Faculty
The MIT Physics Department is one of the best places in the world for research and education in physics. We have been ranked the number one physics department since 2002 by US News & World Report.
We honor the memory of esteemed members of the physics department community who have passed away, and remember their insight, creativity, collegiality, and dedication to excellence, under In Memoriam. Their contributions to scholarship, mentorship, and the department’s vibrant culture are deeply appreciated.
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Ulrich Becker
In Memoriam: 1938 - 2020
Longtime MIT physicist & mentor created instruments that advanced high-energy physics, including the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of the J particle.
Aron Bernstein
In Memoriam: 1931 - 2020
Nuclear physicist and anti-nuclear weapons activist. Researched nuclear structure and reactions. Helped found the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Hale Bradt
In Memoriam: 1930 - 2024
Before retirement: X-ray source positions and the follow-up studies of the objects identified. Recently: writing in military history.
Bernard Burke
In Memoriam: 1928 - 2018
Pioneering radio astronomer. Co-discovered Jupiter's radio waves. Developed very long baseline interferometry (VLBI).
George Clark
In Memoriam: 1928 - 2023
Studied high-energy cosmic rays by measuring extensive air showers on the ground and x-rays and gamma-rays with detectors on balloons and satellites.
Mildred Dresselhaus
In Memoriam: 1930 - 2017
Renowned physicist known as the 'Queen of Carbon.' Key figure in nanotechnology. First woman Institute Prof. at MIT, champion for women in STEM.
Lee Grodzins
In Memoriam: 1926 - 2025
Performed many profound and pioneering experiments, including groundbreaking measurements key to our understanding of the weak interaction.
Roman Jackiw
In Memoriam: 1939 - 2023
Renowned for his many fundamental contributions and discoveries in quantum and classical field theories.
John Joannopoulos
In Memoriam: 1947 - 2025
Francis Wright Davis Professor
Francis Wright Davis Professor
Helped spawn the development of Photonic Crystals which have revolutionized the fields of optical and lightwave physics.
Vera Kistiakowsky
In Memoriam: 1928 – 2021
Had an illustrious career in nuclear physics, and is regarded as one of the country’s outstanding scientists in the twentieth century.
Daniel Kleppner
In Memoriam: 1932 - 2025
With his colleague Thomas Greytak, he helped to pioneer the field of Bose-Einstein condensation and quantum gasses.
Earle Lomon
In Memoriam: 1930-2025
Research interest was quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the dynamics of quarks and gluons.
Rainer Weiss
In Memoriam: 1932 - 2025
2017 Nobel Laureate
2017 Nobel Laureate
LIGO inventor shares 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics for direct detection of gravitational waves.
Victor Weisskopf
In Memoriam: 1908 - 2002
Known for contributions to quantum electrodynamics and nuclear physics. Played key role in Manhattan Project and served as Director-General of CERN.
