The Endowment Campaign
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the few universities in the nation with internationally renowned faculty in all sub-groups of particle physics — experimental, string theory and phenomenology. The Berkeley Center for Theoretical Physics was established in 2000 to galvanize these strengths and maintain the standards of excellence that ensures our premier position among the nation's highest ranked research institutions. For Physics at Berkeley, the implications are far-reaching —
- The Center enhances our ability to continue to attract the best faculty and students to the Department as postdocs, visiting scholars, and fellows — these are the superstars of research.
- It provides an atmosphere for exciting, fundamental scholarship at the highest level — and, in turn, increases visibility and prestige for Berkeley.
- It expands opportunities for leveraging private funding from foundations and corporations.
- It gives the Department an edge in the competition for funding from an ever-shrinking pool of grants from government agencies.
And the impact goes far beyond the Department —
- Particle physics overlaps with many other disciplines on campus.
- String theory is heavily rooted in mathematics.
- There are strong collaborative efforts with astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology.
New discoveries in particle physics are closely integrated with research in each of these departments — this provides a unique opportunity for discovery. This kind of collaboration raises the level of scholarship, and all departments benefit.
The Center provides support for three initiatives vital to faculty recruitment and retention —
- Visiting Scholars Program — a key element providing a window to world-wide research.
- Postdoctoral Fellows Program — a 3-year appointment for selected young scholars.
- Distinguished Fellows Program — special 5-year appointments, one in string theory, and one in phenomenology.
Each of these programs is designed to bring the world's most promising new researchers in particle theory to the Berkeley campus. For purposes of building the Center's endowment, each of these initiatives is designed to stand alone and may be funded independently.
We continue to seek endowment funding for the Center. This will not only support the ongoing work and discoveries of the Center's growing research teams, but will provide funds for the renovation and expansion of the Center's conference facilities and offices.
Private philanthropy will continue to play the most significant role in providing the margin of excellence that distinguishes the Berkeley Center for Theoretical Physics as a vibrant, pre-eminent center of scholarly exchange. There is a wide range of gift opportunities, and each will allow you to become a vital part of the Center's future.
How to make a gift to the Berkeley Center for Theoretical Physics
You can make a contribution by giving online as described below. Checks may be made payable to "UC Berkeley Foundation" with Berkeley CTP noted in the memo section, and can be mailed to:
Berkeley Center for Theoretical Physics Fund
c/o The Department of Physics, UC Berkeley
366 LeConte Hall #7300
Berkeley, CA 94720
For more information, please contact:
Rachel Schafer
Director of Development
Mathematical & Physical Sciences
UC Berkeley
rschafer@berkeley.edu
Online giving
You can also give online using our secure server. Click the online giving link below. When completing the form be sure to enter BCTP under "Special Instructions for this gift" (the last entry on the form). This will ensure that your gift is designated for the Center.
All contributors to the BCTP Fund receive an edition of Physics at Berkeley Newsletter which will include a special section on the Center's research activity along with recognition for its supporters. In addition, you can expect periodic updates on the Center's progress and breakthroughs, as well as invitations to special events related to the Center's work.
Thank you for your support!
