On the 180th anniversary of Ludwig Boltzmann's birth: Physics building receives award

The physics building at Universitätsplatz 5 received a special distinction: it was included as number 75 in the "Historic Sites" of the European Physical Society. And this just in the 180th year of the birth of the University of Graz researcher Ludwig Boltzmann

The European Physical Society (EPS) regularly recognizes physics research sites where outstanding personalities have worked. There are a total of 74 of these "Historic Sites" worldwide. These include famous names such as "The Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton" (USA), "CERN" and "Einstein House" in Switzerland, the "Institute for Radium Research" and the "Atominstitut" in Vienna, and the "Victor-Franz-Hess-Messstation Hafelekar" in Innsbruck. Now a building on the University of Graz campus can also bear this special name: the physics building at Universitätsplatz 5 - built 150 years ago in the short space of 4 years - has become the fourth "Historic Site" in Austria to join the ranks. And so, on June 7, 2024, to mark the 180th anniversary of the birth of the famous scientist Ludwig Boltzmann - who worked as a researcher at the University of Graz from 1869 to 1873 and from 1876 to 1890 - a commemorative plaque was ceremoniously unveiled on the facade of the building.

"I am particularly pleased that the physics building at Universitätsplatz 5 can officially bear the designation 'Historic Site'. Scientific research has a long tradition at our university. This is not only visible in the names of important researchers such as Ludwig Boltzmann, but is also reflected spatially on campus. Right next to the listed physics building, the state-of-the-art Graz Center of Physics is currently being built until 2030, which will further strengthen physics research in Graz with a modern infrastructure," emphasizes Peter Riedler, Rector of the University of Graz.

The nomination for this award is based on an initiative of the First European Center for the History of Physics ECHOPHYSICS. In addition to the unveiling, an international symposium on the historical development of the institute building and its leading figure Ludwig Boltzmann took place on June 7, 2024.

Further information:
Historical memorials - European Physical Society: https://www.eps.org/page/distinction_sites

A journey through the history of the University of Graz:
https://1585-tomorrow.uni-graz.at/de/#/

Konstantinos Tzivanopoulos

Related news

AI in schools: Maria Bertel drafts legal guidelines for teachers

The legal expert and her team analysed the legal situation regarding the use of artificial intelligence in education as part of an EU project and answered open questions from practice.

Cosmetics in the environment: University of Graz proves danger to ants

Titanium dioxide, which is found in cosmetics, for example, is increasingly entering the environment in the form of nanoparticles. This could also put insects at risk. If ants ingest the substance in combination with the pesticide glyphosate, it disturbs the development of their offspring. Scientists at the University of Graz are drawing attention to the negative consequences of this toxic cocktail.

Varied and healthy: studies move

Exercise is the ideal way to balance out everyday stress, prevent illness and keep fit. Why this is the case, how to do it properly and what role human bodily functions and psychology play can be studied at the University of Graz.

Religious scholar Theresia Heimerl: Fasting as a spiritual boost

Fasting is not just a strategy for losing weight – it is a ritual dating back thousands of years with spiritual and evolutionary roots that has positive effects on the body. At the University of Graz, religious scholar Theresia Heimerl is investigating why fasting is a "spiritual boost".