From the Nominator

The Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP) began in 1979 with an audacious question: What if we brought together scientists from diverse disciplines to tackle problems together? This idea captured the imagination of the National Science Foundation, which awarded a $1 million-a-year grant to establish the Institute for Theoretical Physics at UC Santa Barbara, and cut across traditional subfield lines. 

KITP is the first and foremost scientific research facility where theorists in physics and allied fields congregate, for sustained periods of time, to collaborate intensely on a broad range of questions arising from investigations at the leading edges of science. Principally conceived as a national center for theoretical physics, KITP has evolved as a model for collaboration widely imitated both by other disciplines and by other countries. KITP’s hallmark activities are long-stay, scientist-curated programs that encompass a broad and diverse physics community, and encourage cross-disciplinary and globe-spanning connections. 

Exploring New Frontiers, the second edition of the KITP impact report, celebrates a rare achievement: an institute that has grown through federal grants, and increasingly, private support.  For the first time, the report captures the oral history of the institute's founders and longtime supporters, as well as a timeline of KITP's achievements, donor impact stories, scientific articles, and a successful case for the KITP endowment campaign.

From the Judges

The word to describe this entry is: balance. For a significant amount of content, both the design and the presentation make it accessible, fun and engaging. There is a great variety of different kinds of content that holds attention, illustrates historical context, and shows donor impact. The lists at the end are not so lengthy so as to detract from the overall presentation. The design contributes greatly to the readability and approachability of the subject matter, and the clever use of featured artwork makes the report more visually exciting.