The World
Year of Physics (WYP 2005) was a worldwide celebration of physics and its
importance in our everyday lives. Physics not only plays an important role in
the development of science and technology, but also has a tremendous impact on
our society. WYP aimed to raise the worldwide awareness of physics and physical
science.
The year 2005 was chosen as the World Year of Physics
because it marked the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s “miraculous year”
in which he published three important papers describing ideas that have since
influenced all of modern physics. This year provided the opportunity to
celebrate Einstein, his great ideas, and his influence on life in the 21st
century.
WYP 2005 was an international endeavour. The
International Union of Pure and Applied Physics declared the year 2005 as the
World Year of Physics. With this declaration, people all over the world joined
in the celebration of physics and its importance in our everyday lives.
The 32nd General Conference of UNESCO adopted a
resolution to support the initiative of the World Year of Physics. Not much
later, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 2005 as
International Year of Physics. It was decided though to keep the original name.
The Year started with the Physics for Tomorrow
Conference at UNESCO Headquarters in
In addition to larger scale national projects, local
WYP events were organized by a diverse group of people. Individuals, science
museums, physics departments, labs, community groups, teachers, and others also
planned events in their communities.
At the end of 2005 thousands of activities had been organized
in more than 80 countries. In the
Link
The World Year of Physics website.
All the International Years proclaimed by the General Assembly.
Stamp catalogue
Slovakia
Tunisia
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