Spin Centennial: Celebrating 100 Years of Spin at the University of Michigan

One hundred years ago, in 1925, to explain puzzles in the observed spectra of atoms, George Uhlenbeck and Samuel Goudsmit postulated the existence of a new intrinsic property of the electron, which came to be known as spin. In 1926, Uhlenbeck and Goudsmit began long illustrious careers at the University of Michigan Physics Department. The physics department at the University of Michigan, and others around the world, have continued to harness this revolutionary concept to advance science and technology across many fronts, from fundamental science to medical imaging to quantum information.

Throughout the 2025 Fall term, a series of seminars, colloquia, and special events will be part of this celebration.

Colloquium 1:30-2:30 pm
Stringently Testing the Standard Model via Direct Encounters with a Single Electron’s Spin
Gerald Gabrielse, Board of Trustees Professor in Physics/Director of CFP (Northwestern University)

Spin Centennial 3:00-5:00 pm
Talks for the general public on the history of spin, fundamental physics, and the applications of spin, which impact everyone’s life every day and into the future, with Introductory remarks by Dean Rosario Ceballo, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA)

Speakers from the U-M Department of Physics
Christine Aidala, Professor
Aaron Pierce, Professor
Vanessa Sih, Professor
Shankari Rajagopal, Professor