DIAS Cosmic Physics, 75 years of discoveries about our planet and universe

From the first ever Irish experiment in space to landmark insights on volcanoes, the School of Cosmic Physics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) will continue to play a leading role in strengthening our understanding of the world and cosmos around us for many years to come.

That’s according to DIAS, which is marking the 75th anniversary of its School of Cosmic Physics.

DIAS Cosmic Physics

Founded in 1947, the DIAS School of Cosmic Physics uses the ideas and methods of physics to understand the world around us, from the interior of the Earth to the edges of the universe.

The School is organised in two broad sections: Geophysics – focused on the interior and surface of the Earth, and Astronomy and Astrophysics – focused outwards to our solar system and beyond.

Commenting today, Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, said: “Today we reflect on the School of Cosmic Physics at DIAS and its 75-year track record as space and Earth research pioneers.

“The School has developed a reputation as an international leader and has contributed to many important global discoveries.

“From its inception, top cosmic physicists from around the world and Ireland have worked at the school, with many being at the forefront of ground-breaking research on Earth’s land surface and in its deep oceans, not to mention trail-blazing research in space within and beyond our solar system.

“Looking at the exciting portfolio of projects we are involved in today, I look forward to seeing the contribution that the School will continue to make, in Ireland, on a global stage and beyond, in its next chapter.”

Looking to the future

As part of the 75th anniversary of the School of Cosmic Physics, DIAS is highlighting the role the School is currently playing in helping society respond to key environmental challenges for the planet such as earth system change, climate change, and our relationship with our nearest star, the Sun.

Commenting on the work currently underway at the School, Professor Tom Ray, Director of the DIAS School of Cosmic Physics, said: “From reducing our dependency on fossil fuels to finding how stars and planets form, researchers from the School of Cosmic Physics are helping us address some of the fundamental challenges of our time.

“Now more than ever, the role of geophysics is essential in helping us understand how the Earth is changing, so as to enable sustainable global development including prevention of and slowing the effects of climate change on our populations and planet.

“Our previous work has put us in a great position to make a valuable contribution to the current Earth crisis.

“Meanwhile, astronomy and astrophysics researchers are allowing to us answer some of the deepest unanswered questions about our solar system and beyond, and this human desire for fundamental knowledge about our existence is a key driver of innovative technology development at DIAS.

“There is a rich legacy of ground-breaking research discoveries at the DIAS School of Cosmic Physics, and we will continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge and technology into previously unknown territories and play a leading role in contributing to these vital areas for humankind.”

For more information visit: www.dias.ie/cosmicphysics