The SNOLAB Underground Science Institute (SuSi) Lecture Program is a skills development and knowledge transfer initiative focused on academic lectures, workshops, and activities delivered by leading experts in their fields. In addition to academic programming, participants will have access to professional development opportunities. Over the years, topics have included the dark cosmos, neutrino science, and quantum technology, among others.
The program launched in 2024 and had a very successful kickoff year. We are excited to continue the program for a third year and welcome participants to SNOLAB!
Structure
The lecture series is aimed at graduate students (MSc and PhD level) and post-doctoral researchers, but other participants are welcome. SuSi will enhance the SNOLAB research experience and contribute to an exciting summer. Participants will be offered 3-5 lectures in every two-week period and otherwise have time to work on projects at SNOLAB.
There is a limited availability of seats in the program. The process for applying is as follows:
- December-March: Submit an application of interest in the program. This will be reviewed by the local organizing committee.
- March-April: invitations to accepted participants will be sent.
Schedule
Programming is expected to begin the week of June 8, 2026 and conclude by August 14. The first 8 weeks will host the special lecturers as well as workshops and public outreach opportunities. The last week will host the Canadian Astroparticle Summer Student Talk (CASST) event, where summer research students from SNOLAB and across Canada will share what they have done during the summer period.
Program for 2026
The program is still finalizing, but confirmed speakers and topics are as follows.
| Speaker | Institution | Topic |
|---|---|---|
|
Jason Holt |
TRIUMF |
First-principles nuclear theory towards new physics searches |
|
Ziqing Hong |
University of Toronto |
Cryogenic detectors for rare event search experiments, including sensors, electronics and digital processing |
|
Yoni Kahn |
University of Toronto |
The future of dark matter direct detection |
|
Michela Lai |
Queen's University |
Noble liquids and dark matter detection |
How to Participate?
Participation is limited and in-person. The first step is to submit an "Application of Interest" expressing your interest in participating in the program. These expressions will be reviewed and at a later stage our organizing committee will send a limited number of applicants formal invitations to register for the program.
Sponsors
Local Organizing Committee
- Christine Kraus (Co-Chair)
- Stephen Sekula (Co-Chair)
- Josée Bertrand Houle (User Support Coordinator)