BSc Physics (Co-op) ‘82
Senior Researcher, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics,
Adjunct Professor, University of Waterloo,
Waterloo, ON
Robert Myers is a global leader in theoretical physics, pioneering the study of black holes within the broad context motivated by string theory. Among his landmark contributions are: the discovery of the first higher-dimensional rotating black hole solution (now known as the Myers-Perry metric); key progress on understanding the statistical interpretation of black hole entropy; a string theory analog of the dielectric effect – the “Myers effect”; and most recently developing new relationships between quantum entanglement and the emergence of space-time geometry. Additionally, Dr Myers has been instrumental as an international leader in the theoretical physics community, most visibly through his role as founder at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
After receiving his PhD at Princeton in 1986, followed by a postdoctoral researcher appointment at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, he accepted at faculty position at McGill University before returning to Waterloo in 2001 to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics as senior researcher, as well as professor at UW’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
In addition to numerous recognitions for his contributions to the physics community, Dr Myers appeared on the Thomson Reuters list of “World's Most Influential Scientific Minds” (2014 and 2015) and Clarivate Analytics’ “Highly Cited Researcher" (2016 and 2017).