Media Contact: Michael Dabney, (619) 822-0761, mdabney@ucsd.edu

UCSD SCIENTIST HONORED BY AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY FOR ADVANCING PHYSICS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Ivan K. Schuller, professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego, has been named to receive the 1999 John Wheatley Award from the American Physical Society for his work in advancing physics in developing nations.

The award was established by the Forum on International Physics to recognize the dedication of physicists who have made contributions to the growth of physics in third world countries.   The award will be presented during the American Physical Society’s centennial meeting on March 24 in Atlanta.

Schuller, an expert in superconductivity, magnetism and amorphous and layered materials, has spent considerable time encouraging and fostering the educational and scientific study of physics in Latin America, China and India.  In his efforts, he is especially noted for his ability to initiate and spearhead international events in physics; organize people, ideas and resources from diverse areas; and for his willingness to serve as mentor and close collaborator with young physicists in developing countries.

Schuller was recently elected corresponding fellow of the Belgian Royal Academy of Science, Letters and Arts by the academy’s department of sciences.

A native of Romania who has lived in Israel and Chile, Schuller received his Ph.D. from Northwestern University and was named professor at UCSD in 1987.  He is visiting professor at the Catholic University of Santiago-Chile, the Catholic University of Leuven-Belgium, and the Universidad del Valle Cali-Colombia.