The Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

Who Predicted CUWiP APS Summer Back Page: Building a 02│ Neptune? 03│ Goes Virtual 03│ Webinar Success 08│ Quantum Internet

September 2020 • Vol. 29, No. 8 aps.org/apsnews

A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY

GOVERNANCE DIVERSITY Jonathan Bagger Selected as Next APS CEO The APS-IDEA Network Gathers BY DAVID VOSS Nearly 100 Inaugural Members heoretical physicist Jonathan managed TRIUMF through years BY LEAH POFFENBERGER Bagger, Director of the of transition and growth, and has T TRIUMF laboratory in had great success in positioning embers of the physics Vancouver, British Columbia, has the laboratory for a bright and community have been been selected to succeed Kate Kirby vibrant future.” M mobilizing to promote as APS CEO in 2021. His appoint- “I am delighted and excited that equity, diversity, and inclusion ment was unanimously approved Jonathan Bagger has accepted our within their individual institutions. Bringing these groups into a larger by the APS Board of Directors in invitation to be the next CEO of the network to share their experiences June, following a recommendation APS,” added APS Past President and expertise can expedite systemic from the CEO Search Committee. David Gross, who chaired the CEO change for the physics community at Kirby will retire from the top staff Search Committee. “Jon’s extensive large. The APS Inclusion, Diversity, position at the end of this year. experience in scientific manage- and Equity Alliance (APS-IDEA) is “I am deeply honored to have ment and his deep commitment creating such a network made up of been selected as the next CEO of to the APS and to its mission will teams from a wide variety of insti- APS,” said Bagger. “This is a critical serve the society well in these Jonathan Bagger “The ultimate vision for tutions, all committed to creating a moment for physics. I look forward tumultuous times.” APS-IDEA that we’re heading for social movement to transform the The members of the CEO particle accelerator lab has a staff in say, 10 or 20 years, is to trans- to working with the Board and culture of physics. of more than 500 and, before the form the culture of physics to be Council to ensure that APS faith- Search Committee were: 2019 APS APS-IDEA is a new initiative, pandemic, served 1,200 users from more equitable and inclusive, and fully represents the interests of its President David Gross (chair), 2020 supported by the APS Innovation over 40 countries each year. In with a diversity that better reflects members while continuing to build Speaker of the Council Andrea Liu, Fund (IF), with a mission of addition to being an APS Fellow, the nation,” says Monica Plisch, a broad and inclusive community to 2011 APS President Barry Barish, empowering physics departments, Director of Programs at APS and a address the world’s most pressing 2015-2016 APS Committee on Bagger has had a long relationship laboratories, and other organiza- member of the APS-IDEA Steering challenges.” Minorities Chair Nadya Mason, with the Society, serving on the tions to achieve cultural change. Committee. “Essentially we’re APS President Philip Bucksbaum 2016-2018 APS Board Member Nick editorial board of Physical Review Two online workshops on June seeking to establish a community highlighted Bagger’s stewardship Bigelow, 2020 APS President Phil Letters and as an Associate Editor 12 and July 30 brought the newly of transformation.” of TRIUMF over the past six years. Bucksbaum, and 2018 Speaker of for Physical Review D, on the APS formed network together to begin APS-IDEA was launched in “Jon Bagger is a distinguished the Council Tim Gay. a collaborative effort to make the physicist and an exceptional Bagger has been Director of physics community welcoming leader,” said Bucksbaum. “He has TRIUMF since 2014. The Canadian NEW APS CEO CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 to all. APS-IDEA CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

BOARD STATEMENTS DIVERSITY APS Board Approves New Physics Departments Ditch the GRE in Bid for Equity Statements on Racism, New BY DANIEL GARISTO START Treaty, and Nuclear Testing hysics and astronomy departments at US and BY DAVID VOSS P Canadian universi- ties are dropping the general t its virtual meeting near the long decrease in the percentage of Graduate Record Examination end of July, the APS Board physics bachelor degrees awarded (GRE) and physics GRE (PGRE) of Directors approved three to Black students and refers to the A requirement in droves. Since new Board Statements. The state- recent TEAM-UP report from the March, over two dozen depart- ments call for an end to systemic American Institute of Physics on ments have abandoned the tests, racism in physics, support exten- steps needed to reverse the trend. according to James Guillochon, sion of the New Strategic Arms The Board Statement on New an astrophysicist formerly at the Reduction Treaty (New START), and START calls on the United States Harvard-Smithsonian Center for reaffirm a 2018 APS statement that and the Russian Federation to sign Astrophysics (CfA) who maintains nuclear testing is not required to a five-year extension, explaining a public list of GRE requirements. ensure reliability of the US nuclear that “Without this extension, the A 2019 survey by Science Magazine weapons stockpile.All APS Board treaty will expire on February 5, found that physics programs were Statements can be viewed at aps. 2021, leaving the United States and among the slowest to drop the org/policy/statements/executive. Russia without any nuclear arms GRE. Now, more than half of the cfm. limitations treaty or agreement in programs on Guillochon’s list The APS Board Statement on place for the first time in nearly have permanently done away with Racism begins: “The current fifty years.” the GRE requirement, and a full outrage over the killing of George According to the Statement, two-thirds no longer require it for away from the GREs is primarily bearing on graduate school success Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others “The US military and intelligence the 2020–2021 admissions cycle. driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, and when universities require it, has awakened the conviction that communities have publicly stated Physics departments have issued it coincides with Black Lives they end up with a less diverse without sustained effective action, these weapons limits and verifica- statements that “acknowledge Matter protests and threats to applicant pool. Evidence for both systemic racism in America will tion provisions are of great value the significant disruption” from legal immigration from the Trump claims has been bolstered by continue to impede full Black because they provide predictability the COVID-19 pandemic and the administration. Physics remains studies in recent years. participation in many walks of and transparency with regard to difficulties associated with taking one of the least diverse STEM “One of the most commonly American life, including the field the GRE at this time. fields—with only 20 percent of reported things is, ‘Hey, I took the of physics.” “I think that this pandemic has PhDs awarded to women and 5 GRE and I bombed it’,” says Ted The text notes the decades- STATEMENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 exposed for people in a new way percent awarded to underrepre- Hodapp, APS Director of Project the levels of inequity throughout sented minorities in 2019—and Development and a former director our society,” says Alexander there has been growing pushback of the APS Bridge program, which Rudolph, a physicist at California against the GREs for years. aims to increase the number of State Polytechnic Institute who “We’ll see what happens once PhDs awarded to underrepresented directs the CalBridge program. COVID is over, whether or not minorities in physics. In 2019, “It seems to have incited a real [departments] decide to continue Hodapp was coauthor on a study examination of the way culture to do admissions more inclusively,” which found the physics GRE did and systems and societal inequities says LaNell Williams, a PhD can- not predict PhD completion. play themselves out ... in particular didate at Harvard. “[We found] that the PGRE tends in graduate admissions.” Advocates for dropping these Although the recent move tests claim that the GRE has no GRE CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 2 • September 2020

Education and Diversity News

2020-2021 STEP UP Ambassadors The STEP UP project, which mobilizes teachers to inspire young women to pursue physics in college, held its 2020 Summit— virtually! And now our 80 STEP UP Ambassadors are trained and ready September 23, 1846: Neptune’s Existence to run workshops on the STEP UP

