From the work of Archimedes on the center of mass to that of Einstein on the shape of the universe, there has been crucial interdependence between theoretical physics and the geometric side of mathematics. Recent developments in cosmology, string theory and quantum field theory, together with important progress in topology and differential geometry, have caused these fields to become increasingly intertwined, as developments on each side stimulate and inform developments on the other.

At the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics at Stony Brook University, researchers will explore these interactions, hopefully deepening their understanding of each field in its own right and continuing to unravel their remarkable relationship to each other. The building housing the center is scheduled to open in 2010.

Video: James Simons and Chen Ning "Frank" Yang discuss the connection between geometry and physics

“Mathematicians often develop their mathematical concepts based on internal consistency, elegance and appropriate generality, independent of these physical connections,” said Dennis Sullivan, professor of mathematics at Stony Brook, National Medal of Science recipient, and trustee of the new center. “Physical models present mathematicians with a remarkable opportunity to develop new mathematics. Environments that encourage younger generations of mathematicians to become aware of this physical intuition and these potential worlds of mathematics are welcome and timely.”

The Simons Center will give mathematicians and physicists the opportunity to work in an environment and architecture designed to enhance collaboration. In addition to providing an attractive facility, the gift will be used to recruit and retain permanent faculty, provide enhanced training and support for graduate students, attract visiting scholars and post-docs – up to 30 at a time – and sponsor workshops and conferences.

John Morgan, known for his contributions to topology and geometry, and formerly chair of the Mathematics Department at Columbia University, will be the center’s first director. Among the permanent faculty members of the center will be internationally renowned string theorist Michael R. Douglas. Dr. Douglas was instrumental in the development of the first solvable models of string theory and its relations to particle physics and mathematics.