..was created in 1968, through the inspired leadership of Gilberto Bernardini (1906-1995). In his inaugural address, he stated that “the formation of the European Physical Society with such a wide members is a further demonstration of the determination of scientists to collaborate as closely as possible in order to make their positive contribution to the strength of European cultural unity.”
“Nowadays, ‘collaboration’ is a magic word. It is applied in almost all aspects of human life from economy to religion. But it is often quite hard to convert the ideal of collaboration into something really effective, rather than a utopia.”
“It may be that we who joined the European Physical Society this morning are utopians. But I am inclined to believe that the Society is based on practical and objective grounds and that it will become capable of contributing significantly to European physics.”
Since its creation, the European Economic Community has been transformed into the European Union and has grown from 6 members states to 27 member states. The EPS has contributed significantly to European physics in education, research and student mobility, publication and outreach. The growing importance of the European Union in developing and implementing science policy has given a new role for the EPS in representing the European physics community to European institutions including the European Parliament and the European Commission.
President
Dates
Country
Luc Bergé
2019 – 2021
France
Petra Rudolf
2017 – 2019
The Netherlands
Christophe Rossel
2015 – 2017
Switzerland
John M. Dudley
2013 – 2015
Switzerland
Luisa Cifarelli
2011 – 2013
Italy
Maciej Kolwas
2009 – 2011
Poland
Fritz Wagner
2007 – 2009
Germany
Ove Poulsen
2007 – 2009
Denmark
Martin C.E. Huber
2005 – 2007
Switzerland
Martial Ducloy
2003 – 2005
France
Arnold Wolfendale
2001 – 2003
United Kingdom
Denis Weaire
1997 – 1999
Ireland
Herwig Schopper
1995 – 1997
Switzerland
Norbert Kroo
1993 – 1995
Hungary
Maurice Jacob
1991 – 1993
Switzerland
Renato A. Ricci
1988 – 1991
Italy
W. Buckel
1986 – 1988
Germany
Godfrey H. Stafford
1984 – 1986
United Kingdom
Jacques Friedel
1982 – 1984
France
Allan R. Mackintosh
1980 – 1982
Denmark
Antonino Zichichi
1978 – 1980
Italy
Ioan Ursu
1976 – 1978
Romania
Hendrik B.G. Casimir
1972 – 1976
The Netherlands
Erik Rudberg
1970 – 1972
Sweden
Gilberto Bernardini
1968 – 1970
Italy
EPS celebrated its 40th anniversary. Previous presidents were contacted to share their memories of EPS during these past 40 years.
