Events
Physics & Society Discussion Group
Fall 2026: every other Monday, 12:00 pm ESTThe goal of the Physics and Society Discussion group is to build on prior initiatives such as APIERY and create a shared space for thoughtful dialogue and collaboration between students. Participants are encouraged to suggest topics and to lead the discussion if they so choose! Discussions are based on a range of source material such as academic papers, videos, articles, and podcasts, but the source is meant to be a way of framing the conversation about a broader issue. The discussion is targeted at members of Physics and TSI at all levels (undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty), but we welcome participants from other departments as well. The group meets every two weeks in the MGAPS Lounge (ERP 322). If you would like to be added to the group mailing list please email angela.sabzevarigonzalez at mail.mcgill.ca or join the phys-society-discussion channel on the MGAPS Slack if you are a physics graduate student.
The Treat Trolley
Monthly (Check your email for exact dates and times!)The Treat Trolley is a monthly mental health initiative presented by the EDI Committee to offer free snacks and beverages to everyone in the department. The goal is to encourage you to have a snack and take a short (and much deserved) break. We know that the people who need these moments the most are often the ones too busy to attend organized events, so we simply come to you! The Trolley will come knock on your office door along with all student and staff lounges!
EDI Colloquia
Friday, March 20, 2026, 3:30 pm EST
Physics asperations and physics identity work: Lessons from the ASPIRES project
Emily MacLeod, Postdoctoral Scholar, Faculty of Education at McGill University
Abstract: In this talk informed by my research in the sociology of education, I will consider young people’s aspirations and experiences in physics by presenting findings from the ASPIRES research project. The ASPIRES project, which ran for over a decade, was a mixed methods investigation of the factors shaping young people’s trajectories into and away from STEM education in England, on which I worked and studies between 2015-2023. Specifically, I will highlight what factors we found to shape young people’s physics trajectories through the presentation of survey data as well as longitudinal interviews conducted from age 10 to 22.
Physics asperations and physics identity work: Lessons from the ASPIRES project
Emily MacLeod, Postdoctoral Scholar, Faculty of Education at McGill University
Abstract: In this talk informed by my research in the sociology of education, I will consider young people’s aspirations and experiences in physics by presenting findings from the ASPIRES research project. The ASPIRES project, which ran for over a decade, was a mixed methods investigation of the factors shaping young people’s trajectories into and away from STEM education in England, on which I worked and studies between 2015-2023. Specifically, I will highlight what factors we found to shape young people’s physics trajectories through the presentation of survey data as well as longitudinal interviews conducted from age 10 to 22.
Social Events
Department Mingle Bingo
October 21st, 2026 @ 5:00pm ⏰🗓
The McGill Physics EDI Committee is pleased to invite you to our second annual department-wide — Mingle Bingo & Pizza!
📍 Faculty Lounge (first floor, past the Bell Room)
Come meet members of our department through a fun icebreaker activity! There will be pizza, snacks, and beverages provided, plus prizes to win. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.
Please fill out the Google Form in your inbox to help us estimate food quantities and accommodate dietary restrictions. You can also scan the QR code on the attached poster to register.
October 21st, 2026 @ 5:00pm ⏰🗓
The McGill Physics EDI Committee is pleased to invite you to our second annual department-wide — Mingle Bingo & Pizza!
📍 Faculty Lounge (first floor, past the Bell Room)
Come meet members of our department through a fun icebreaker activity! There will be pizza, snacks, and beverages provided, plus prizes to win. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.
Please fill out the Google Form in your inbox to help us estimate food quantities and accommodate dietary restrictions. You can also scan the QR code on the attached poster to register.
Gender Minorities in Science Lunch
August 20th, 2026 @ 12:30pm ⏰🗓
This is cross-departmental collaboration is aimed at building community amongst graduate students across the Faculty of Science, with a limited pilot rollout in five departments (Physics x AOS x Biology x Math x Geography). There will be free food (from Boustan), refreshing drinks, and of course, good vibes. Supplies are limited, and the food will be capped at the first 10 sign-ups from each department! Check your email for details and RSVP form or scan the QR code to register. The event is funded by the Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, and Department of Biology.
August 20th, 2026 @ 12:30pm ⏰🗓
This is cross-departmental collaboration is aimed at building community amongst graduate students across the Faculty of Science, with a limited pilot rollout in five departments (Physics x AOS x Biology x Math x Geography). There will be free food (from Boustan), refreshing drinks, and of course, good vibes. Supplies are limited, and the food will be capped at the first 10 sign-ups from each department! Check your email for details and RSVP form or scan the QR code to register. The event is funded by the Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, and Department of Biology.
EDI Movie Night
April 8th, 2026 @ 6:30pm ⏰🗓
The EDI Committee has collaborated with MGAPS and MSPS to bring you our first department wide EDI Movie Night!
We will be watching Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani.
Where? The Bell Room (ERP 103)📽
Who? YOU!!! 🤩 All profs, students, postdocs, and staff are welcome!
Free snacks will be provided! Please RSVP HERE to make sure we have enough😎
April 8th, 2026 @ 6:30pm ⏰🗓
The EDI Committee has collaborated with MGAPS and MSPS to bring you our first department wide EDI Movie Night!
We will be watching Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani.
Where? The Bell Room (ERP 103)📽
Who? YOU!!! 🤩 All profs, students, postdocs, and staff are welcome!
Free snacks will be provided! Please RSVP HERE to make sure we have enough😎
EDI Game Night
Date & Time TBA
Join us for a night of board games and strategy!
Date & Time TBA
Join us for a night of board games and strategy!
Department Mingle Bingo
November 6th, 2026 @ 5:30pm ⏰🗓
The McGill Physics EDI Committee is pleased to invite you to our first department-wide event — Mingle Bingo & Pizza!
📍 Faculty Lounge (first floor, past the Bell Room)
Come meet members of our department through a fun icebreaker activity! There will be pizza, snacks, and beverages provided, plus prizes to win. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.
Please fill out the Google Form to help us estimate food quantities and accommodate dietary restrictions. You can also scan the QR code on the attached poster to register.
November 6th, 2026 @ 5:30pm ⏰🗓
The McGill Physics EDI Committee is pleased to invite you to our first department-wide event — Mingle Bingo & Pizza!
📍 Faculty Lounge (first floor, past the Bell Room)
Come meet members of our department through a fun icebreaker activity! There will be pizza, snacks, and beverages provided, plus prizes to win. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome.
Please fill out the Google Form to help us estimate food quantities and accommodate dietary restrictions. You can also scan the QR code on the attached poster to register.
EDI-Related Opportunities
CCUWiP 2026
CCUWIP is an undergraduate conference that provides a safe space for underrepresented groups in physics to present their research and learn from leading physicists. CCUWiP 2026 is hosted by the University of British Columbia.
CCUWiP website: registration, and volunteer information
CCUWIP is an undergraduate conference that provides a safe space for underrepresented groups in physics to present their research and learn from leading physicists. CCUWiP 2026 is hosted by the University of British Columbia.
CCUWiP website: registration, and volunteer information
EDI-related Events at McGill
- List of upcoming EDI events from SECC
- Equity at McGill: Workshops for Faculty
- Equity at McGill: Workshops for Staff
- Our Shared Spaces: Equity programming available to all McGill students