Events
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.
The 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.
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 & Society Discussion Group
Winter 2026: every other Thursday, 2:30 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.
Social Events
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