TRIUMF

TRIUMF is pleased to announce the arrival of Dean G. Prelazzi as Chief Business Officer (CBO) and Director of TRIUMF's new Innovations Division. Dean brings more than 25 years of experience across technology, commercialization, product strategy, and market development, with a career spanning multinational enterprises, growth-stage innovation environments, and complex stakeholder settings. His work has centered on helping organisations position advanced technologies for practical adoption, build strategic partnerships, and develop pathways for growth in evolving markets. As CBO, Dean will focus on advancing the connection between TRIUMF's scientific capabilities, intellectual property, strategic partnerships, and broader economic and societal value. Looking forward, the mandate of our new Innovations Division will include intellectual property strategy, licensing, strategic partnerships, and commercialization development across life sciences, physical sciences, and accelerator technologies, supporting TRIUMF’s long-term research and innovation objectives. Welcome to the team, Dean!

A key technology developed for a fundamental physics research project at TRIUMF is now helping identify critical mineral deposits with greater precision and less disruption than traditional methods. Ideon Technologies' work is a clear example of how ideas developed at TRIUMF move beyond the laboratory. Through thoughtful technology transfer, advanced instrumentation and expertise have found new purpose in industry, reducing environmental impact while improving decision-making and efficiency. Ideon's growing impact in the mining sector reflects how long-term investment in science builds capabilities that can respond to real-world challenges in unexpected ways. From particle physics to practical tools for responsible resource development, the path is not always direct. But it is deliberate, and it matters. https://lnkd.in/gpHp5Nu5

Last week I had the opportunity to visit TRIUMF, Canada's national particle accelerator centre, located right here on the The University of British Columbia campus in Vancouver. Beyond the science, TRIUMF is a remarkable economic and innovation asset for BC and Canada: over 500 scientists, engineers, technicians, students, and postdocs work on site, at the intersection of nuclear physics, medicine, materials science, and accelerator technology. They also have a quantum computing research stream! A few things that stood out: 🔬 Scale: TRIUMF's 13.5-acre site houses some of the world's most advanced infrastructure for subatomic physics research. The flagship 520 MeV cyclotron accelerates proton beams to 75% the speed of light to drive everything from rare isotope production to medical imaging. 💊 Medical isotopes: Two major new facilities are coming online: IAMI, focused on radiopharmaceutical research and critically-needed isotopes including technetium-99m and fluorine-18, and ARIEL, which will be the world's only purpose-built multi-user rare isotope facility, capable of running three simultaneous rare isotope beamlines. ⚛️ Personal highlights, got to properly geek out: Left panel: GRIFFIN (Gamma Ray Infrastructure For Fundamental Investigations of Nuclei). The world's most powerful tool for decay spectroscopy of rare isotopes, providing an unparalleled view of the interplay of forces that create nuclear structure. The physics scope here is genuinely broad: nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics, and fundamental symmetries including precision tests of super-allowed Fermi beta decay. The kind of questions being asked span from the origin of the elements to potential physics beyond the Standard Model. Right panel: The muon spin rotation (µSR) beamlines, coupled to cryogenic measurement systems. A genuinely unique infrastructure for quantum sensing and fundamental quantum materials science. The intersection of accelerator physics and condensed matter here is unlike anything I've seen elsewhere. TRIUMF is at a pivotal moment in its 55-year history, with ARIEL targeting commissioning from 2027 and IAMI initial operations planned for later this year. The next phase of Canadian science infrastructure is being built right now. Big thanks to Oliver Stelzer, Nigel Smith, Sean Lee, Wojciech Fedorko and Iain McKenzie for the great discussion and site tour. Highly recommend a visit if you get the chance, especially for anyone at the intersection of quantum technology, materials science, or deep tech. #QuantumMaterials #NuclearPhysics #ParticleAccelerator #TRIUMF #DeepTech #QuantumSensing #CanadianScience

