The Hertz Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the nation’s most exceptional innovators, celebrates its ongoing collaboration with the American Physical Society (APS), the largest physics professional society in the world. The strategic collaboration is designed to strengthen scientific leadership, expand public engagement, and connect two of the nation’s most influential scientific communities.
The partnership unites two organizations dedicated to advancing American science and technology. The collaboration recently culminated with the Hertz Foundation’s participation during the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ)—a United Nations-proclaimed initiative for which APS served as a founding partner.
As a sponsor of IYQ, the Hertz Foundation leveraged its community of over 1,300 doctoral fellows to drive global conversations on the future of quantum. Hertz Fellows, including Kenneth Brown, a leading researcher in ion trap quantum computing at Duke University, and Daniel Slichter, physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, have led talks and expert convenings that translate complex quantum breakthroughs for both technical audiences and the broader public.
“APS is proud to partner with the Hertz Foundation to connect two communities that share a deep commitment to rigorous science and its power to transform society.”
Claudia Fracchiolla
While contributing their technical expertise through the partnership, Hertz Fellows gain invaluable access to the APS Science Trust Project, helping them sharpen their impact as public-facing scientists. This initiative equips scientists with evidence-based communication skills to address misinformation and foster public trust. Fellows will also participate in joint programming at the upcoming 2026 APS Global Physics Summit and CU*iP taking place in Denver in March, deepening their ties to the global physics community.
“APS is proud to partner with the Hertz Foundation to connect two communities that share a deep commitment to rigorous science and its power to transform society,” said Claudia Fracchiolla, global coordinator of the IYQ secretariat and head of public engagement at the American Physical Society. “Together, we are helping the next generation of scientific leaders ensure their work is not only understood but also trusted by the public they serve.”
“By joining forces with APS, we are providing our Fellows with powerful new platforms to lead, communicate, and build the public trust that modern science requires to thrive.”
Wendy Connors
This partnership comes at a time when the impact of physics on daily life is more significant than ever. As fields like quantum science move from the lab into the real world, both organizations recognize that clear, credible communication is an essential part of a scientist’s toolkit. By prioritizing public engagement, this collaboration ensures that the next generation of leaders can effectively share the value of their work with the society they serve.
“This partnership reflects the core mission of the Hertz community: exceptional scientists who view their work as a responsibility to the nation and the world,” said Wendy Connors, president of the Hertz Foundation. “By joining forces with APS, we are providing our Fellows with powerful new platforms to lead, communicate, and build the public trust that modern science requires to thrive.”
Joint programming will continue throughout 2026, featuring a shared presence at the Global Physics Summit and ongoing collaboration on initiatives born from the International Year of Quantum.
About the American Physical Society
The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world. Learn more at aps.org.
About the Hertz Foundation
The Hertz Foundation is the nation’s preeminent nonprofit organization committed to advancing American scientific and technological leadership. For more than 60 years, it has stood as an unwavering pillar of independent support through the renowned Hertz Fellowship, cultivating a multidisciplinary network of innovators whose work has positively impacted millions of lives. Learn more at hertzfoundation.org.