Lessons for teachers in your area— STEP Observationally Confirmed check out the map on the homepage P HYSICS T O G E T HER (stepupphysics.org) and get in touch UP with us at [email protected] hen Isaac Newton formulated his teachers in Latin America are to learn more about working with laws of motion and universal law of lacking interesting classroom one of these amazing educators. gravitation in the 17th century, he material that can be taught online. W could not have foreseen that his work would one Physics and Astronomy “New” The Perimeter Institute (Waterloo, day lead to the discovery of a new planet in the Faculty Workshop, Oct. 15–17, Canada) has developed 15 volumes solar system: Neptune. Credit for predicting its 2020 of material on modern physics for position in the night sky is historically given Register now for the virtual 2020 high-school students, which is to the French astronomer and mathematician Physics and Astronomy “New” available online in English, French, Urbain Le Verrier, but Le Verrier had a British Faculty Workshop, October 15-17 and Portuguese. This project will rival, John Couch Adams, who independently from 11am-5:30pm ET each day. translate the material into Spanish arrived at the same conclusion. All faculty and soon-to-be faculty so that it can be used throughout There is evidence of prior sightings of Neptune members are invited to attend (no Latin America. after the invention of the telescope: Galileo matter how “new” you are!). Space Departmental Admissions Galilei in 1612/1613, Jerome Lalande in 1795, and is limited so that participants may Practices that Maintain John Herschel in 1830, most notably, although engage in creative online interactions Excellence and Diversity in the none realized the object they had observed was a with their peers and with experts in Face of COVID-19 planet. Galileo thought it was fixed star, probably teaching physics. Registration is $45. The existence of Neptune was independently pre- Project Leads: Geoff Potvin, because Neptune was going into retrograde Details will be available at aapt.org/ dicted by Urbain Le Verrier and John Crouch Adams. Christopher Porter, Galen Pickett (apparently moving in a direction opposite to Conferences/newfaculty/nfw.cfm. This picture of Neptune was produced from the last This project will generate critical that of other planets) when he observed it and whole planet images taken by the Voyager 2 space- Innovation Fund knowledge to support physics thus appeared to be stationary. Herschel also craft. IMAGE: NASA/JPL Earlier this year, in response departments to effectively adapt mistook Neptune for a star. to new and evolving personal and their graduate admissions in 2021 However, in 2009, physicist David Jamieson, from 1873 until his death in 1877. Following early professional challenges imposed and beyond to the emerging con- argued that Galileo may have suspected it was work on the stability of the solar system and on on the physics community by the straints imposed by COVID-19 a planet. Jamieson found a note in one of the periodic comets, he turned his attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, we announced and associated uncertainty (travel astronomer’s notebooks noting the movement irregularities in Uranus’s orbit, at the urging of the re-launch of the 2020 Innovation restrictions, safety/health concerns, of a “background star” on January 28, 1613, the physicist Arago. Fund for a condensed cycle to fund disrupted instructional modali- also marking a dot with a different ink, which On August 31, 1846, Le Verrier presented projects that address critical needs ties, etc). It will particularly focus Jamieson interpreted as having been from an his predicted position for a new planet to the of the global physics community. on practices in graduate admis- earlier sketch on January 6—evidence that Galileo French Academy, and also sent a letter to Johann We are pleased to announce the sions and student on-boarding was tracking its possible movement. But there Galle at the Berlin Observatory containing his two projects receiving Innovation that support continuing efforts is no record of Galileo ever following up on this. conclusion. Galle wasted no time turning his Fund grants, which both have an to promote diversity, cohort size, The hunt for a possible new planet was trig- telescope to the predicted position. The very education and diversity focus, are: and student success through these gered in 1821, when Alexis Bouvard published first night, on September 23, 1846, Galle and his colleague, Heinrich d’Arrest, found Neptune Modern Physics in the Latin- challenges. astronomical tables for the orbit of Uranus. The within 1 degree of Le Verrier’s predicted location. American Classroom tables predicted the planet’s position based on It took them less than an hour to do so. Just 17 Project Lead: Nathan Berkovits Newton’s laws of motion of gravitation, and For more information on the days later, William Lassell discovered Neptune’s During the pandemic, high Innovation Fund, please visit aps.org/ astronomers began comparing their observa- moon, Triton. school physics students and programs/innovation/fund/. tions to those tables. That’s how they discovered some significant discrepancies between the But controversy broke out soon after. While predictions and their observations, especially Le Verrier was making his calculations, a young once Uranus had completed one full orbit (in British mathematician and astronomer named 1847) following its 1781 discovery by William John Couch Adams was doing the same in England. Herschel. These discrepancies could have been Born in 1819 to a poor tenant farmer in Cornwall, due to the influence of the Sun’s gravity, or the Adams was privately educated, until a chance result of observational error. Or they could have inheritance made it possible for him to attend been evidence that the orbit of Uranus was being the University of Cambridge to study astronomy. perturbed by another, as-yet-undiscovered planet. While still an undergraduate, he learned of the Le Verrier was among those who favored discrepancies in Uranus’s orbit, and the possi- CALL FOR ABSTRACTS the new-planet option. Born in 1811, Le bility of a new planet. Adams thought he should e et prrm te Verrier attended the École Polytechnique, ini- be able to use observational data on Uranus to rerte te S r determine the mass, position, and orbit of that eet e reerer tially studying chemistry before switching to pprtt t preet ter astronomy, with a particular interest in celes- suspected planet using Newtonian physics. r t ter ett He continued this work after completing his reee be eeb meet tial mechanics. He took a job with the Paris ptet brtr Observatory, where he would spend much of his ee tre emper career, serving as director from 1854–1870, and NEPTUNE CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 23, 2020 Submit yours at aps.org/march

Series II, Vol. 29, No. 8 APS COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES 2020 General Councilors Particles and Fields), Stuart Henderson (Division of September 2020 Vivian F. Incera*, Andrea J. Liu*, Physics of Beams), Amitava Bhattacharjee* (Division President Robert McKeown, Robin L. B. Selinger* of Plasma Physics), Murugappan Muthukumar © 2020 American Physical Society Philip H. Bucksbaum*, Stanford University and (Division of Polymer Physics), Charles H. Bennett SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory International Councilors (Division of Quantum Information), Noah Finkelstein Ursula Keller, Marta Losada*, Ahmadou (Forum on Education), LaNell Williams (Forum on Editor...... David Voss President-Elect Wagué*, Enge Wang Graduate Student Affairs), Virginia Trimble (Forum Sylvester J. Gates*, Brown Theoretical Physics on the History of Physics), TBD (Forum on Industrial Staff Science Writer...... Leah Poffenberger Center, Brown University Chair, Nominating Committee and Applied Physics), Emanuela Barzi (Forum on Contributing Correspondents ...... Sophia Chen and Alaina G. Levine Nora Berrah*, University of Connecticut International Physics), TBD (Forum on Physics and Design and Production...... Nancy Bennett-Karasik Vice President Society), Philip R. Johnson (Mid-Atlantic Section), Frances Hellman*, University of California, Chair, Panel on Public Affairs Nora Berrah* (New England Section) Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Dan Dahlberg, University of Minnesota Laboratory Senior Management Team APS News (ISSN: 1058-8132) is published APS News, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD Editor in Chief Mark Doyle, Chief Information Officer; monthly, except for a combined July-August 20740-3844, Email: [email protected]. Past President Michael Thoennessen, Michigan State University issue, 11 times per year, by the American Phys- Jane Hopkins Gould, Chief Financial Officer David J. Gross*, Kavli Institute for Theoretical (on leave) Beth Gunzel, Chief Human Resources Officer ical Society, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, Subscriptions: APS News is an on-membership Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara Kate P. Kirby, Chief Executive Officer; MD 20740-3844, (301) 209-3200. It contains publication delivered by Periodical Mail Postage Division, Forum, and Section Councilors Matthew M. Salter, Publisher; news of the Society and of its Divisions, Topical Paid at College Park, MD and at additional mail- Chief Executive Officer Michael Coleman Miller (Division of Astrophysics), Francis Slakey, Chief Government Affairs Officer; Groups, Sections, and Forums; advance infor- ing offices. Kate P. Kirby, Harvard Smithsonian (retired) David Schultz (Division of Atomic, Molecular, and mation on meetings of the Society; and reports James W. Taylor, Deputy Executive Officer and Optical Physics), William Bialek (Division of Biological Chief Operating Officer; to the Society by its committees and task forces, For address changes, please send both the old Speaker of the Council Physics), Robert Continetti (Division of Chemical Michael Thoennessen, Editor in Chief as well as opinions. and new addresses, and, if possible, include a Andrea J. Liu*, University of Pennsylvania Physics), TBD (Division of Condensed Matter Physics), mailing label from a recent issue. Changes can be TBD (Division of Computational Physics), Howard * Voting Members of the APS Board of Directors Letters to the editor are welcomed from the emailed to [email protected]. Postmaster: Treasurer Stone (Division of Fluid Dynamics), Beverly Berger* membership. Letters must be signed and should Send address changes to APS News, Membership James Hollenhorst* Agilent Technologies (Division of Gravitational Physics), John Fourkas include an address and daytime telephone num- Department, American Physical Society, One , (Division of Laser Science), Samuel Bader (Division ber. APS reserves the right to select and to edit Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3844. Corporate Secretary of Materials Physics), Baha Balantekin* (Division of for length and clarity. All correspondence re- Jeanette Russo, American Physical Society Nuclear Physics), Elizabeth Simmons (Division of garding APS News should be directed to: Editor, Coden: ANWSEN ISSN: 1058-8132 September 2020 • 3

