“Women in Physics Canada” is a conference for young women in physics, to be held at Perimeter Institute and the Institute for Quantum Computing this summer (July 19th – 21st 2011).  The conference is aimed at undergraduate and early graduate women studying physics, and will consist mostly of student presentations. Those who have not yet had the opportunity to complete a research project are  welcome to participate as well.There will also be several keynote lectures, opportunities for discussions with more senior physicists, and interactions with our invited speakers and local researchers.

This format gives participants opportunities to develop presentation and informal discussion skills, essential to their continuing success as physicists. The conference will also facilitate the creation of informal support networks between peers, which will be invaluable to young women embarking on a career in physics.

The under-representation of Women in Science has seen much research in recent years, the results of which are still inconclusive.  Physics fares even worse than other sciences: in Canada, around 20% of physics degrees, at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are awarded to women.  By focusing on skills important for any young physicist, as well as encouraging students to make connections with peers, the hope is that this conference can make a difference to young female physicists, now and as their careers progress.  The schedule will also include a panel discussion, so that participants can hear directly from more senior women about what a career in physics entails.

Date: July 19 – 21, 2011

Location: Perimeter Institute and the Institute for Quantum Computing (Waterloo, Ontario)

For registration and more information visit the conference website.