The Fields Institute Turns Twenty-Five 170725 Final book with covers | Page 42

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Steve Halperin
physical features that would allow for interactive space in any
future location (an atrium, blackboards everywhere, clusters
of informal seating). His notion of a mathematics institute was
modelled upon the Newton Institute. Of great importance in
those early years was Peter Nicholson, who had the experience
and knowledge of governance necessary to make the Institute
work.
Great credit is also due to Nigel Lloyd. According
to Lloyd, “the driving force behind the creation of the
Fields Institute was the perception that, while Canada had
many excellent individual mathematicians, the way that
mathematics was being conducted worldwide was changing,
with a more collaborative and multidisciplinary approach,
and that Canada needed a place which could focus on such
research.”
In addition to these pioneers, there are many others during
the past quarter century whose hard work and determination
have been and continue to be the essence of the Fields
Institute.