MEMBERSHIP UNITS DIVERSITY The APS Forum on Physics and The Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics Society Will Welcome Students Online in 2021 BY ABIGAIL DOVE BY LEAH POFFENBERGER

rom climate change to the ach January, the Conferences proliferation of nuclear for Undergraduate Women F weapons, physics principles E in Physics (CUWiP) bring are deeply tied to many of society’s students together at sites all over most pressing issues. The Forum the country for an exciting weekend on Physics and Society (FPS) serves of physics and networking. The goal as a home for physicists who are of CUWiP is to help undergraduate passionate about better under- women continue in physics by pro- standing, analyzing, and debating viding them with the opportunity such issues, as well as those actively to experience a professional con- engaged in efforts to inform the ference, obtain information about public and advise policymakers graduate school and professions in on these subjects. physics, and network with other Many physicists affiliated with women in physics of all ages. The FPS have gone on to hold influen- 2021 CUWiP organizers hope to Bill Colglazier tial roles at the highest levels of meet the same goal while looking government. Three FPS members interests in energy, climate, nuclear, a little different than usual: CUWiP CUWiP is normally spread over 10 physical locations, but in 2021 it will be a have served as members of the US and national security-related issues, will be held virtually, as a result of virtual meeting. TAKEN AT CUWIP 2020 Congress—Vern Ehlers (R-MI, 1993- and has also expanded its scope the coronavirus pandemic. 2011), Rush Holt (D-NJ, 1999-2015), to include newer issues such as On January 22 through 24, While most years the specific a new date: Usually CUWiP has and Bill Foster (D-IL, 2008-2011 and artificial intelligence, autonomous CUWiP attendees will be able to workshops and speakers are selected been held over Martin Luther King 2013-present)—and several have weapons, sustainable development, hear from dynamic speakers, attend by each site, the 2021 CUWiP will Jr. weekend, but organizers are worked as science advisors at the and cybersecurity. enriching workshops, and network serve as a pilot program for a newly experimenting with shifting the State Department, Department of “Scientists and physicists now with peers, all from the comfort of formed student advisory council to conference date to see if it better Energy, and even the White House. recognize how important science home. Typically, more than 2,000 help guide what content is included accommodates students. FPS was founded in the late 1960s is not only to their field, but to undergraduate women in physics in the conference. “We’re experimenting with and was formally incorporated humanity, the world, and the future. attend CUWiP at 10 different loca- “Usually each site has input this change to make CUWiP more as APS’ very first forum in 1972. Likewise, policy makers and diplo- tions, and the virtual conference is from students as they plan, but accessible,” says Goertzen. “We Amid the political tumult of the mats have recognized that having aiming to serve a similar number for the virtual CUWiP, we came want students to be able to attend 1960s and 70s—characterized by stronger connections to science of students. up with a student advisory council CUWiP but also be able to take part the energy crisis, the rise of nuclear matters for them too,” explained “We’re hoping to have the same to help plan the conference,” says in MLK weekend and Day of Service weapons, the Vietnam War, a bur- FPS chair Bill Colglazier (American size conference as we usually do to Kai Wright, Senior Coordinator at activities.” geoning environmental movement, Association for the Advancement make sure we’re still able to offer APS. “This is something we want Since its inception in 2006 at the and a national reckoning over civil of Science, AAAS), former Science high-quality networking, which is a to continue moving forward with University of Southern California, rights—many physicists felt a pro- and Technology Advisor to the big part of these conferences” says CUWiP, to have student voices in the CUWiP has become a hallmark event fessional responsibility to engage Secretary of State and co-chair of Renee Michelle Goertzen, Assistant national organizing committee.” for undergraduate women in physics, with these societal issues and lend the UN’s Ten-Member Group on Director of Programs at APS. “With The formation of a student reaching almost every woman in their scientific expertise to the science, technology, and innovation. networking platforms, we hope to advisory council will help ensure the US who is pursuing a physics discussion. Today, with over five give attendees chances to make CUWiP’s activities are useful for degree, according to a recent CUWiP thousand members, FPS remains connections.” student attendees and will add addi- impact report. Funding to support highly engaged with these original FPS CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 In addition to ample networking tional perspectives to the planning CUWiP and provide an important opportunities, the virtual CUWiP process. experience for women seeking will offer a slate of workshops on “The student advisory council physics degrees comes from the navigating different aspects of was selected in part based on groups National Science Foundation, the physics, from graduate school to we are looking to reach with the Department of Energy, the Heising- NEPTUNE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 alternative careers in physics and CUWiP conference,” says Goertzen. Simons foundation, and the Alfred much more. CUWiP will also feature “We also want this council to P. Sloan Foundation. studies and becoming a fellow of his debated who most deserved priority talks from inspiring women in amplify diverse voices—we want physics, with a keynote presentation everyone to feel welcome coming college, tutoring undergraduates. in predicting the position of Applications for the 2021 CUWiP con- It seems that Adams told James Neptune, Adams himself took pains by Mary James, Professor of Physics to a CUWiP conference.” ference open September 8 and will Challis, director of the Cambridge to acknowledge the prior claims of at Reed College and the Dean for Another change to CUWiP being close on October 30. The application Observatory, about his completed Le Verrier in a paper presented to Institutional Diversity. piloted by the 2021 conference is is available on the CUWiP website. calculations in mid-September 1845, the Royal Astronomical Society in but this claim has not been defin- November 1846 on his own work. itively confirmed. Furthermore, “There is no doubt that his CAREERS Adams did not provide detailed researches were first published calculations, merely the method by to the world, and led to the actual A Successful Summer Webinar Series which he arrived at his predictions. discovery of the planet,” he BY LEAH POFFENBERGER Challis did not, at the time, deem wrote, lamenting his own failure this sufficient to start looking for to convince his colleagues of the s part of the APS response to The Summer Webinar Series on topics from managing workflow the hypothesized planet. veracity of his own calculations. COVID-19, the APS Careers began as a way to offer online and stress to exploring “off the In October 1845, Adams called “I would not expect however that A team, together with Farah resources, specifically in response beaten path” physics careers. The on the Astronomer Royal, George practical astronomers… would feel Dawood, APS Chapters Program to anxiety about job opportunities virtual workshops provided a com- Biddell Airy, but he was away. as much confidence in the results Manager, has been hard at work drying up during COVID, and a plementary component to the large Adams purportedly left a manu- of my investigations, as I myself all summer, hosting webinars and recognition of the number of early webinars by giving attendees a script for Airy containing detailed did.” He would go on to succeed online workshops aimed at early career APS members who are likely space to interact with each other calculations of his own solution to Challis as director of the Cambridge career physicists. The Summer facing increased stress. and facilitators. the conundrum. Airy responded Observatory, a position he held until Webinar Series, which ran from “Farah Dawood wanted to put After each webinar session, with a letter requesting some his death in 1892. May to August, included more than together a series of webinars in attendees were able to share technical clarifications, to which 20 online sessions covering topics response to COVID, and we know a feedback, ensuring the series Further Reading: Adams never responded. (This may Airy, G. B. (1847) “Account of some from career development to mental significant portion of our member- continued to provide relevant and have been due to the young man’s circumstances historically con- health and self-care. ship community is undergraduates, useful information. According to tendency toward procrastination nected with the discovery of the While APS has been offering free graduates, early career physicists, Bailey, most of this feedback has and disorganization.) planet exterior to Uranus,” Memoirs webinars for a number of years, basically early career folks who are been positive. “Since I am a graduate When Airy heard about Le of the Royal Astronomical Society the Summer Webinar Series ramps probably at home worried about all student close to finishing [my] PhD Verrier’s prediction, he instructed 16: 385-414. up the content available online to kinds of things,” says Bailey. “We program, I learned a lot of things Challis to look for the presumed Grosser, M. The Discovery of Neptune. support APS members, especially realized that we had an opportu- from this webinar. It really helps planet, hoping to beat France to Cambridge: Harvard University those who are students and early nity to provide information that to prepare [me] further,” said one the discovery. Adams provided Press, 1962. career physicists. would be useful to them, so Careers participant in the Building Your six different solutions in 1845 and Jamieson, D. (2009) “Galileo’s miracu- “Before COVID and the Summer teamed up with Dawood to create Professional Path During COVID 1846, some of which led Challis to lous year: 1609 and the revolutionary Webinars, we had been getting the Summer Webinar Series.” Webinar. search the wrong part of the sky. telescope,” Australian Physics fifty to sixty people regis- To build the series, Dawood In addition to the Summer But after Neptune was officially 46(3). tering for webinars, but the first started off by sending a survey to Webinar Series, APS Careers has discovered, Challis realized that he Sheehan, W. et. al. “The case of the Summer Webinar—Building Your early career members of APS to find put together several workshops had observed the planet on August pilfered planet: did the British Professional Path During COVID— out what kinds of webinars and and webinars for use by Research 8th and 12th, a month or so before steal Neptune, Scientific American, had 400 registrants,” says Crystal workshops would be most useful. Experiences for Undergraduates Galle and d’Arrest. He just didn’t December 2004. Bailey, Head of Career Programs at As a result, the Summer Webinar (REU) sites that have had to operate recognize it as such because his Smart, W. M. (1946). "John Couch Adams APS. “People are much more willing Series offered more than 20 dif- star map was out of date. and the discovery of Neptune," to attend webinars now that they’re ferent sessions, including both While others might have bitterly Nature 158 (4019): 648–652. stuck at home.” webinars and virtual workshops, WEBINAR CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 4 • September 2020

STATEMENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Russia’s nuclear weapons arsenal. In general, any APS member, group APS Pushes Back on White House Executive Actions The US State Department’s April of members, or APS Membership 2020 report on arms control compli- Unit may submit a proposal for that Threaten International Students ance concludes that Russia remains a statement to the APS Panel on BY TAWANDA W. JOHNSON in compliance with this Treaty.” Public Affairs (POPA). The third Board Statement The APS Board of Directors or uring the past several due to the pandemic, but prevents concerns recent reports that its Executive Committee (BEC) may months, APS leaders, new students from entering the US some in Congress and the Trump decide that an especially timely D staff, and members have for online-only classes. Administration have expressed issue requires an expedited state- diligently worked to push back “The government capitulated interest in resuming nuclear testing. ment, in which case they will draft against White House executive entirely,” said APS President Phil In response, the Board Statement a Board Statement, assisted by the actions that harm international Bucksbaum. “These actions show reaffirms the 2018 APS statement POPA Steering Committee. As part students who are essential to the the importance of an organization that “fully informed technical of the review process, POPA obtains physics community and vital to the reacting quickly, and they also show studies have concluded continued comments from the APS Public US scientific enterprise. that the science community can testing is not required to retain con- Policy Committee, the APS Council US Immigration and Customs truly make a difference.” fidence in the safety and reliability Steering Committee, and the APS Enforcement (ICE) announced the Said Callie Pruett, Senior of the remaining nuclear weapons Office of Government Affairs. most recent rule change on July 6, Strategist for Grassroots Advocacy in the United States’ stockpile. Following any revisions, the which would have forced interna- about the outcome, “More than Resumption of nuclear testing may Board approves the statement and tional students currently in the US 260 legislators were contacted by have serious negative international it is distributed to the membership. to return to their home countries APS members who spent a total of consequences, particularly on the A Board Statement is archived after or switch to an institution offering almost seven hours on the phone nonproliferation regime.” one year, but may become an APS in-person instruction if their stating that the directive would work in specialty occupations that APS Board Statements are one of Public Policy Statement if it goes current institution was offering only do irreparable harm to the science require at least a bachelor's degree the three ways that APS officially through a more extensive review. online courses this fall. In response, community.” or the equivalent.” Also according to comments on public policy matters (For details on procedures for APS on July 8, APS leadership sent a Added Francis Slakey, APS Chief the Council, “J-1 visa holders enter (in addition to APS Public Policy Statements see aps.org/about/gov- letter to members, alerting them to External Affairs Officer, “This was the United States on a work-based Statements and Unit Statements). ernance/documents/joint.cfm.) steps the organization was taking a terrific outcome. I want to thank program, including as a researcher.” to fight the ICE directive, including all of the APS members who made Because APS had heard reports a phone-in campaign organized those seven hours of phone calls to weeks earlier of a possible threat by the APS Office of Government Congress. Overall, it took a sizable to the Optional Practical Training Affairs (APS OGA). amount of pressure from hundreds (OPT) program from the proclama- After Harvard and MIT filed of universities, dozens of advocacy tion, APS OGA, with support from suit against the rule, APS wrote an organizations and many other soci- the Society’s Office of International amicus brief to support their case. eties, including APS, to get a win Affairs and Office of Industrial Sixteen scientific organizations, on this issue.” Engagement, developed a plan to get including the American Association Prior to the ICE directive being the word out to House Republicans for the Advancement of Science and released, the White House issued a about the importance of OPT. The the Optical Society, joined the APS proclamation on June 22, impacting OPT program enables highly skilled brief in support. Apparently caving the H-1B visa program and some international students who com- to this widespread opposition, ICE categories for J-1 visas. According to pleted their studies in the US to gain rescinded the directive, reverting the American Immigration Council, work experience for a period of time to its March 9 guidance. That “the H-1B is a temporary (nonim- and is used as a recruiting tool by guidance enables current inter- migrant) visa category that allows national students to take a course employers to petition for highly load that includes online classes educated foreign professionals to ACTION CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Signal Boost is a monthly email video newsletter alerting APS members to policy issues and identifying opportunities to get involved. Past issues are available at go.aps.org/2nr298D. Join Our Mailing List: visit the sign-up page at go.aps.org/2nqGtJP.

FYI: SCIENCE POLICY NEWS FROM AIP

Pandemic Taking Heavy Toll on Scientific Workforce BY MITCH AMBROSE

grim picture is emerging of widespread work slowdowns, anx- First content the pandemic’s disruptions to ieties about potential layoffs and now online! A the US scientific enterprise, diminished career prospects, and with the costs of lost research, mental health concerns. While a project delays, and other expenses handful of people reported being PRX already running into the tens of more productive, the average billions of dollars. estimated efficiency of work-from- The Association of American home arrangements was 72%, and Universities, which represents 63 some respondents with childcare QUANTUM an ongoing accelerator upgrade leading US research institutions, responsibilities reported efficiencies due to pandemic-related delays. has estimated the combined costs as low as about 5%. A Physical Review journal In a high-impact scenario, the of the pandemic to its members One wrote, “Every scientist I department estimates the project for the year will range between know with small children is facing a will require an additional $30 $20 billion and $32 billion. The complete breakdown of their ability million and 15 months to complete. Association of Public and Land- to accomplish anything, all of our A number of other construction grant Universities has projected work is low-quality, and despite projects underway across science its 246 members will face around being exhausted beyond anything agencies face similar challenges. $45 billion in total costs. Together I have ever experienced in my life, To scope out the broader con- with other research groups, they I am slipping ever-further behind sequences of the pandemic, the , featuring quantum have proposed (go.aps.org/3g0SH65) my peers.” The first content from PRX Quantum is now live American Institute of Physics information science and technology research with an emphasis on lasting that Congress distribute at least $26 Respondents also raised concerns and profound impact. convened a nine-member task billion across science agencies to about how new visa restrictions force this spring. Its report (go.aps. Expanding on the excellence and innovation, as well as the high support research recovery activi- could impair recruitment and how org/3aFgqrG) stresses that curtailed selectivity and open access features of Physical Review X, PRX Quantum ties and provide an additional $47 continuing travel restrictions could provides a home and connection between the numerous research international exchange, reduced billion for broader financial relief. prevent US researchers from flying communities that make up quantum research. job opportunities for early career Recent surveys have also shed to Europe to visit CERN, which hosts Submit your research and APS will pay your article publication charges researchers, and knock-on effects light on how the pandemic has the Large Hadron Collider. (APC) until 2022. of university budget contractions upended the lives of individual Disruptions to work at the could severely diminish the physical Sign up for new issue alerts: journals.aps.org/prxquantum researchers, especially those with LHC itself are also coming into sciences workforce. young children. focus. The Department of Energy The task force anticipates that PUBLISHED BY THE A survey (go.aps.org/3g77UTp) reports (go.aps.org/3axPXfk) it AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY @PRX_Quantum of 329 members of the US high will have to reset its baseline cost energy physics community found and schedule commitments to PANDEMIC CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 September 2020 • 5

