David Gross

David Gross is Chancellor's Chair Professor of Theoretical Physics and a Permanent Member at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He was KITP Director from 1997 to 2012 and previously served as Professor at Princeton University (1973–1986). His groundbreaking work in particle physics and string theory includes the discovery of asymptotic freedom and co-formulation of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD), earning him the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Research Interests:

• High Energy Physics
• Quantum Field Theory
• String Theory
• Superstring Theory
• Quantum Chromodynamics
• Unified Theories

Scientific Awards & Honors:

• Nobel Prize in Physics (2004)
• J. J. Sakurai Prize (1986)
• MacArthur Fellowship (1987)
• Dirac Medal (1988)
• Harvey Prize (2000)
• Grande Médaille d'Or (2004)
• Medal of Honor of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (2016)

Advising and Recognition: Gross mentored Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek. His work underpins the Standard Model of particle physics and advanced superstring theory, including the Heterotic String. He has held leadership roles such as past President of the American Physical Society (2016–2020) and Honorary Director of the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics/CAS in Beijing.