The Department of Physics, in the University of Washington’s College of Arts & Sciences, educates students at all levels from general education, through preparation for teaching and scientific careers to doctoral and post-doctoral education. The Department of Physics’ research includes searches for new particles and forces, connections between quantum information and gravity, and studies of the collective behavior of many particle systems ranging from nuclei to nanostructures to living cells to neutron stars.

This award supports the Dr. Ann Nelson Endowed Professorship in Physics. Professor Nelson was a brilliant theoretical physicist who specialized in particle physics and cosmology and had been at the University of Washington since 1994. The primary purpose of this professorship is to enhance the University of Washington’s ability to recruit and retain faculty in physics, especially individuals who are committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as demonstrated by their record of research, teaching, service, and outreach.