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Overview and History

The George Gamow Memorial Lecture series honors the eminent Russian-born physicist, who joined the faculty of the Department of Physics at the University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ in 1956. Professor Gamow brought enormous enthusiasm and breadth to the teaching of undergraduate courses for non-science majors as well as graduate courses and seminars. He continued his research and award-winning writing on science until his death in 1968.

To honor Professor Gamow, the George Gamow Memorial Lectures were initiated in 1971 by the Department of Physics and his widow, Barbara Gamow. When Mrs. Gamow died in December 1975, she left in her will an endowment to the Regents of the University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ for the purpose of maintaining these free public science lectures at the University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ at Boulder. The 1978 lecture and all subsequent lectures have been supported by this generous bequest.

Lecture Series

The George Gamow Lecture Committee is proud to continue the tradition of presenting this series by bringing world-known scientists to the ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder campus. The 54th George Gamow Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Dr. Jennifer Doudna on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Previous Gamow Lecturers include 26 Nobel Laureates and dozens of award-winning researchers and scientists.

George Gamow - Gifted Physicist

A documentary describing the life of George Gamow is now available to stream on Youtube.