KITP

Remarkable is the breadth of science done at the KITP. It ranges from cosmology to biology, from string theory to climate science and geophysics, in addition to the more traditional physics fields such as condensed matter, particle physics, atomic physics, optics, turbulence, and complexity. Such breadth requires a certain size and critical infrastructure, that precludes other similar, but more narrowly focused institutes from aspiring to such breadth of science.

The ability to encompass programming in so many areas of science often leads to synergies or interdisciplinary connections that simply cannot be done elsewhere.

Another related but very special feature is the interdisciplinary nature of KITP research undertakings. Efforts include bringing physicists together with mathematicians or chemists or biologists.

For example, in the 1980s particle physicists and astrophysicists worked together at the KITP on the cosmic microwave background radiation in collaborations that helped engender the new field of particle astrophysics.

Recently, two programs running in parallel enabled atomic physicists, working on cold atoms, and condensed matter physicists, interested in strongly correlated fermionic systems, to create a whole new enterprise using techniques from the former to model the latter. That fused field is now one of the most dynamic areas of research in physics.

The KITP breadth of scientific programming provides a platform for innovation—facilitating conjunctions that lead to new scientific fields such as quantum computing (with the pioneering 1995 program) or new outreach endeavors such as programs for (1) secondary school teachers of science, (2) physicists at predominantly teaching institutions of higher learning, (3) physics graduate students, (4) professional communicators of science, (5) and an artist-in-residence.

These innovative activities are cost-effective because they arise from an existing platform of breadth in scientific programming, as well as an established institutional infrastructure for hosting visitors.

The platform for innovation exists. The on-going challenge is How to make use of that platform anew? The answer depends, of course, mostly on the on-going course of science in the 21st century, and an institutional disposition, not only to respond to that course, but also to anticipate, and even, most profoundly, to create the prevailing currents.