Researchers
Researchers
R/V Vema under full sail
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History Spotlight
Voyages of the R/V Vema
Our exhibit on the Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory’s research vessel Vema offers a detailed look into its science and the scientists who sailed on board.
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Coming Soon: Women in the History of Quantum Physics
New resources highlighting the role of women in the revolutionary physics of quantum mechanics and complementing Women in the History of Quantum Physics from Cambridge University Press.

Explore History

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Explore History

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AIP is currently developing a new platform to compile knowledge about the history of the physical sciences. Previously, we created individually designed topical web exhibits, and much of our material highlighting diversity in the physical sciences is in guides for teachers. We plan to adapt older content to the new platform over time. Stay tuned for more!

Web Exhibits

View All Exhibits
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Albert Einstein: Image and Impact (1996)
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The Discovery of Global Warming (2003, last updated in 2024)
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Bright Idea: The First Lasers (2010)
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The Voyages of the R/V Vema (2021)

Teaching Guides: Women in the Physical Sciences

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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: The Physical Sciences at Women’s Colleges
NOV 15, 2019
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: Struggle for Employment: Anti-Nepotism Laws in the Academy
AUG 09, 2016
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: Subtle Discrimination
NOV 15, 2019
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: Strategies and Compromises: Women in Astronomy at Harvard College Observatory, 1870-1920
AUG 04, 2016

Teaching Guides: The Black Experience in the Physical Sciences

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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: African Americans in Astronomy and Astrophysics
JUN 12, 2017
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: African American Inventors in History
OCT 13, 2022
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: Historical Detective: Edward Alexander Bouchet and the Washington-Du Bois Debate over African-American Education
AUG 03, 2016
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: Dr. Elmer Imes and Spectroscopy
AUG 04, 2016

Teaching Guides: More Perspectives on the Physical Sciences

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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: Ben Barres: Neurobiology Pioneer and Champion for Equity in STEM
OCT 11, 2022
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: Wanda Diaz-Merced: Hearing Stars
AUG 09, 2018
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: Victor Blanco in Chilean Skies
AUG 09, 2018
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: SACNAS: The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science
JUN 12, 2017

Teaching Guides: Additional Topics

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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: On the Shoulders of Giants: Inertia from Ibn Sīnā to Newton
AUG 07, 2020
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: The Evolution of Atomic Theory
AUG 17, 2023
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: The Nobel Prize in Physics: Four Historical Case Studies
NOV 26, 2019
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History
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Article
Teaching Guide: Scientific Writing in the Physical and Astronomical Sciences
NOV 18, 2019
Image Credits

R/V Vema. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress, Geography and Maps Division, Heezen-Tharp Collection | Walter Michels and Jane Dewey. Photo by Samuel Goudsmit, AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives, Goudsmit Collection | J. David Jackson near Aspen, Colorado. AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives, Jackson Collection