Yukawa Institute For Theoretical Physics - Research Institute For Fundamental Physics (1953-1990)

Research Institute For Fundamental Physics (1953-1990)

Research Institute for Fundamental Physics was a new type of national research center for theoretical physics with its facilities open for use for research collaborations by the entire community of theoretical physicists in Japan. The institute adopted a new system for its operation. Although it formally belongs to Kyoto University, its basic policy has been discussed and decided by the representatives of physicists elected from all over the country together with institute's own academic staffs. One of the unique roles played by the institute was to provide a forum for physicists on various problems at the forefront of research in theoretical physics. Many physicists participated in the organization of topical workshops and international conferences at RIFP and stayed at the institute for some periods to work in collaboration with others. These traditions are still carried by the Yukawa Institute.

The Institute started with four academic staffs including Yukawa himself. The institute grew gradually in size and it possessed thirteen academic positions in 1961. The research activity of the institute extended over numerous areas of theoretical physics. Those areas were condensed matter theory, field theory, nuclear theory, particle theory, statistical mechanics, and nuclear and relativistic astrophysics. In 1980 it added two more academic positions for new research areas such as non-equilibrium statistical physics and non-linear physics. During this period, one visiting professor position was created to invite distinguished foreign physicists for an extended period.