovation
During his term as Director, Myers adeptly supervised the establishment of Perimeter’s Clay Riddell Centre for Quantum Matter in 2020, launched new initiatives in Quantum Causal Inference and Celestial Holography, and also established Perimeter’s innovative new PSI Start training program.
As a faculty member and BMO Financial Group Isaac Newton Chair in Theoretical Physics, Myers remains at Perimeter Institute, where he will continue contributing to the institute’s mission of advancing human knowledge and catalyzing innovation.
Serbinis thanked Myers for his leadership, commitment, and dedication to building Perimeter into one of the leading centers for scientific research on the planet. He echoed his enthusiasm for Carena’s appointment: “As Perimeter enters its 25th year, we want to inspire the scientific leaders who will guide us into the next century of remarkable breakthroughs.”
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