Waterloo Global Science Initiative


Waterloo Global Science Initiative , founded in 2009, is an independent, non-profit organization created to host international science conferences every two years. The conferences are intended to focus on the role that science and technology can play in addressing the world's most fundamental social, environmental and economic challenges. WGSI was formed as a partnership between Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the University of Waterloo.

Mission and structure

The Waterloo Global Science Initiative's mission is to tackle economic, environmental, and social issues using innovative science and technology. Each summit is dedicated to a specific theme or topic and features working sessions between a group of field experts and a group of emerging leaders in industry, policy and related fields, under the mentorship of experienced advisors from science, engineering, public policy, and industry. The summits culminate in the presentation of tangible recommendations to inform the implementation of scientific and technological solutions relevant to the chosen theme or topic.

Equinox Summit: Energy 2030

The first conference presented by WGSI,, examined energy concerns and the need for cleaner and more sustainable production, distribution, and storage of electricity. The Summit took place in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada from June 5 to 9, 2011.