For more than 150 years, Columbia physicists have advanced groundbreaking discoveries, educated many of the nation’s leading scientists, and helped shape physics as both a field of study and a profession. The Department of Physics is deeply grateful for the continued generosity of its alumni, friends, and faculty, who make such innovation and discovery possible. Your support drives critical research, empowers our students, and delivers real-world impact to the greater community.
Your gift to the Columbia Department of Physics can help:
- Create opportunities for the next generation of young scientists who drive discovery in physics, supporting talented early-stage researchers as they begin and build their scientific careers.
- Make possible the development of novel technologies that are essential for improving lives and uncovering the underlying principles of the physical world.
- Enable the recruitment of world-renowned scientists, bringing them to work alongside some of the most creative minds in science who are committed to pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge scientific knowledge.
- Encourage new approaches in physics and its intersections with other fields, including the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, materials science, medicine, and technological innovation.
"A glimpse of this wonder can be the reward of a lifetime."
-C.S. Wu, Columbia Physics faculty and namesake of the Chien-Shiung Wu Scholarship
Any support is always appreciated. If you are interested in sponsoring or donating to targeted ventures, the following needs have been identified as especially beneficial in advancing the department’s key priorities:
Innovative Research Support:
Continued investment in fundamental science is essential to drive the scientific innovations of tomorrow. For generations, Columbia Physics faculty have led pioneering research that deepens our understanding of the universe. To help us continue this tradition, please consider investing in faculty endowments, research expenses, and funding for research staff.
Graduate Student Studies:
Sustained support for doctoral students is vital in attracting and empowering emerging scholars with the creativity and vision to challenge convention and advance the field in meaningful ways. Contributions towards fellowships, scholarships, and improved student spaces are always appreciated.
Undergraduate Field Experience:
Laboratory work, theoretical research, and other in-depth physics experiences can be invaluable in building technical skills, boosting confidence, and even launching careers. However, financial obstacles like housing, living expenses, and travel are barriers that can prevent many students from being able to pursue these options. With your support, we can make such opportunities more attainable.
If you’d like to contribute to one of the partnership paths above or are interested in other ways to get involved, please reach out directly to Ashley Delphia, Director of Finance and Administration at [email protected]. We’re always excited to explore new and innovative partnership opportunities!
See our existing partnerships in action
Department News & Announcements
We never tire of showcasing the accomplishments of our talented faculty, researchers, and students. Many of their projects and accolades would not have been possible without contributions from donors, grants, and other funding opportunities. We encourage you to learn more about these achievements and the impact they're having on STEM research.
She praises the university's "spirit of discovery" in her first communiques to the Columbia community -- and the Department of Physics and Astronomy makes some surprise cameos
We bid farewell to a beloved colleague, whose work and warmth touched the lives of so many in the physics community and beyond. Thank you, Allan, for being such an inimitable part of Columbia Physics.
How to contact us
Questions about giving to Columbia Physics? Contact Ashley Delphia, Director of Academic Administration and Finance, at [email protected]