Physics 300

A Brief History of Physics in Trinity College Dublin A Brief History of Physics in Trinity College Dublin

https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/2024/ernest-waltons-nobel-medal-features-in-inspiring-exhibition-as-trinitys-school-of-physics-celebrates-300-year-anniversary/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1_L2cS_J9jRd7V4jb2ucQGU7PN0QM0nQuhKC7ritXn9U4KVC1_xuQX0xo_aem_AdNF8tJayDmwcCg3iZF9yrLtd3V7WEtmZJ4h81-vLC2yAQcs_YjXaucLfjJx6sI4GauERmY6x1Qp55yHPDkrfHZ7

School of Physics celebrates 300-year anniversary as inspiring Ernest Walton exhibition opens Memorabilia belonging to Walton, one of Ireland’s most influential scientists, is on display in a special exhibition in the Library as the School of Physics celebrates its tercentenary with a series of engaging events, many of which are open to the public.

Physics 300 Commemorative Medal, Antique Silver coated, the medal depicts on the obverse three of our most celebrated each from the three subsequent centuries spanning Physics in Trinity College Dublin. From left to Right; Richard Helsham 1683 – 1738, George Francis FitzGerald 1851-1901 and Ernest Thomas Sinton Walton 1903 – 1995.
The Latin inscription, Fax Viva Scientiae means A Living Beacon of Knowledge.

On the reverse side we have the tercentenary icon, a depiction of the front door of the School of Physics Fitzgerald building, constructed in 1905, many students started their journey in physics have walked through these doors and many have continued that journey into prominent positions across the globe.

Flanked by the Trinity Crest and a representation of the lithium atom with its three electrons. Walton collaborated with John Cockcroft to split the atom’s nuclei paving the way to the atomic age. Walton won the Nobel prize in Physics in 1951.

I am delighted to announce that tickets for can now be reserved at https://www.tcd.ie/physics/300/registration/
In 2024 TCD Physics will celebrate the tercentenary of the Erasmus Smith’s Professorship of Natural and Experimental Philosophy. To attend one of special events pre-booking is required as capacity is limited. For more information see https://www.tcd.ie/physics/300/

Registration - School of Physics | Trinity College Dublin Register for Alumni celebrations, banquet, workshops and seminars. Please note that there are limited places for each event and it is advised to register early to avoid disappointment.

Richard Helsham was elected a fellow of Trinity College in 1704 and was appointed the first Erasmus Smith’s Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy in 1724, which marked the beginning of Professorships of Physics in Trinity College

Welcome to the tercentenary celebrations of the School of Physics. The Erasmus’ Smith Professorship of Natural and Experimental Philosophy was established in 1724 and marked the beginning of the formal teaching of the subject we now call Physics in Trinity College Dublin.

There has been enormous growth and transformation in the School of Physics over the past three centuries.

We are organising a series of events to celebrate the occasion, honouring the scientific achievements of past and current physicists, as well as the highlighting the importance of physics to the national technology landscape and economic prosperity.

Here you can explore our history, our schedule of Physics 300 events and discover how you can participate.