203 – THE STERN PHYSICS BUILDING

Across the bustling campus, a beacon of scientific pursuit stands tall. The 203 – THE STERN PHYSICS BUILDING at Tel Aviv University has witnessed decades of groundbreaking research and academic excellence. Tel Aviv University itself was established in 1956. But the story of the 203 – THE STERN PHYSICS BUILDING, or rather its department, began a few years later. In 1963, Dr. George S. Wise, the university’s president, saw the need for a dedicated physics department. He appointed Prof. Yuval Ne’eman, a prominent figure in the scientific community, to lead this new venture. Initially, the department focused on teaching physics to students from other scientific disciplines. Soon, a theoretical group specializing in High-Energy Physics emerged, offering Master of Science degrees. The first cohort consisted of just three students, all with backgrounds in Applied Mathematics. The Shenkar building became the department’s home in 1965. In 1966, undergraduate programs were launched. Laboratories were set up on the ground floor of the Shenkar building, starting with the first-year teaching lab and expanding to accommodate second and third-year students in the following years. The department’s growth led to the formation of research groups in solid-state physics, high-energy physics, and nuclear physics. To offer a comprehensive physics education, courses in astronomy, astrophysics, medical physics, applied physics, and plasma physics were introduced. This expansion resulted in a name change in 1969. The department became the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Wise Observatory in Mitzpe Ramon, completed in 1971, further enhanced the department’s capabilities. Another name change occurred in 1985. The department became known as the School of Physics and Astronomy. The 203 – THE STERN PHYSICS BUILDING, part of this esteemed school, has attracted renowned researchers from around the world. In the 1970s and early 1990s, several prominent scientists from the former Soviet Union joined the faculty, enriching the academic environment. The 203 – THE STERN PHYSICS BUILDING isn’t just a structure. It’s a testament to the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of physics. Within its walls, future generations of scientists are being nurtured, carrying forward the legacy of discovery.