Author: Bart van Tiggelen

A young French mathematical physicist, Cécile DeWitt-Morette, founded the Les Houches School of Physics in 1951. In less than 4 years, the unique formula of the School had already achieved a worldwide reputation. At that time there were no advanced courses, equivalent to today’s Master classes, on contemporary topics such as quantum physics or statistical mechanics anywhere in France or even in Europe. Brilliant physicists were mostly in the US, among whom were many European physicists that had moved to the US after the war, including Cécile DeWitt herself. France and Europe were lagging seriously behind in the teaching and practice of modern physics. The Physics School in Les Houches attracted many top physicists to teach on a blackboard for two months in the summer period. The formula was unique, simple and efficient. With an amazing view on the Mont Blanc mountain range, far away from the laboratories and university classes, the “hanging gardens” of the Les Houches School became a place where students could interact directly with Wolfgang Pauli, Enrico Fermi, Richard Feynman, Julian Schwinger, Alfred Kastler, Nicolaas Bloembergen, Kip Thorne, Claude Cohen-Tannoudji and many others over a cup of coffee. Léon van Hove, future CERN Director, actually held the first class, on quantum mechanics, in 1951. Today, 51 Nobel laureates and Fields medal winners have been teaching in Les Houches.

In bringing together the greatest physicists in the world and successive generations of young researchers in a spectacular and stimulating location, the Physics School has strongly contributed to the development of French, European and international physics. Many other Physics Schools have been created since, with essentially the same principle of providing tutorial courses on contemporary topics, combined with informal exchanges and geographic isolation. However, as recalled by Jean Zinn-Justin, one of his former directors, “the École des Houches is the mother of all modern schools of physics”. Its success has revealed the importance of training and informal discussions to the progress in physics. Created almost 70 years ago, the École de Physique des Houches has been recognised, on October 5, 2020 and upon proposition of the French Physical Society and the Direction of the School, as an “EPS Historic Site”, in the presence of all scientific authorities concerned. Before unveiling the commemorative plaque, Luc Bergé, EPS president-elect, underlined that “The European Physical Society is happy to recognise the École de Physique des Houches as one of its most precious Historic Sites, enriching the scientific cultural heritage not only of Europe, but also of all humanity.“

From left to right: A.Fontaine, L. Bergé, G. Wormser, B. Van Tiggelen, C. Salomon - Image credit: François Henry/Les Houches

The second course of the Joint EPS-SIF International School on Energy will take place in Varenna (lake Como, Italy) from 16 to 23 July 2014.

The primary goal of the School will be to present all physics fields with relevance for the technologies of energy production, conversion, transmission and savings. Their potential will be presented but also the need for more research and development to fully unfold it will be indicated. For this purpose, basic lectures and topical seminars will be presented by specialists in their field.

The School will cover major fields in detailed lectures but it will also serve as a forum of discussions. It brings together scientists working in various energy related areas.
The following fields will be covered by lectures or seminars: solar photovoltaic and photothermal sources, hydro, wind, biomass, fossils, fission, fusion, energy saving technology, climate issues along with other topics where physics plays a role.

The lectures will also identify cases where more research is necessary. In order to ensure a lively and up-to-date School, there will be plenary sessions going over several days and topical seminars. In case your are interested in energy technology or even working in this field, we would encourage you to sign up.

The deadline for application is set to 30 April 2014.