The Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of British Columbia supports basic research through interdisciplinary initiatives that have the potential to make important advances in knowledge. The Institute brings together researchers from UBC with distinguished scholars from around the world to conduct fundamental research drawing upon and contributing to a wide range of diverse disciplines. The Institute aims to create a community of scholars, composed of outstanding researchers across the whole campus, who will contribute significantly to the intellectual life of the university. Of overriding concern in all Institute activities is excellence in research characterized by being fundamental, interdisciplinary, innovative and unique.