Fred Kavli, founder of the Kavli Foundation and science philanthropist, passed away on Nov. 21, 2013. A strong supporter of theoretical physics, Kavli's contributions to the KITP enabled a dramatic transformation of the Institute's activities through the physical expansion of Kohn Hall, and the initiation of an endowment to support the visits of more than 1,000 physicists per year to the facility.
David Gross, KITP director at the time of the Kavli donations and recipient of the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics, said,: "Fred Kavli was a great friend of science. It was an extraordinary experience to work with him to help shape his vision. He will be missed."
As the initial Kavli Institute, the KITP has introduced programs on theoretical biology and other non-traditional physics areas, such as climate change, where theoretical physicists can play an important role in unraveling the nature of physical phenomena. "Without Fred's support, we would never have had the capacity or resources to expand into new areas," said Lars Bildsten, current KITP director. “His support has been truly visionary." More information on Fred Kavli can be found at The Kavli Foundation.