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A familiar feathered face made an appearance at Loomis Lab yesterday! 🧡💙

Thanks to the Kingfisher for stopping by and saying hello! by @illinois_physics

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13 hours ago

Congratulations to Illinois Physics Professor Eduardo Fradkin, a recipient of the 2026 Anatoly Larkin Award in Theoretical Physics! 🏆⁠
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Fradkin was recognized for his foundational contributions to lattice gauge theory and topological quantum matter, helping advance our understanding of the fascinating behaviors of quantum systems.⁠
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The award, presented by the William I. Fine Theoretical Physics Institute at the University of Minnesota, honors extraordinary contributions to theoretical physics.⁠
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Congratulations, Professor Fradkin! 🎉⁠
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Learn more about the award at the link in our bio. by @illinois_physics

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2 days ago

How did physicists help revolutionize college teaching? 🍎⚛️

Join Illinois Physics Professor Eric Kuo for the next Saturday Physics for Everyone as he explores how physicists helped reshape the way students learn, both inside and outside the physics classroom.

Saturday Physics for Everyone is free and open to the public. We’ll see you Saturday, October 17, at 10:15 a.m. in 141 Loomis Laboratory! by @illinois_physics

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4 days ago

We honor the life and memory of Anthony J. “Tony” Leggett, whose contributions transformed our understanding of physics.

His pioneering work on the theory of superconductors and superfluids earned him the 2003 Nobel Prize in physics.

A beloved Illinois teacher and colleague, Tony inspired generations through his curiosity and humility.

His legacy lives on through his work and the people he inspired. by @illinois_physics

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6 days ago

For decades, Anthony J. “Tony” Leggett took the 2C Red bus to work, getting off at Goodwin and Green on his way to the Engineering Sciences Building.

Now, that same bus stop honors his life and extraordinary legacy.

A new commemorative display celebrates the Nobel laureate's groundbreaking contributions to physics and the lasting impact he had on the Illinois Physics community. The display closes with a beautiful tribute:

“Tony's ideas live on in the science he transformed, the people he inspired and the questions his work continues to make possible.”

A fitting tribute to a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend. by @illinois_physics

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7 days ago

As we gather this week to celebrate the life and science of Anthony J. “Tony” Leggett, a new tribute in *PNAS* reflects on the remarkable legacy of the Illinois Physics Nobel laureate.⁠
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Tony's groundbreaking work transformed our understanding of superfluidity, explored the boundaries between quantum and classical physics, and helped lay the foundations for modern quantum computing.⁠
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Beyond his discoveries, he is remembered as a generous mentor, thoughtful colleague, and beloved member of the Illinois Physics community.⁠
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As we honor his life and legacy, we invite you to read the full tribute at the link in our bio. by @illinois_physics

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8 days ago

Anthony J. “Tony” Leggett’s legacy reaches far beyond his scientific discoveries.

His curiosity expanded our understanding of physics, while his humility left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Former students, collaborators and scientists from around the world will gather at Illinois October 9 through 11 for The Life and Science of Anthony J. Leggett, honoring his life and reflecting on his lasting contributions to physics.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more about Tony’s legacy, the conference and how to join the memorial.

#graingerengineering by @illinois_physics

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9 days ago

At the inaugural Quantum Discovery Camp, 22 high school students explored quantum science through hands-on workshops, lab demonstrations and an escape room challenge.

Hosted by IQUIST with the IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute through Grainger Engineering’s WYSE summer programs, the weeklong camp connected students with Illinois researchers and potential career paths.

“We wanted to expose students to real-world applications and career pathways, both in academia and in industry,” said Michael Smith, IQUIST’s education and outreach coordinator.

After the camp, 16 participants ranked Illinois as their top college choice, and one sought resources to start a quantum club at their school.

Featured in @quantumzeitgeist.

#graingerengineering by @illinois_physics

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10 days ago

This week, physicists from around the world will gather at Illinois to celebrate the life and extraordinary scientific legacy of Anthony J. “Tony” Leggett.

From October 9–11, The Life and Science of Anthony J. Leggett will bring together former students, collaborators, Illinois Physics faculty, and leading scientists to explore the many areas of physics shaped by Tony’s work.

The weekend will also include a memorial celebrating Tony’s life on Friday, October 9, at 4:30 p.m., with a livestream available for those unable to attend in person.

Learn more about Tony’s legacy and the conference at the link in our bio. by @illinois_physics

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11 days ago

Can a system follow completely deterministic rules and still be unpredictable? 🤔

New research from Illinois Physics Professor Hyun Youk, graduate student Elinor Kay, and their collaborators shows that it can.

Their model was initially so unpredictable that machine-learning algorithms performed no better than random guessing. But as the system evolved, hidden topological structures emerged that gradually revealed its final fate.

The discovery offers a fascinating new look at how predictability itself can emerge from an unpredictable system.

👉 Check out the link in our bio to learn more. by @illinois_physics

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14 days ago

Nearly 20 years ago, Illinois Physics Professor Eduardo Fradkin and his colleagues predicted an unusual state of matter called a pair density wave. Now, experiments co-led by Fradkin and Illinois Physics Professor and Department Head Vidya Madhavan have provided the first direct evidence that these waves can persist even after superconductivity disappears.

Fradkin calls it the “Cheshire Cat’s grin of superconductivity,” a vestige that remains after the superconducting phase itself has vanished. It’s a striking example of Physics theory and experiment coming together. ⚛️

👉 Learn more at the link in our bio. by @illinois_physics

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15 days ago

What if you could experience gravity through virtual reality?

Join us for the next Saturday Physics for Everyone as POINT takes us inside the physics of gravity and general relativity through VR!

Kaitlyn Prokup and Sonali Joshi will introduce the science, showcase POINT’s Einstein’s Spacetime VR simulation, and explore what it means to study gravity in the 21st century.

Join us Saturday, October 3, at 10:15 a.m. in 141 Loomis Laboratory. Free and open to everyone! ⚛️🥽 by @illinois_physics

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17 days ago