OBITUARY INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Joan Feynman 1927–2020 APS Engagement Around the World BY LEAH POFFENBERGER PS serves a global physics community. Roughly 23% of oan Feynman, an astrophys- APS members live outside icist known for her discovery A of the United States in over 100 of the origin of auroras, died J countries. Thousands of physicists on July 21. She was 93. from abroad attend and present Over the course of her career, at APS meetings every year, with Feynman made many breakthroughs 30% of March Meeting attendees in furthering the understanding of coming from outside of the United the solar wind and its interaction States. The 2020 APS Virtual April with the Earth’s magnetosphere, a Meeting attracted over 1800 inter- region in space where the planetary national physicists, accounting for magnetic field deflects charged over 25% of attendees compared particles from the sun. As author or to an average of 6% international co-author of more than 185 papers, participation at previous APS April Feynman’s research accomplish- Meetings. Approximately 70% of ments range from discovering the articles published in APS journals shape of the Earth’s magnetosphere The APS International Engagement Around the World (IEAW) tool displays are authored by scientists outside and identifying the origin of auroras information about the ways APS engages with international physicists with Joan Feynman of the United States. to creating statistical models to regionally specific information. APS members, regardless of their predict the number of high-energy College, and she attended Syracuse nationality, have stated they value particles that would collide with University, studying condensed being a part of a larger physics International Engagement Around States. In short, each page is spe- spacecraft over time. In 1974, she matter theory and earning a PhD community as the primary reason the World (IEAW). This resource cifically tailored to highlight APS would become the first woman ever in 1958. By 1960, Feynman was for joining APS; they view APS as (go.aps.org/3g6bih2) highlights, content that is of greatest interest elected as an officer of the American married with two children and, a “hub” where the international by country or region, the ways APS to physicists working in that region Geophysical Union, and in 2000 she having not secured the kind of physics community connects. supports physicists worldwide. In or country. was awarded NASA’s Exceptional research position she was looking Nonetheless, many members doing so, the tool offers various As a few examples, African Scientific Achievement Medal. for, she decided to take a break outside of the US have expressed programs, opportunities, grant physicists can learn more about Feynman’s choice in pursuing from physics to take on the role their desire to be more proactively applications, and other resources, the Society’s efforts to enable con- a career as a scientist was often of homemaker. included in all APS activities—not tailored to individual regions or nectivity and information sharing at odds with the expectations for The break was short-lived, as only participation in meetings and even specific countries. across the continent through the women, especially the expectations Feynman grew depressed from the publications in journals, but also Through the IEAW tool, any African Physics Newsletter. Physicists for a wife and mother, but she per- drudgery of keeping a home and inclusion in programs, in mem- physicist in any country can see in China, looking for tips on writing sisted to become an accomplished caring for two small children: In bership unit activities, advisory how they can participate in APS articles and publishing in APS astrophysicist. During the 2018 APS 1962, at the advice of a therapist, committees, and other aspects and how the Society engages with journals, can view an instruc- April Meeting, where Feynman she went in search of employment, of the Society’s leadership. Some their community. The opportuni- tional webinar organized by APS spoke at the Kavli Foundation securing three job offers at Columbia physicists have even asked “Why ties and information highlighted Editorial staff and the Chinese Plenary Session, she recalled her University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth should I belong to the American on each page of this web tool will Physical Society in both English mother discouraging her child- Observatory. At Lamont, where she Physical Society? What does APS continue to grow and evolve across and Mandarin. Physicists across hood interest in science, calling worked part-time, Feynman began do for physicists in my country?” all areas of APS—from membership the Middle East can access valuable “women’s brains too feeble,” likely her research into Earth’s magne- To address this concern, to programs to publications and training at the SESAME Light Source a common belief at the time. tosphere, identifying its shape. APS launched the Task Force advocacy on behalf of international in Amman, Jordan through the “Joan Feynman made important In 1971, Feynman accepted a job on Expanding International physicists. SESAME Travel Award Program, contributions to physics,” said at the NASA Ames Research Center, Engagement in March 2017. The The heart of the IEAW web tool which is supported by a partnership APS President Philip Bucksbaum. where she developed a way to Task Force was charged with is the way it provides a chance of 12 scientific societies in the US “Her work on solar wind and the detect solar coronal mass ejections assessing APS stakeholder interests for all physicists to participate in and Europe led by APS. Displaying earth’s magnetosphere led to the from the sun by searching for the and identifying goals and recom- APS activities, connect to interna- programs in a space designed for a discovery of the cause of auroras. presence of helium in solar wind. mendations for increasing the scope tional offerings, and tap into the specific regional audience amplifies She also developed a method to She would go on to hold positions of engagement with APS members conversations and publications their visibility to the scientists that predict sunspot cycles. Her efforts at the High Altitude Observatory at and international physicists. This related to their local community. stand to benefit the most. in the geophysics community for the National Center for Atmospheric effort resulted in a report, recom- The IEAW tool highlights relevant As APS expands its offerings fair treatment of women, together Research in Boulder, Colorado; the mendations, and implementation APS News articles, stories from and creates new opportunities, with her own example as a leader National Science Foundation; and plan to guide the Society as it aims the APS Forum on International the Society hopes to grow this web in solar physics, helped to change Boston College. In 1985, Feynman to better serve these communities Physics (FIP) Newsletter, and pub- tool as a valuable way to connect society’s attitudes in the mid-20th accepted a position at the Jet (go.aps.org/2E4q0IH). The report lishing statistics from the Physical with and serve physicists living century about the contributions Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in recognizes that while APS has been Review Journals for every country outside of the US. With that goal that women can make in physics.” Pasadena, California, where she building new programs for phys- or region. Likewise, physicists can in mind, APS welcomes feedback Born in 1927, Feynman grew up would conduct research until her icists worldwide, the Task Force view APS membership statistics from you regarding what programs, in Queens, New York, alongside her retirement. recommended adding or expanding or the winners of APS Prizes and resources, and activities would be older brother Richard, nine years As part of her research at JPL, international elements of existing Awards in their region. most useful to physicists in your her senior, who would eventually Feynman identified the mecha- APS programs. To highlight the inclusion region. Please contact the APS Office become one of the world’s most nism that leads to the formation of But to better serve international of international voices in APS of International Affairs at interna- well-known physicists. He would auroras and developed a statistical physicists, APS also must communi- Leadership, the site displays the [email protected] to give your input become Joan’s first teacher and model to determine the number of cate the breadth of opportunities and current International Councilors on how APS can better serve your someone who fostered her inquis- high-energy particles expelled from services for all physicists outside who advise the APS Council of region and what you would like to see itive nature, believing her capable coronal mass injections that would of the United States. Toward this Representatives from the perspec- from our new tool, APS International of learning all the math and science hit a spacecraft during its lifetime. end, the Society created a tool, APS tive of members outside the United Engagement Around the World. he could teach her. In her 2018 talk, After her retirement from a senior Feynman recounted early memories scientist position in 2003, Feynman of solving math problems for the continued to conduct research on unique reward of getting to pull her the impact of solar activity on the brother’s hair and serving as his early climate of the Earth and the WEBINAR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 “lab assistant” at the age of five. role of climate stabilization in the A late-night trip to the golf course development of agriculture. virtually due to COVID-19. The science policy professionals through e-mail series called “Shape-Up” to near the Feynman family home to “Joan Feynman leaves a legacy APS Editorial Office has also been a virtual panel and networking help participants keep track of their see an aurora inspired Feynman’s of exemplary scientific research, offering webinars on topics like event,” says Midhat Farooq, Careers professional development goals curiosity and would eventually having made important contribu- writing a great scientific paper, Program Manager. through small, actionable tasks. guide her research. tions to our understanding of the further increasing the kinds of APS Webinars will continue in “We’d like to take an audi- For her fourteenth birthday, solar wind, the earth’s magneto- information APS members can the fall, with new content covering ence-based approach to everything Richard gave Feynman a copy of sphere, and the origin of auroras,” access from the safety of home. a variety of careers topics. we do in Careers…we’d like to Astronomy by Robert Horace Baker. said APS CEO Kate Kirby. “Despite As the summer comes to a close, “People have been really happy understand people’s goals and Feynman credited a figure attributed being discouraged to pursue science the Summer Webinar Series will end with what we’re doing, and we need tailor what we offer accordingly,” to Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin for by women in her family, she per- with a special two-part event on to build on that momentum—this says Bailey. proving to her that women could severed, and her accomplishments science policy, in partnership with is obviously something that we’re indeed have a career doing science. serve as an inspiration to women the American Association for the offering that is valuable to the com- Feynman would go on to receive who wish to pursue a career in Advancement of Science. munity,” says Bailey. “The plan a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin science.” “Given that Science policy con- moving into the fall is to continue All webinar sessions from the Summer tinues to be an active career option offering regular webinar presen- Webinar Series can be accessed online for physicists, we partnered with tations on specific professional at aps.org/careers/guidance/webi- AAAS to provide an overview of the development themes, for example nars/summer-webinars.cfm. Other available opportunities in this field, careers in industry.” past webinars can be found at aps.org/ aps.org/apsnews as well as to give our audiences a APS Careers is also working to careers/guidance/webinars/archive. chance to directly interact with launch a professional development cfm. 6 • September 2020

APS-IDEA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ACTION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

