Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences

Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CFT PAN)

was founded in 1980 in Warsaw with the mission of creating a leading center for theoretical physics in Poland. The institute’s research focuses on the development of quantum technologies, exploring the mysteries of dark energy, and applying differential geometry to mathematical physics and cosmology.

The dynamic institute brings together only a few dozen scientists. Despite its small staff, the Center carries out nearly 30 scientific projects by talented researchers, including as part of the nationwide TEAM-NET grant, the prestigious European ERC-Synergy grant, Polish-Norwegian cooperation (GRIEG grant), and Polish-German cooperation (Beethoven grant).

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CFT PAN employees during the conference celebrating the institute's 40th anniversary in September 2021. In the middle, wearing a gray jacket, is Prof. Iwo Białynicki-Birula, the initiator of the Center and its subsequent long-time director.

The grants awarded are used, among other things, to establish five research groups in the fields of quantum information, ultracold atom physics, and astrophysics. The scientific achievements of the institute’s staff have been recognized many times, including with two awards from the Foundation for Polish Science, known as the “Polish Nobel Prizes,” and prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie scholarships.

The institute has an excellent publication record, including articles in the prestigious scientific journals Science and Nature. The funding is used to internationalize the institute. As a result, as many as one-third of the researchers affiliated with CFT PAN come from abroad, from as many as four continents.

The institute promotes researcher mobility, internationalization, equality, and the development of education.

Areas: physics, mathematics, astronomy