Thanks to all our HR MacMillan Space Centre (HRMSC) friends for joining us to explore collaboration and connections in physics, astronomy and space 🚀 HRMSC's programming includes live science demos, a 360-degree immersive planetarium, interactive exhibits, and more: https://lnkd.in/gXvxZYvW Learn more about public tours at TRIUMF here: https://lnkd.in/gwyxvhU9

We are thrilled to join our Canadian physics colleagues in congratulating Dr. Gordon Ball, TRIUMF Researcher Emeritus and one of the longest serving members of our lab community, for his award of Simon Fraser University honorary degree for 2026. From his SFU citation: A pioneering experimental physicist, Gordon Ball’s work has advanced our understanding of the fundamental forces of the universe. Since 1997 he has made landmark contributions to high-precision superallowed Fermi beta decay measurements at TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre, providing critical tests of the Standard Model and guiding international research. As a leader, mentor, and innovator, Ball has strengthened Canada’s scientific community, inspired generations of physicists, and demonstrated the power of curiosity, rigor, and collaboration in advancing global scientific knowledge. SFU's honorary degree is the highest honour conferred by the university. Among other accolades, Dr. Ball was also awarded the Canadian Association of Physicists-TRIUMF Vogt Medal in 2020. https://lnkd.in/gSxWyjNX

This Sunday, March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD), which is celebrated every year and recognizes the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. I would like to recognise and celebrate the amazing achievements of all those who identify as women in our laboratory and community, and their contributions to the success and environment at TRIUMF - whether that be in research, technical contributions, mentorship, leadership, collaboration, or operational excellence. International Women’s Day began in the early 20th century during a period of major labour and social movements, when women in several countries organized protests and campaigns advocating for better working conditions, voting rights, and equal opportunities. Over time, it grew into a global observance recognized by organisations, governments, and communities worldwide. It is a day to celebrate the progress we have made in promoting gender diversity and inclusion within our community; however, we must also recognise the substantial work yet to be done. TRIUMF remains committed to creating an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, feels empowered to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential. IWD is recognised in more than 100 countries worldwide in different ways and its impact is felt in ways that are as diverse as it is celebrated. IWD is marked in many ways, including community events, educational programs, workplace discussions, and campaigns highlighting women’s contributions and challenges. Elements of IWD appear in conferences around the world addressing pay equity, reproductive rights and ending gender-based violence. The day is both a celebration of progress and a call to action to ensure that women and girls everywhere have equal rights, opportunities, and representation. https://lnkd.in/dGX7T8X Happy International Women's Day, Nigel Smith (He / Him) Executive Director & CEO

It was a true pleasure to welcome France's Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Nicolas Forissier, Ambassador of France to Canada Michel Miraillet, and their teams to TRIUMF for a tour and exploration of the many connections in research and innovation that bind TRIUMF, Canada, and France.   This visit builds on the strong foundation already established between TRIUMF and France, which includes connections through CNRS and a recently established international research laboratory situated at TRIUMF called NPAT - Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Astrophysics and Accelerator Technologies.

Our gratitude to His Excellency Alessandro Cattaneo, Ambassador of Italy to Canada, and paolo miraglia del giudice, Consul General of Italy in Vancouver, for visiting TRIUMF this week for a tour and discussion on the various STEM and research connections between Italy and Canada! #CanadaItalyResearch #ItalyInCanada

Celebrating 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) Close your eyes and picture a scientist. What do you see? Today we acknowledge International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS). We are called to celebrate the achievements of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Empowering and supporting the next generation of scientists is crucial as they will be shaping the future of science and innovation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gm-yH-_p

We are truly saddened to learn of the passing of Kirsty Duncan, former cabinet minister, colleague, and friend to many at TRIUMF. Kirsty was a tireless advocate for science excellence in Canada, and for inclusivity for all. As a scientist, public servant, and mentor to many, she has had a profound impact on the landscape of Canadian research. During visits to TRIUMF, her bright smile lit our hallways and lab spaces. Kirsty brought a genuine curiosity and appreciation for the lab's community, and her dedication to her work inspired generations of STEM leaders. We share our condolences with Kirsty's family, friends, and wider community. https://lnkd.in/grpBrVqa