A Nobel Prize medal won by the esteemed physicist Prof. David Thouless has been generously donated to his former college, Trinity Hall at Cambridge University, by his family. Prof. Thouless, who passed away in 2019, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2016 for his groundbreaking work on theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter.
Honoring a Legacy
Prof. David Thouless’s family chose to donate the medal to Trinity Hall due to the profound influence the college had on his life and career. His wife, Margaret Thouless, and other family members presented the medal and diploma to the college, ensuring that future generations of students can draw inspiration from his achievements.
Dr. Helen Thouless, David Thouless's daughter, emphasized the significance of Trinity Hall in her father's life, highlighting the lifelong friendships he forged and the foundational education he received there. "Thinking about the friends he made and the influence that Trinity Hall had on his life, this is why we wanted to donate it to them," she said.
A Source of Inspiration
Michael Sutherland, the Senior Tutor at Trinity Hall, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating, "We hope that this generous gift inspires future generations of Trinity Hall physicists." The college plans to display the medal prominently, providing a tangible reminder of Prof. Thouless's legacy and the heights of academic excellence achievable through dedication and hard work.
A Storied Career
Prof. Thouless's illustrious career included tenures at several prestigious institutions, including Cambridge University, Yale University, and the University of Washington in Seattle. His contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the study of topological phases of matter, have left an indelible mark on the scientific community.
The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics, which Prof. Thouless shared with Duncan Haldane and Michael Kosterlitz, was awarded for their discoveries concerning exotic states of matter. These discoveries have opened new frontiers in the understanding of materials, leading to potential advancements in quantum computing and other technologies.
A Gift for the Future
Trinity Hall's College Master, Mary Hockaday, expressed the college's deep appreciation for the donation. "We are enormously grateful to Margaret Thouless and her family for giving us David’s medal," she said. "Trinity Hall is proud to have played its part in setting him on his path, and we are honored to be able to display the medal as a wonderful inspiration to our students today."
The donation of Prof. David Thouless's Nobel Prize medal to Trinity Hall stands as a testament to his remarkable contributions to physics and his enduring connection to his alma mater. As the medal takes its place on display, it will undoubtedly inspire countless students and remind them of the extraordinary possibilities that lie ahead with perseverance and intellectual curiosity.
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Source: BBC
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