Physics
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In Memoriam: Joel Primack
Distinguished emeritus professor was a towering figure in theoretical physics and cosmology, a visionary educator, dedicated mentor, and passionate advocate for the role of science in society
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UC Santa Cruz scientists to develop diamond-based sensors to monitor fusion-energy generation
Diamonds can withstand the extreme radiation inside the reactor of a nuclear power plant
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ARCS Foundation scholarships support 14 outstanding graduate students in science and engineering for 2025-26
The scholarships are awarded to students who show exceptional promise of making a significant contribution to the scientific and technological strength of the country.
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Stefania Gori named a 2025 American Physical Society Fellow
Gori’s work helps bridge theory and experiment, deepening understanding of the Higgs boson, the nature of neutrino masses, and the possible particles that make up dark matter
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New Physics Department professorship reflects an engineer’s love of science and his spouse
Bruce Schumm is the inaugural Darrell D.E. Long and Elaine N. Long Family Professor in Experimental Physics
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Protecting NASA funding ensures breakthroughs in space science and benefits in daily life continue
From GPS to innovations in computing and optics, technologies developed for space research touch nearly every aspect of modern life
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Global physics conference comes to UC Santa Cruz for first time—and why it matters
Physicists from around the world will converge on campus to offer possible answers to some of the biggest and most vexing questions about the particle makeup of the universe and everything in it.
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New theories on dark matter’s origins point to ‘mirror world’ and universe’s edge
Two recent studies speculate a natural emergence of the mysterious substance, offering ‘self-contained and calculable scenarios’
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Coveted awards fuel astronomy, astrophysics research
Third-year undergraduate Isabelle “Izzy” Connor and two Ph.D. candidates at other universities have recently won awards to further their research in astronomy and astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz. Connor (Crown ‘26, astrophysics) is a 2025 Barry Goldwater Scholar, an honor awarded by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program to second- and third-year…
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Science Division staff honored with new award for outstanding service, dedication
Jeannette Peters, Patti Schell, and Deana Tanguay share division’s first Outstanding Staff Award
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UC Santa Cruz researchers honored in Hollywood style at Breakthrough Prize ceremony
Rebecca Jensen-Clem and researchers at Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics presented with lucrative awards nicknamed the ‘Oscars of Science’ on April 5