October 2019, and the program is to notice an uptick in physicists high-tech companies. Businesses House. And I hope the delegation is working to preserve both OPT already exceeding expectations: working to advance EDI within their such as Amazon, Microsoft, and moves quickly because a decision and the J-1 visa. The stories will The first call for applicants to join physics departments, labs, and col- Intel are among numerous tech by the Trump Administration is be accompanied by results of APS the APS-IDEA network took place laborations, but many groups were firms that annually employ thou- likely imminent based on reports OGA surveys of graduate students earlier this year and garnered 109 essentially working in isolation. sands of scientists under the OPT circulating on Capitol Hill.” and early career scientists, which applications in just over a month, “It became clear to me that a lot program. Although APS was pleased that will provide data on the value of outstripping the original goal of of these folks were doing the work Slakey worked with the office of OPT and STEM categories for the OPT and J-1. 25 to 30 teams. without the benefit of being con- US Rep. Steve Stivers (R-15th-OH) J-1 visa program were spared in the “So far, we have received more “A short-term goal of APS-IDEA nected to a larger community, and on a letter defending OPT, which June 22 proclamation, the Society than 120 heartfelt, impactful stories is to build up our network, and we’re there was a need for connection to could then be signed by additional was dismayed that the H-1B visa from all over the country. From off to a very good start in terms of expertise, to the relevant literature, Republicans and sent to the Trump was included. early-career physicists to a Nobel engaging the community,” says and to other folks who had done Administration “The Trump Administration Prize winner. We are thrilled at the Plisch. “Applications were mostly things successfully,” says Plisch. Slakey recalled a couple of chal- has suspended entry into the US response from the APS membership. from US physics departments, “I connected with Ed Bertschinger lenges going into the campaign: of anyone trying to get into the These stories are sure to make an but also included 14 international at MIT, who had a similar vision, asking APS members to partici- country on an H-1B visa, but who impact,” said Pruett. teams, 13 laboratories and four large as well as Jason Gardner who was pate in advocacy during a weekend does not currently have an H-1B The Trump Administration collaborations. There were a wide chair of the Forum on Early Career and requesting Republicans to go visa,” explained Slakey. issued its first in a series of proc- variety of colleges and universities, Physicists, and we joined forces to against the Trump Administration He added that a colleague who lamations on May 29, blocking including some Hispanic Serving submit a pre-proposal to the APS on a signature issue. represents a coalition of industries Chinese graduate students, post- Institutions and Historically Black Innovation Fund.” “I’m delighted that more than is leading a court case against the docs, and visiting researchers Colleges and Universities. We’ve Through the IF review process, 500 APS members took action that H-1B provision. affiliated with China’s military-fu- had very broad interest.” a couple of groups with a similar weekend, making phone calls and “He estimates that they have a sion strategy from entering the A total of 97 teams—collectively vision merged to develop a network sending personal emails. And, as better than 50-50 chance of stalling United States on an F or J visa. The including about 1200 individ- of connected EDI efforts. The current a result, 12 Republicans contacted the implementation of the procla- premise of that proclamation: China uals—were selected as inaugural APS-IDEA steering committee by APS members agreed to sign the mation,” explained Slakey. is engaged in acquiring intellectual members of the APS-IDEA Network. includes: Ed Bertschinger, Professor letter from Stivers, tilting the issue Meanwhile, OPT and the J-1 visa property from the US to strengthen Each team is made up of members of Physics at Massachusetts in our favor,” said Slakey. may not be out of the woods. its military capability. who represent a range of stake- Institute of Technology; Erika Mike Mayo, an APS member and “Some White House staff were APS does not have legal standing holders, making sure to include Brown, Education and Diversity tech firm owner in Austin, also furious that OPT wasn’t included to challenge the proclamation, but both high-level members of physics Programs Manager at APS; Michelle played a role in the OPT campaign in the proclamation,” said Slakey, the Society is examining a strategy departments and students. Lollie, a physics graduate student by writing an op-ed that appeared adding that those staff are now that involves sending Freedom of “We encouraged the teams to at Louisiana State University; Jesús in the Austin Business Journal (go. pushing for executive action exclu- Information Act requests to the have not just the senior people but Pando, chair of the Department aps.org/3g7BxE1). sively on OPT. White House to seek legal doc- also folks who are more junior or of Physics and Astrophysics at In his piece, Mayo wrote, “It’s In an effort to ensure OPT and uments that helped develop the in positions of relatively low social DePaul University; Monica Plisch, clear that OPT remains an essen- the J-1 visa remain available for proclamation. power, because to make change APS Director of Programs; Geoff tial tool to fill high-skilled jobs talented international students and “APS will continue to push back you need that,” says Plisch. “The Potvin, Associate Professor in the in science and technology areas. scientists, APS OGA is conducting on these executive actions that people at the top have the power Department of Physics and the Therefore, I urge the Texas dele- an advocacy campaign in which send the wrong message that the to make change. The people at the STEM Transformation Institute at gation to support OPT, including US APS members share their positive United States can only be secure if bottom are the ones who have the Florida International University; Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who as experiences and outcomes, such as it is isolated from the rest of the clearest perspective on what needs Edward Price, Director of the Center a member of the Senate Judiciary papers published, made possible by world. Science thrives when diverse to change. This is an example of for Research and Engagement in Committee, can clarify the impor- OPT and the J-1 visa program. Those perspectives and openness are the what is called ‘shared leadership.’” STEM education at California State tance of OPT to the Texas economy stories will be shared with an APS foundation of our research,” said The two online workshops— University San Marcos; and Erin in his communications to the White contact at the State Department who Bucksbaum. both of which had identical content Scanlon, a postdoctoral scholar but were held on different days to in the physics department at the maximize team involvement—gave University of Central Florida. PANDEMIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 APS-IDEA Network members their With the huge initial success of the financial toll will be “partic- people into the physical sciences and if the case is made strongly first chance to begin getting to APS-IDEA, the Steering Committee ularly disastrous” for Historically by demonstrating their relevance that physical sciences advances know one another and learning is actively working to build up the Black Colleges and Universities to crisis response. are critical to addressing crises about concepts for improving infrastructure needed to advance the (HBCUs), anticipating the pandemic “Just as the launch of Sputnik of all kinds, including those of a equity, diversity, and inclusion, mission of promoting EDI in physics. will “slow the outsized contribu- and the resulting large invest- medical nature.” such as shared leadership. “When we got such a large tions that HBCUs have made toward ment in K–12 science education it “Physicists are typically not number of teams applying, we creating a more diverse physical engendered led to an explosion in The author is Acting Director of FYI. aware of the social science lit- realized pretty quickly we had to sciences community.” the number of students studying erature, including some of the scale up our operation,” says Plisch. The task force nevertheless the physical sciences, the pandemic strategies from the business lit- “We’re actively seeking facilitators Published by the American does identify some opportuni- may cause a significant jump in erature, the higher education for online learning communities Institute of Physics since 1989, FYI ties arising from the pandemic, students interested in studying literature, and others on how to and recruiting more steering com- is a trusted source of science policy observing that the expanded use biology and medicine,” the task change culture,” says Plisch. “At mittee members so that we can fully news that is read by congressional of virtual teaching and conference force states. “A parallel increase the first kickoff meeting, it was support all of the teams that have staff, federal agency heads, and tools could help engage previously in the number interested in the widely acknowledged that culture joined the APS-IDEA Network.” leading figures in the scientific unreached audiences. It also iden- physical sciences could occur if change is what we need to do.” community. Sign up for free FYI tifies an opportunity to draw more there is high-quality instruction emails at aip.org/fyi. An impetus for creating For more on APS-IDEA, visit aps.org/ APS-IDEA came as Plisch began programs/innovation/fund/idea.cfm. NEW APS CEO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Council and Executive Board, as a the US scientific enterprise. He said vice-provost, and interim senior member of numerous APS commit- he is “proud to join an organization vice president for academic affairs. tees, and most recently as chair of that stands up for science and the He is currently Professor of Physics PhysTEC Regional the APS Task Force on Expanding values we hold dear.” and Astronomy at the University International Engagement. Following receipt of his under- of British Columbia and Research As part of his deep commitment graduate degree from Dartmouth Professor at Johns Hopkins. Networks to building a diverse and inclusive College, Bagger was awarded “I am absolutely delighted with workforce, he reshaped TRIUMF’s master’s degrees from Cambridge the appointment of Jonathan as the hiring practices and established the University and Princeton University. next APS CEO,” said Kate Kirby. laboratory’s Committee on Equity, He completed his PhD thesis under “Jon and I have already had some Diversity, and Inclusion. He stated the supervision of Edward Witten good conversations and together that “an inclusive workforce is at Princeton. we are planning for a very smooth ongraaons e oowng awarees w essential to the future of physics – it Prior to taking the directorship and seamless transition.” enriches our science and engages at TRIUMF, Bagger was Krieger- reee nng o ep regona newors the broader community, to the Eisenhower Professor of Physics an srengen e on o pss benefit of all.” Bagger also believes and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins eaer eaon progras. that APS and its members must University in Baltimore, Maryland, For more on APS Governance, visit continue to speak out in support of serving as chair of the department, aps.org/about/governance/. eas egona s ewor e Texas A&M University-Commerce oeasern ew or egona A 0 ACPS s ewor for 9 selected Physical Review e Stony Brook University journals in 2020

