20th anniversary of the Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics

The Arnold Sommerfeld Center for Theoretical Physics (ASC) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It was founded on November 5, 2004, and officially opened on January 19, 2005. Since then, it has become an internationally recognized hub for theoretical physics, significantly enhancing the profile of Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich as a center of excellence in this field.

The ASC aims to combine high-level research with excellent scientific education, honoring the legacy of its namesake, Arnold Sommerfeld. Sommerfeld was a pioneer in modern theoretical physics, establishing a renowned center in Munich in the early 20th century. He contributed to the development of atomic theory and mentored many Nobel laureates and prominent physicists like Hans Bethe, Peter Debye, Werner Heisenberg, and Wolfgang Pauli.

Over the past 20 years, the ASC has continued this tradition by organizing workshops, lecture series, PhD schools, and a wide range of courses in theoretical physics. It has hosted many distinguished guests, including Nobel Prize winners such as David Gross, Anthony Leggett, and Frank Wilczek, as well as Fields Medalists like Alain Connes, Edward Witten, and Shing-Tung Yau.

Every year, around 100 PhD students from around the world participate in the doctoral schools, and renowned speakers like Juan Maldacena will give special lectures, such as his upcoming keynote on July 3, 2025, in celebration of the center’s anniversary.

Please visit ASC's website for more information.