About the conference
In the fifty year period from 1905 until his death in 1955, Albert Einstein contributed more to physics than any other person before or since. 1905 was truly an extraordinary year in the history of physics. In the same year that he received his Ph.D. from Zurich University, Einstein published breakthrough papers on the special theory of relativity, quantum theory, and Brownian motion, beginning an incredible scientific career. It took Einstein eleven more years to greatly extend our understanding of gravitation in his theory of general relativity, published in 1916. He continued to contribute to theoretical physics, in the areas of cosmology and unified theories for the remainder of his career, first in Berlin and later at Princeton. Albert Einstein was also socially and politically active for his entire scientific career, engaged as a peace activist, Zionist, advocate for world government, and supporter of the American civil rights movement.
Nobel Conference 41®, "The Legacy of Einstein," will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Einstein's annus mirabilis. The panel will consist of scientists in the areas of statistical physics, relativity, cosmology, and unified theories, who will discuss current work in the areas of Einstein's greatest contributions. In addition, a historian of science will explore the impact that Einstein's discoveries and his social and political views have had on science and humanity. We invite you to join us as we learn more about the last century's greatest scientist and celebrate his accomplishments.
Charles F. Niederriter, Professor of Physics
Chair, Nobel Conference® 41
Timothy Robinson, Professor of Psychology
Director of the Nobel Conference
Conference contributors
The Nobel Conference is made possible by the generous support of conference contributors and a conference endowment, which helps ensure future conferences. Major contributors to the endowment include the late Rhoda and Russell T. Lund of Minneapolis, whose major gift created the endowment in 1978; the Mardag Foundation, in memory of Edgar B. Ober; and the UnitedHealth Group.
Gustavus Adolphus College is grateful for the generosity of the following contributors to the 2005 conference:
Cambria, Inc.
TIAA-CREF
The Minnesota College Savings Plan
The College also acknowledges support from the HickoryTech Corporation, the Kelvin and Diane Miller family, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.