One of the most pressing issues in contemporary theoretical physics has to do with the mysterious subatomic particles known as neutrinos.
Ray Davis, a research professor in Penn's Physics Department, pioneered a method to collect neutrinos from the Sun, providing the necessary evidence to prove that the Sun's energy is the product of nuclear fusion.
In the 30 years since he first set up his neutrino detector, Davis collected over 2,000 neutrinos, according to the Nobel Foundation. And for his lasting contribution to science, Ray Davis has been awarded the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physics.
The basic structure of his Nobel-winning experiment -- using a large volume of liquid contained deep underground to detect the wily particles -- has been the basis of most other neutrino research conducted, including studies here at Penn and a study led by one of the men who shares the prize with Davis, Masatoshi Koshiba of the University of Tokyo.
Congratulations are due to Davis on his momentous achievement -- arguably the most prestigious in all of science -- and to the Physics Department of which he is a part. His work is a great testament to all that a university ought to be about and his presence on the faculty brings honor to this institution.
Penn's recent success in bringing home these most coveted of awards -- Chemistry Professor Alan MacDiarmid's 2000 prize and Davis' represent fully half of all Nobels received by University faculty members in Penn's history -- are examples of what a strong commitment to the physical sciences can do.
Davis' work was not cheap, but was well worth the price. At a time when so much money is being spent on state-of-the-art new buildings and college house renovations, it is important to remember that the bread and butter of a major research university is just that -- research. And research costs money.
Our sincerest congratulations again go to Prof. Davis, along with our hope that his example brings even greater honor to Penn in the future.
