The National Science Center "Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology" celebrates its 95th anniversary

On October 30th, the world-renowned Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology (now the National Scientific Center "Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology") celebrated its 95th anniversary.

Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology (KhIPT) was established in 1928 to develop cutting-edge scientific directions in nuclear physics and solid-state physics. In just four years, on October 10, 1932, KhIPT achieved a remarkable result by conducting artificial nuclear fission of the lithium nucleus.

KhIPT was the place where liquid hydrogen and helium were first obtained, and the first radar installation was constructed. The institute pioneered high-vacuum technology, which later gave rise to a new field of physics and technology known as vacuum metallurgy. Prominent physicists who closely collaborated with the university worked at KhIPT.

For instance, the talented theoretical physicist Lev Landau, who worked at KhIPT from 1932 to 1937, established a world-famous school of theoretical physics there. From September 1, 1935, to February 1937, Lev Landau taught at the university, initially heading the Institute of Theoretical Physics, led by Leonid Pyatigorsky, and later, in October 1935, he became the head of the Institute of Experimental Physics at the university.

Academician Anton Valter worked at KhIPT from 1937 to 1965 and served as a professor at Karazin University. In 1946, he founded the Institute of Experimental Nuclear Physics at the university.

Academician Kyrylo Synelnykov taught at Karazin University from 1936 to 1966. He led the Institute of Electronic and Ionic Processes, Experimental Physics, and Accelerators. In 1962, he established and headed the Institute of Plasma Physics at the School of Physics and Technology.

Academician Illya Lifshitz taught at the university since 1938. He founded and headed the Institute of Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics on April 15, 1944, a position he held until 1968. Illya Lifshitz taught students a general course on "Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics" and several specialized courses for theoretical physics students.

Academician Viktor Ivanov worked at the university since 1947. After the creation of the School of Physics and Technology in 1962, he founded and supervised the Institute of Reactor Materials. In 1969, with Viktor Ivanov's active involvement, a new building for the School of Physics and Technology, a student dormitory, and a cafeteria were built in Piatykhatky, near KhIPT's new site.

In recent years, the National Science Center "Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology" has developed a polarimeter for measuring electron polarization at the CEBAF accelerator (USA). KhIPT is a leading scientific institution. The Institute of Nuclear Physics and Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine provides scientific support to the nuclear industry of Ukraine as part of the State Program of Research in Nuclear and Radiation Technologies. This program encompasses research on reactor processes, safety and reliability assessments, research and development on reactor improvements, as well as studies of nuclear fuel cycle issues, including radioactive waste management, and continuous scientific and technical monitoring of nuclear power plant operations.

Karazin University congratulates KhIPT on its anniversary and wishes the institute new creative achievements and scientific successes!