Learn more: phystec.org/rfp September 2020 • 7

FPS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 GRE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In the age of the novel coro- science and technology policy the to be correlated with the grades can total 75 percent of the monthly recommendation, which may create navirus, a newfound focus within opportunity to work in government in the first year of grad classes,” stipend for a PhD student in India, a bias against applicants from insti- FPS is how physicists can con- for one year in a congressional Hodapp says. “But it’s not a measure according to Sekhar, which she says tutions such as Historically Black tribute to the pandemic response. office. Through this program, of your potential for success.” actively deters students there from Colleges and Universities. APS members have been involved Fellows can offer their scientific Part of this may have to do with applying to US universities. Yoni Kahn, a theoretical phys- in the development of low-cost, expertise to Members of Congress the format of the exam, a closed- The testing cost comes on top icist at the University of Illinois rapidly-built mechanical ventila- (few of whom have a technical back- book test that consists of 90-second of three-figure application fees for who co-wrote the popular book tors to meet the current ventilator ground) and in turn broaden their multiple choice questions across a international students. Just applying “Conquering the Physics GRE,” shortage, elucidating the fluid own understanding of legislative broad range of subject areas. to a dozen schools can easily cost says that although the test format dynamics of respiratory droplet and political processes and enhance “It’s very clear to me as someone $1,500. Even with fee waivers, taking has “very little relationship to grad transmission, and an international the physics community’s influence who’s gone through grad school, and sending the test scores costs school work,” some strategies to effort to repurpose physics infra- on science-related policy. that I never did any problem that hundreds of dollars, according to solve problems—such as dimen- structure such as x-ray facilities, At a broader level, FPS sponsors even remotely resembles what a George Iskander, a graduate student sional analysis, limiting cases, and cryo-electron-microscopy, lasers, seven to eight sessions each year physics GRE problem looks like,” at the University of Chicago. order-of-magnitude estimates—are and NMR for urgently-needed at APS March and April Meetings, says Guillochon. In 2015, the American valuable. research related to COVID-19. bringing awareness to the wider Educational Testing Services, Astronomical Society issued a “It would be worth having a More broadly, FPS members have APS community of the essential which owns, designs, and imple- recommendation that graduate community-wide discussion on been involved in dissecting how the role of scientists in addressing ments the GRE, notes in its guidance astronomy programs stop requiring the intended purpose of the GRE in United States, despite having one societal issues. Several FPS- for graduate admissions, that “using the GRE because of these concerns. admissions decisions, and how the of the most sophisticated scientific sponsored sessions from last year’s a minimum GRE score as the only The APS Panel on Public Affairs is exam and the admissions process advisory ecosystems in the world, social-distancing-friendly APS April criterion for denial … is not good developing a statement about the more generally could be restruc- has underperformed so dramati- Virtual Meeting are still available practice.” However, many programs entire graduate admissions process, tured to emphasize these useful cally relative to other industrialized to registered attendees to watch don’t follow this guidance, and use with the PGRE as a component, elements while minimizing the nations in containing the spread at the meeting website, featuring it as a cutoff, according to Hodapp. which will be put to the member- standardized-test baggage,” Kahn of COVID-19, and how scientists topics such as science and national In a statement, David Payne, a ship for comment, likely this Fall. says. can make better connections with security, science and international Vice President at ETS, defended the Preliminary results of elimi- APS News also asked graduate policy makers and society at large relations, physics and the pandemic, continued use of the test. “Using nating the GRE as a requirement students about their thoughts to prevent similar missteps in the and science and politics. The 2020 GRE scores as part of a holistic within astronomy programs on fair ways to diversify admis- future. sessions on artificial intelligence admissions process is especially show a dramatic impact. David sions. Sekhar suggested that for Colglazier discussed this in and the future of humanity, science vital in the wake of a global Charbonneau, an astronomer at PhD-only applicants, the state- a recent editorial in Science & and ethics, and communicating pandemic to ensure programs can CfA, says that when the program ment of purpose, which highlights Diplomacy (go.aps.org/346Zwke). science to the public that could not continue to admit a diverse and eliminated the GRE requirement research, might be a better metric. He argued that while the global be held due to the pandemic will be academically prepared class with in 2016, applications rose from 184 Iskander, who is a first-generation scientific community responded among those scheduled for future as much information as possible to 324, with the largest increases student, emphasized the impor- well to the pandemic with “unprec- APS meetings. about each applicant,” he says. coming from US citizens who are tance of peer mentorship to his edented scientific collaboration Additionally, all APS members Current graduate students underrepresented minorities and success. Williams, who is Black, and sharing of information,” this can access FPS’ highly-regarded pointed to other issues with the women who are non-US citizens. says the onus of admitting and was hindered by a broken inter- quarterly newsletter, Physics & test. While the GRE is offered three Laura Lopez, an astronomer at retaining a diverse group of grad face between science, policy, and Society – launched over 40 years times a year in the US, in many the Ohio State University, found a students should not be on under- society in the US. He outlined four ago by FPS co-founder Martin Perl, places, international students have similar pattern of diversified appli- represented minorities, but the elements that must be in place to who won the 1995 Nobel Prize for fewer chances. Sanjana Sekhar, a cant pools across 27 astronomy responsibility of predominantly foster wiser, more science-based his discovery of the tau lepton. The PhD candidate at Johns Hopkins programs. What this means for white institutions. decision-making in future times newsletter overviews current events University, had to delay her appli- actual admissions, however, has “I would challenge universities of crisis: (1) A culture of trust at the intersection of physics and cation an extra year to retake the not been well studied. to think about what these things between scientists, politicians, policy and provides a platform for test, which is offered once a year Other admissions criteria are also are actually measuring,” she says. and the public; (2) A duty for scien- physicists who wish to share data in India. being reexamined. The research “Take this moment to do the right tists to tell the truth to the public, or perspectives on such topics. “The first thing to know about Hodapp was involved in found that thing.” even in the face of contradictory Going forward, a major priority these two exams is just that they’re GPA is not a good predictor for information from the government; for FPS is inspiring the next gen- really expensive,” Sekhar says. The success in graduate school and The author is a science writer based in (3) A duty for scientists to inform eration of physicists to continue cost to take both the GRE and PGRE concerns swirl around letters of Bellport, New York. politicians and the public about the conversation between scien- threats as well as opportunities that tists, policymakers, and the public. emerge from rapidly-advancing “My aspiration for the forum is to science and technology; and (4) reach out to young members of APS A duty for scientists to marshal and give them the opportunity to Save The Date their technical knowledge to help understand the complexities of achieve our nation’s goals and to interaction between public policy, redress its failings. The editorial diplomacy, and their own disci- Join the nation's is a compelling read, illustrating plines,” explained Colglazier. “FPS largest meeting dedicated to the education of future physics teachers the importance of scientists in has certainly affected people of my public policymaking and how generation, and I want to make much is missing when they are sure there is a new upcoming gen- 2021 not empowered. eration to continue the work. This FPS offers its members several is so important for the future of a opportunities to engage more peaceful and prosperous world.” PhysTEC deeply with issues of science and Overall, FPS stands out as one of society. Since 1982, FPS has orga- APS’ most important and influential nized several two- to three-day units, at a time when science-in- Conference short courses on timely issues at formed policy, science-based the intersection of physics and diplomacy, and credibility of sci- March 5 - 6 society—in particular, nuclear entists are more crucial than ever. ra arms, energy, and climate change. More information can be found at FPS is also very involved with the the FPS website at aps.org/units/fps/. AAAS-partnered APS Congressional phystec.org/conferences/2021 Science Fellows program, which The author is a freelance writer based gives physicists with an interest in in Stockholm, Sweden.

