A ‘Vibrant Nexus’ for Research and Discovery in the Physical Sciences

Vibrant Nexus

Researchers at Penn play a key role in the fundamental science that supports ground-breaking discoveries. Highlights of Penn’s achievements in the fields of physics, astronomy, and mathematics include Eugene Mele and Charles Kane’s 2019 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics. Their theories inspired a new generation of physics research, progress in mapping dark energy and dark matter, developing new materials for quantum information science, building new telescopes for looking at the “afterglow” of the Big Bang, and advances in geometry, string theory, and particle physics made possible through interdisciplinary research.

To support essential infrastructure that will enable the next generation of research and discovery in these fields, Penn has committed to updating its physical science research infrastructure as part of a $750 million investment in science, engineering, and medicine. The result of this and other ongoing projects will be a modernized physical sciences quadrant that integrates state-of-the-art research in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering by optimizing interactions and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

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Arts & Sciences News

Mark Trodden named Dean of Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences

A distinguished physicist and accomplished academic leader, Trodden will assume the role on June 1.

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2025 School of Arts & Sciences Teaching Awards Announced

Penn Arts & Sciences annually recognizes faculty, lecturers, and graduate students for their exemplary teaching. This year’s honorees come from 10 departments and two programs.

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2025 College of Arts & Sciences Graduation Speakers

Michael Platt, James S. Riepe University Professor, will speak at this year’s College of Arts & Sciences graduation ceremony, along with student speaker Anthony Wong, C’25, Sunday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. on Franklin Field.

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Three from Penn Arts & Sciences Elected 2024 AAAS Fellows

They include Marlyse Baptista, President’s Distinguished Professor of Linguistics; M. Susan Lindee is the Janice and Julian Bers Professor of History and Sociology of Science; and Christopher Murray, Richard Perry University Professor.

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Penn Arts & Sciences Receives $8 Million Commitment from The Robert K. Johnson Foundation

The gift will name and endow the Integrated Studies Program, which offers an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience for Benjamin Franklin Scholars students pursuing degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Kimberly Bowes Named BFC Presidential Professor of Classical Studies

Bowes' research interests include Roman archaeology and economic history, with a particular focus on the lived experiences of the ancient poor.

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