[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 99 (Thursday, June 28, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE ASPEN CENTER FOR PHYSICS

 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. President, today I wish to 
congratulate the distinguished Aspen Center for Physics, located in 
Aspen, CO, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. I offer these 
congratulations on behalf of Senator Bennet of Colorado as well.
  We would like to commend the Aspen Center for Physics for their 
dedication and excellence in the field of theoretical physics. Since 
the 1960s the Center has been one of the world's foremost research 
centers for the pursuit of basic scientific understanding on topics 
ranging from cosmology to biophysics.
  With Federal funding primarily from the National Science Foundation 
and the support of dozens of corporate, institutional, and individual 
sponsors, the Aspen Center for Physics has become an international hub 
for revolutionary physics research. More than 10,000 scientists, 
representing 65 countries and including 52 Nobel Laureates, have 
participated in Center programs. They come to Aspen to converse with 
their peers, conduct groundbreaking research, and explore uncharted 
areas in theoretical physics.
  The atmosphere created by the Aspen Center for Physics is unique. 
While surrounded by beautiful landscapes, researchers are encouraged to 
participate in informal dialogue and pursue creative and novel paths in 
their research, both individually and in collaborative groups.
  The unstructured environment has been key to the exchange of ideas 
among the world's best theoretical physicists, and it has led to 
impressive results: more than 10,000 scientific papers and books have 
cited the Center's influence.
  The Center is also a good neighbor. For more than 25 years, the 
Center has offered free public lectures on cutting-edge science to the 
community. It offers informative and interactive programs designed to 
engage children in learning and get them excited about science. 
Physicists from the Center also visit local schools and serve as 
mentors for students.
  Colorado is fortunate to be home to the Aspen Center for Physics. 
Senator Bennet and I would like to congratulate them for an impressive 
first 50 years and wish them continued success for the next 50 
years.

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