Help us change the conversation All o the research around teaching physics. none o the argon. is a free online magaine featuring news and most teaching jobs have commentary about cuttingedge better retirement benefits research published in the than private industry? Physical Review ournals. Take a quiz to test your knowledge about the teaching profession at GetTheFactsOut.org. 8 • September 2020 THE BACK PAGE The Quantum Internet Will Require Bigger Quantum Science BY CHRISTOPH SIMON AND MARIA SPIROPULU

functional quantum internet, a network national labs, and academia. These functions in which information stored in qubits will be crucial during the current research and A is shared over long distances through development era—and also during the future entanglement, would change the fields of secure quantum-tech era. communication, data storage, precision sensing, The degree of private-public partnership and computing [1,2]. Innovations in these fields needs special attention, building of trust, and would alter society—for example, we trust that addressing issues of conflicts of interest and enhanced privacy would strengthen democratic regulations. This rests on the recognition that institutions—but building such a network will science and technology is a driver of long-term be a complex task. economic growth that requires large-scale gov- A whole zoo of components will need to be ernment investment supplemented by industry. developed and integrated, from quantum trans- Making the quantum internet a success ducers and quantum memories to classical light We are convinced that the quantum internet sources and classical communication channels is another example where a big science approach [3]. And because of the scale of the potential will be needed. The challenge for quantum impact, including challenges and consequences science communities in different countries is to not quite yet thought through [4], the scientific find ways of organization that are compatible community will need to consult social scientists, with their systems. In the United States, national legal experts, and historians to ensure that the labs already have experience in coordinating big benefits of this new technology are widely and science projects involving many institutional equitably shared across society. partners. It may be possible to leverage this To achieve these ambitious ends, we believe experience for quantum science and, in par- the quantum science community may have ticular, for the quantum internet. We do note to structure itself differently—to embrace a that in the United States, the National Quantum larger-scale venture with expertise spanning Initiative promotes national collaborations classical and quantum, public and private, Although the individual components of a quantum internet can be developed on a laboratory that can form a firm basis for international hardware and software, science and society. bench, assembling a working global network will require international collaboration and a "big and global projects and a quantum internet science" approach. A new model for quantum collaboration is blueprint has been recently published by the needed Department of Energy [7]. in experimental efforts spanning biology, chemistry, and We believe it will be a challenge to achieve the necessary With quantum scientists finding effective ways to work engineering, to name a few. Industrial researchers also use level of collaboration and integration within the current together and integrate cross-disciplinary experts in their big facilities to characterize new and better materials, bat- organizational model for quantum science and technology, efforts, with a large-scale multi-organizational structure teries, etc; in this way, the big science of the 20th century is which is focused on individual research groups and relatively (including academia, industry, national labs, and federal becoming the big “networked science” of the 21st century, small-scale collaborations between such groups. The incen- agencies) to build a roadmap with a clear science and wherein small efforts and industry are integrated into a tive for individual groups is often to push for improvements technology charge, with an entity of authority, responsi- larger facility. or pivot in directions that directly pay off in high-impact bility and accountability, and with appropriate resources, publications and further funding. However, the incentives The quantum internet is not benchtop science the quantum internet can become a major success story in to produce components that are useful for integration into While not all problems in quantum science and tech- science, technology, and society. a larger system, which requires central organization and nology require large collaborations at this stage, building a We are grateful to Norm Augustine, Carl Williams, Joe long-term planning, are comparatively paltry. functional quantum internet is a different type of challenge Broz, Leeland Cogliani, Vint Cerf, Greg Sanders and Paul To give an example from the field of quantum memories, compared to, for example, building quantum computers. Dieterle, for very useful discussions, debates, and comments individual groups have often focused on maximizing one Coordination between many actors is much more important on the topic. specific metric, such as memory efficiency, storage time, for networks. The incentives are not the same. Quantum or bandwidth without regard to systems-level demands. computing has clear industrial motivations. In contrast, Christoph Simon is Professor in the To build a trans- or intercontinental quantum network—or many of the motivations for quantum networks are societal Department of Physics and Astronomy, any large-scale demonstration—will require hundreds of benefits that may be harder to monetize in the near term, the Institute for Quantum Science and researchers from many groups to coordinate their efforts. such as enhanced privacy and security. A comparative study Technology, and the Hotchkiss Brain This collaborative depth is unlikely even in the large, of the development of classical information technology Institute at the University of Calgary; he uses multi-institution quantum projects such as those in Europe. strengthens this point. The internet and the World Wide quantum optics techniques to study quantum phenomena such as entanglement and their Joint funding, even on a large scale, is not the same as real Web originally grew out of public rather than commercial potential technological applications such as collaboration. initiatives (ARPANET and CERN, respectively). the quantum internet, and to investigate In light of these deficiencies in the current funding Historically, big science approaches have been adopted whether these phenomena could play a role models, we think that it is time for serious reflection and when exciting common goals are coupled to otherwise in biology, especially in neuroscience. discussion about how to organize large-scale efforts in insurmountable technical challenges. Even under these quantum networks. While one size is unlikely to fit all, the conditions, transitions to big science—in high energy Maria Spiropulu is the Shang-Yi Ch’en experience of other research communities, such as high physics, astronomy, and elsewhere—have not been trivial. Professor of Physics at Caltech’s Division of energy physics and astronomy, who went through this type Robert Wilson, the founding director of Fermilab, strongly Physics Mathematics and Astronomy and of organizational change decades ago, can provide useful expressed his unhappiness about the level of bureaucracy acting Director of the Alliance for Quantum examples and guidance for this process. that was involved in running big projects [5]. And, as Norm Technologies Intelligent Quantum Networks and Technologies (IN-Q-NET) research pro- What can we learn from Big Science? Augustine postulated, “If a sufficient number of management layers are superimposed on each other, it can be assured that gram. She is a high energy physics experi- “Big Science,” a term popularized by Oak Ridge National mentalist with over 25 years research work disaster is not left to chance.” Yet the high energy physics Laboratory's then-Director Alvin M. Weinberg, has been on hadron collider physics at Fermilab’s research community grew supportive (on the whole) of this used to describe the 20th century’s large-scale and large- Tevatron and CERN’s LHC. In the past five direction because it recognized that there was simply no scope scientific enterprise. It conjures up the seemingly years she developed a program on intersections of HEP with quan- other way to achieve its scientific goals. unending supply of instruments and budgets within large tum information science and technology and co-founded the Alliance for Quantum Technologies with AT&T in 2017. collaborations—collaborations aimed at fundamental science The quantum internet will be international goals that would otherwise be unreachable. The history The quantum internet is by definition global, so different [1] H. J. Kimble, Nature 453, 1023 (2008). of nuclear and high energy physics is filled with postwar nations will have to agree on technologies and standards. [2] S. Wehner, D. Elkouss, and R. Hanson, Science 362, DOI: 10.1126/ efforts that required extraordinary financial resources and The network will necessarily involve many different tech- science.aam9288 (2018). large, multidisciplinary teams. Today, such projects are also nologies and platforms, so the respective communities must commonplace in astrophysics and cosmology, and modern work together starting from the definition of the scientific [3] C. Simon, Nature Photonics 11, 678 (2017). successes for this model include LIGO’s observation of grav- scope, the goals, the roadmap, the deliverables, the funding [4] See for example the article by Harvard historian J. Lepore on itational waves and the LHC’s discovery of the Higgs boson. profile and all the feasibility demonstrations (such as for science and technology applications with consequences wildly Several fields, including materials science and condensed example in [6]) needed to address the challenges and build different from those anticipated at the time of R&D and produc- tion. (The New Yorker, January 7, 2019. go.aps.org/2Ybb6qW). matter physics, have embraced large facilities (e.g. photon up a functional quantum internet. sources such as the Linear Coherent Light Source at SLAC In the United States, the NIST-spawned and industry-sup- [5] L. Hoddeson, A.W. Kolb, and C. Westfall, Fermilab: Physics, the Frontier, and Megascience (University of Chicago Press, and the Advanced Photon Source at ANL) while maintaining ported Quantum Economy Development Consortium (QED-C) Chicago, 2008). a diverse collection of small experiments. In this model, one is charged with enabling the development of a supply chain big facility generates and provides beams to several projects. for quantum devices and systems. QED-C also works to [6] R. Valivarthi et al arxiv.org/abs/2007.11157 (2020). Indeed, these big facilities have become critical resources ensure a well-matched boundary condition between industry, [7] go.aps.org/3h5naBj.

The Back Page is a forum for member commentary and opinion. The views expressed are not necessarily those of APS. APS News welcomes and encourages letters and submissions from APS members responding to these and other issues. Responses may be sent to: [email protected]