At its General Assembly in October 2002 in Berlin, the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) declared 2005 as the World Year of Physics. UNESCO endorsed the declaration in October 2003. While the World Year of Physics 2005 is timed to coincide with the centennial celebration of Albert Einstein's miraculous year in which he published three of his most famous publications: special relativity, the photoelectric effect and Brownian motion, the South African Institute of Physics is planning a range of activities, involving a number of organizations. The year 2005 is not just intended to be an exciting year for practicing physicists, but an opportunity to bring back the excitement of physics to the public and inspire a new generation of scientists. The activities in South Africa in 2005 aim to involve science, engineering and technology stakeholders in implementing activities across the country that illustrate the essential and beneficial role of science, engineering and technology (SET) in the everyday lives of all South Africans, and to generate interest in, and raise the profile of SET.
By the terms of another resolution adopted on 10 June 2004, contained in document A/58/L.62, the UN Assembly declared the year 2005 the International Year of Physics.
The Department of Science and Technology has set up a steering committee which will drive the South African initiatives. An online forum is now available for you to share and discuss ideas for IYP2005 in South Africa.
Since the theme underpinning WYP 2005 would focus on Einstein's major papers of 1905, the various participating organizations will be asked to emphasize this miraculous year of Einstein in all their activities. Participating organizations would not necessarily be required to introduce substantially new activities, but would be requested to focus their regular educational, research and public outreach activities on Physics and the work of Albert Einstein.
News Release - 10 February 2005