Statement of Purpose: Feza Gürsey Memorial Meeting

The Feza Gürsey Memorial Meeting is organized to honor the life, work, and enduring legacy of Professor Feza Gürsey (1921–1992), a pioneering figure in theoretical physics and mathematics whose contributions left an indelible mark on scientific thought and education, both in Turkey and internationally.

Born in Istanbul in 1921, Gürsey’s academic journey began at Galatasaray High School, followed by a degree in physics from Istanbul University in 1944. He went on to earn his PhD in applied mathematics from the University of London in 1950, setting the stage for a remarkable career that would bridge continents and disciplines.

Gürsey's academic path reflects a deep commitment to both research and teaching. After becoming an associate professor at Istanbul University in 1953, he expanded his influence globally through research and lectures at Princeton and Columbia Universities. In 1961, he returned to Turkey as a professor at the Middle East Technical University, where he nurtured generations of physicists. His research in general relativity and elementary particle physics, particularly during his time at Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study as a Fulbright grantee, established him as a global authority in theoretical physics.

From 1964 to his retirement in 1991, Gürsey was a beloved professor at Yale University, contributing significantly to scientific discourse and mentorship in the United States. Upon retirement, he returned to his homeland, where Boğaziçi University recognized his lifelong contributions with the title of Professor Emeritus.

This memorial meeting aims to bring together scholars, students, and colleagues to celebrate Gürsey’s profound impact on science, to reflect on the intellectual legacy he left behind, and to inspire future generations to pursue knowledge with the same rigor, imagination, and integrity that defined his career. Through lectures, discussions, and commemorative activities, the meeting seeks to foster a renewed appreciation for his contributions and to ensure that the values he embodied continue to guide the scientific community.

Awards and Honors

  •     1969 – TÜBİTAK Science Award
  •     1977 – J.R. Oppenheimer Award (with S. Glashow), A. Cressey Morrison Award in Natural Sciences (with R. Griffiths)
  •    1979 – Einstein Medal
  •    1981 – Guest Professorship and Collège de France Medal at Collège de France; Istanbul University Medal and Honorary Doctorate
  •    1984 – Title of Commendatore conferred by the Republic of Italy
  •   1986 – Guest Professorship at Accademia dei Lincei (Rome); Wigner Medal of the Group Theory and Fundamental Physics Society (Philadelphia)
  •  1989 – Distinguished Scientist Award of the Turkish-American Scientists and Engineers Association; METU Prof. Dr. Mustafa N. Parlar Education and Research Foundation Science, Service and Honor Award
  •  1990 – Galatasaray Education Foundation Medal