UBC Reports | Vol. 54 | No. 4 | Apr. 3, 2008
By Catherine Loiacono
Next month, students and faculty will have an opportunity to celebrate Prof. Emeritus of Physics Erich Vogt’s lifetime of achievement at UBC. At the same time, they will be supporting a special scholarship fund established by the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
“For only one dollar per year, Erich taught first year UBC physics students for close to a quarter of a century,” said Jeff Young, Head of UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. “Not only has this been a great deal for the university, it has helped influence a generation of research and innovation across the country and around the world.”
Vogt joined UBC in 1965. Today, he is regarded as one of the most distinguished Canadian Nuclear physicist of his generation. In 1976 he founded TRIUMF — Canada’s National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics. Today, it is internationally recognized for excellence in sub-atomic physics.
When thinking of Vogt, TRIUMF’s current Director Nigel Lockyer referenced Newton, ‘If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’ “Erich is one of those giants. He embodies that rare combination of leadership, intellect and complete selflessness.”
On May 4, Vogt will be honoured with a day of celebration at UBC’s Hebb Theatre. The event will also support summer research internships for first year undergraduate Physics students.
Vogt has received numerous research and teaching awards, including the Order of British Columbia, the Order of Canada and the Medal of Achievement from the Canadian Association of Physicists. He has served with Atomic Energy Canada and orchestrated the construction of the first PET imaging instrument in association with UBC’s Physics Prof. Emeritus Brian Pate.
For more information visit http://vogt.physics.ubc.ca.
