Support the next breakthroughs in theoretical physics
The Mani L. Bhaumik Institute brings together UCLA theorists working on the deepest questions in physics, from quantum gravity and black holes to the strong nuclear force, quantum materials and the cosmos. Private support lets us recruit outstanding young scientists, bring the world's leading physicists to UCLA, and share their ideas with the public.
Why your support matters now
Breakthroughs in theoretical physics often come from young researchers given the freedom to pursue their ideas. Fellowships for postdoctoral scholars and graduate students are among the most impactful ways to support that work.
Private philanthropy plays a vital role in advancing fundamental research by providing flexible and sustained support beyond traditional funding sources. Your generosity helps us attract exceptional young scientists, nurture bold ideas, and create opportunities for discoveries that could transform our understanding of the universe.
“Many times the great advances are directly due to young postdocs. It's the lifeblood of science.”
Zvi Bern, Director, Mani L. Bhaumik Institute (Daily Bruin, 2025)
What your gift supports
Postdoctoral fellowships
Independent fellowships, like the Bhaumik Prize Postdoctoral Fellows Program launched in 2025, that attract the most promising young theorists to UCLA.
Graduate fellowships
Support for PhD students, building on the endowed Mani L. Bhaumik Graduate Fellowship in Theoretical Physics.
Visitors and workshops
Visiting scholars, seminars and conferences that bring researchers from around the world to work with our faculty and students.
Bhaumik Lectures
Public lectures by leaders in the field, free to attend and available on YouTube.
Ways to give
- Online. Make a gift to the Department of Physics & Astronomy through UCLA's secure giving site.
- Named and endowed funds. Establish a fellowship, lecture or program in your name or in honor of someone else.
- Stock, IRA and donor-advised funds. Gifts of securities, IRA charitable rollovers and grants from donor-advised funds.
- Planned gifts. Include the Bhaumik Institute in your will or estate plans.
Zvi Bern
Director, Mani L. Bhaumik Institute for Theoretical Physics
bern@physics.ucla.edu
310-825-8528
Zvi would be glad to talk with you about how your gift can support the Institute.
Thank you
The Institute was founded in 2016 through the vision and generosity of Dr. Mani L. Bhaumik, whose gifts also endowed the Mani L. Bhaumik Presidential Chair in Theoretical Physics, the Mani L. Bhaumik Graduate Fellowship (2018) and the Bhaumik Prize Postdoctoral Fellows Program (2025). Read about Dr. Bhaumik →
We are also grateful to the Julian Schwinger Foundation for its support of SchwingerFest, and to every donor whose gift helps advance theoretical physics at UCLA.
