Pitt Physicist Receives 2011 Einstein Prize for Lifetime Contributions To Understanding, Reshaping Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity
PITTSBURGH—During his 60 years in general relativity, the field of physics established by Albert Einstein, University of Pittsburgh Professor Emeritus of physics and astronomy Ezra T. Newman not only worked alongside some of Einstein’s closest colleagues to revitalize the theory of general relativity, but he also helped reshape it by working out one of the most influential reformulations of the revered scientist’s original theory, among other lasting solutions and insights to the Einstein equations.
To recognize Newman’s lifetime of work at the forefront of general relativity, the American Physical Society has awarded him the 2011 Einstein Prize for his part in devising the renowned Newman-Penrose formalism—an extension of Einstein’s theory of general relativity—as well as for composing a variety of solutions to Einstein’s equations, particularly the Kerr-Newman black hole. The prize also commends Newman’s ongoing work to explain the significance of far-flung light energy.