Fred Kavli. Credit: Kavli FoundationRenowned physicist, philanthropist, and innovator Fred Kavli, who funded research in theoretical physics here at UC Santa Barbara through the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP) and founded the Kavli Foundation, has died at the age of 86.
Kavli died Nov. 21 at his home in Santa Barbara of complications from surgery for a rare form of cancer, according to the Kavli Foundation.
A native of Norway, Kavli formed the Kavli Foundation in 2000 after selling his company, the Kavlico Corporation, which created products that are found in the SR-71 Blackbird and the space shuttle.
The Kavli Foundation supports research in neuroscience, nanoscience, and physics at 17 top universities on three continents through its Kavli Institutes of Science; and seven university-endowed professorial chairs. It is also a founding partner of the Kavli Prizes, $1-million cash awards that recognize scientists for their advances in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience.
Fred Kavli spoke at the dedication KITP's new wing on Oct. 7, 2004. Credit: UCSB Kavli Institute for Theoretical PhysicsUCSB’s Kavli Institute was the first such institute established. It has introduced programs on theoretical biology and other non-traditional physics areas, such as climate change.
In an announcement about Kavli’s death on the institute’s home page, KITP Director Lars Bildsten said: "Without Fred's support, we would never have had the capacity or resources to expand into new areas. His support has been truly visionary."
David Gross, who was KITP’s director at the time of the Kavli donations and the 2004 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics, said in the announcement: "Fred Kavli was a great friend of science. It was an extraordinary experience to work with him to help shape his vision. He will be missed."
"Fred Kavli always looked to the future," said Rockell N. Hankin and Robert W. Conn, vice chairman of the board and president, respectively, of the Kavli Foundation. "One of his greatest joys was hearing of scientific discoveries that would benefit humankind far beyond his own lifetime."
Here at UCSB, Kavli Institute’s service to grad students includes its KITP Graduate Fellowship Program, which provides a unique opportunity for a select group of physics graduate students in the United States to spend about six months at KITP, participating in research programs and broadening their understanding of current research areas.
For more information about Fred Kavli, including an obituary and past interviews and features, visit the Kavli Foundation webpage. Also, read obituaries in the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and the Pacific Coast Business Times.