Jonathan Braniff Joins Perimeter Institute as Chief Advancement Officer

Jonathan Braniff to help advance Perimeter Institute's mission and lead its long-term private fund development strategy in new role

WATERLOO, ON, May 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Perimeter Institute welcomes Jonathan Braniff as its first Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). Braniff will lead the Institute's long-term private fund development strategy, raising awareness and support for Perimeter's research, training, and outreach activities.

As a public-private partnership and registered charity, Perimeter's operations are funded through a combination of government grants and donations from private individuals, companies, and foundations. Braniff's appointment as Chief Advancement Officer is an integral part of Perimeter's strategic plan for future growth and development, which calls for growing private sector and community support for the Institute's operations.

"Attracting private donations is vital to realizing our ambitious plans for the coming decade," said Michael Duschenes, Perimeter's Chief Operating Officer. "More than that, advancement is about building bonds with the public. Science is a fundamentally human effort: we're trying to understand the universe around us, and our place in it. Jonathan will give everyone an opportunity to be a part of supporting that effort. We've been fortunate to have wonderful partnerships with visionary philanthropists and government; our advancement efforts will strengthen those bonds and build new ones."

"Something extraordinary has been built here," said Braniff. "Perimeter is a world-leading centre devoted to the kind of research that can literally change our futures. That's incredibly exciting. I'm keen to play a part in helping realize Perimeter's plans. We're looking to establish more Perimeter Research Chairs, build support for the Institute's top-notch scientific training programs, and reach out to alumni and friends. Perimeter has earned a sterling reputation both nationally and internationally, not only for its research, but for sharing its science with everyone. That's a great place to build from."

During his career, Braniff has worked throughout Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, helping organizations to raise over $300 million from individuals, corporations, foundations, trusts, and government. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Advancement for the University of Windsor, leading their restructuring and rebranding efforts.

Further details at: http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/news/advancing-perimeters-mission

About Perimeter Institute

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is an independent, non-profit, scientific research organization working to advance our understanding of physical laws and develop new ideas about the very essence of space, time, matter, and information. Located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Perimeter also provides a wide array of research training and educational outreach activities to nurture scientific talent and share the importance of discovery and innovation among students, teachers, and the general public. In partnership with the Governments of Ontario and Canada, Perimeter is a successful example of public-private collaboration in scientific research, training, and outreach. http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/

Image with caption: "Jonathan Braniff Joins Perimeter Institute as Chief Advancement Officer (Photo Credit: Gabriela Secara) (CNW Group/Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130528_C2578_PHOTO_EN_27118.jpg

SOURCE: Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics