Robert Coleman Richardson

Robert Coleman Richardson was born on June 26, 1937, in Washington, D.C. He became a prominent American experimental physicist known for his work on superfluidity in helium-3. Richardson's early interest in science was cultivated through his education and eventual academic career, culminating in significant contributions to physics.

In 1958, Robert Coleman Richardson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). This foundational education played a crucial role in shaping his career path, eventually leading him to become a major figure in the domain of low-temperature physics and scientific research.

Richardson earned his Ph.D. in physics from Duke University in 1965. His doctoral studies helped hone his skills and interests in experimental physics, setting the stage for his later research into superfluidity. His academic rigor and pursuit of knowledge were evident during his studies at Duke, which laid the groundwork for his future discoveries.

In 1966, Robert Coleman Richardson joined the faculty at Cornell University, where he would later conduct much of his groundbreaking research. At Cornell, he became part of a team that explored low-temperature physics, specifically focusing on the properties of liquid helium-3, working in collaboration with his future Nobel Prize-winning colleagues, David Lee and Douglas Osheroff.

Robert Coleman Richardson held his first academic appointment as a faculty member at Duke University in 1969 after completing a fellowship. During this time, he began his research in the field of low-temperature physics, focusing on helium-3, priming his career for the major scientific breakthrough that would soon follow at Cornell.

In 1972, Robert Coleman Richardson, along with David Lee and Douglas Osheroff, discovered superfluidity in helium-3. This groundbreaking discovery revealed that helium-3 can become a superfluid at temperatures in the millikelvin range, exhibiting quantum mechanical properties at macroscopic scales. Their work was pivotal in the field of low-temperature physics.

In 1987, Robert Coleman Richardson was appointed the director of the Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics at Cornell University. In this role, Richardson led initiatives and provided strategic direction for the lab, playing a pivotal role in advancing research and contributing to Cornell's reputation as a leader in the field of physics.

In 1989, Robert Coleman Richardson was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. This prestigious recognition highlighted his exceptional contributions to physics, particularly his experimental research in superfluidity and quantum liquids. Membership in the Academy is reserved for individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievements in their fields.

Robert Coleman Richardson received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1996, together with David Lee and Douglas Osheroff, for their 1972 discovery of superfluidity in helium-3. The Nobel Committee recognized their pioneering work, which has had profound implications on the understanding of quantum liquids and contributions to theoretical and experimental physics.

In March 2010, Richardson was appointed as the vice provost for research at Cornell University. His role involved overseeing research activities across the university and advocating for broad range support in scientific innovation and faculty leadership. His appointment underscored his leadership and dedication to fostering an environment of academic and research excellence.

Robert Coleman Richardson passed away on February 2, 2013, at the age of 75. His death marked the end of an illustrious career in physics and academia, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to low-temperature physics. He was remembered and celebrated for his work on quantum fluids and his impact on the scientific community.