Introduction and History

 

Princeton University, situated in Princeton, New Jersey, is a prestigious private research institution and a member of the Ivy League. Established in 1746 as the College of New Jersey in Elizabeth, it is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the United States and among the nine colonial colleges founded before the American Revolution. After initial relocations to Newark in 1747 and then to its current Princeton campus nine years later, the institution was formally designated as Princeton University in 1896. 

Princeton University holds the top position among National Universities in the 2024 Best Colleges ranking, with tuition and fees totaling $59,710. Governed by the Trustees of Princeton University, the university boasts a substantial endowment of $37.7 billion, the highest per-student endowment in the United States. With approximately 8,500 students enrolled, Princeton offers undergraduate and graduate programs spanning various disciplines across its expansive 600-acre campus.

Utilizing a residential college system, Princeton is renowned for its upperclassmen eating clubs and hosts a diverse array of over 500 student organizations, embodying a blend of historical and contemporary traditions. As a member of the NCAA Division I and the Ivy League, Princeton's athletic teams, known as the Princeton Tigers, have achieved numerous titles and have seen representation at the Olympic Games.  

Princeton University has a rich academic legacy, with affiliations to 75 Nobel laureates, 16 Fields Medalists, and 16 Turing Award laureates as of October 2021. Its main campus encompasses more than 200 buildings spread over 690 acres, while the James Forrestal Campus serves as a research and instructional complex. Conveniently located approximately an hour away from both New York City and Philadelphia by train, Princeton is led by its 20th president, Christopher Eisgruber, appointed in 2013 by the university's board of trustees.

Princeton Embarks on a Fresh Chapter in Quantum Science

Princeton's scientists and engineers are actively exploring the peculiar characteristics of particles, such as quantum entanglement and superposition, with the aim of pushing the boundaries of knowledge and developing innovative technologies. Over the course of more than a hundred years, scholars at Princeton have deepened their comprehension of the fundamental building blocks of matter and energy, leveraging these insights to devise tools that benefit various fields including computing, communications, medicine, energy, finance, and cryptography, both for the present and the future.

Princeton University holds a significant leadership position in the Co-Design Center for Quantum Advantage, part of the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018. Additionally, it houses the Princeton Center for Complex Materials, recognized as one of the NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers in the nation.

As quantum science presents immense potential for both fundamental research and practical applications, numerous leading research institutions will likely prioritize it in the future. Princeton stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, encompassing various techniques and platforms for utilizing quantum effects like entanglement and superposition, unlike many universities focusing on singular platforms.

Furthermore, Princeton boasts accomplished scholars addressing associated challenges crucial for unlocking the full potential of the quantum revolution. These efforts span disciplines such as chemistry, where novel materials supporting qubits are being developed, and computer science, which investigates quantum algorithm and compiler design. The university's conducive environment, characterized by its small size, collaborative community, and integrated structure, facilitates cross-disciplinary collaboration, allowing researchers to draw insights from diverse fields as they tackle interconnected quantum problems. Moreover, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, managed by the university for the Department of Energy, offers additional benefits. It provides the infrastructure for conducting experiments on a larger scale than feasible on campus and explores the potential of plasma in fabricating quantum devices and processors.

Looking ahead, Princeton aims to build upon its existing strengths through further investment, continuing its tradition of excellence, creativity, and innovation. With a rich history intertwined with quantum mechanics and a promising trajectory ahead, Princeton is poised to contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of quantum science.

From left: Quantum scientists Nathalie de Leon, Jeffrey Thompson, Robert Cava, and Stephen Lyon. - Denise Applewhite

Princeton university's commitment to sustainability

The Sustainability Action Plan builds upon Princeton's initial commitment to sustainability outlined in the 2008 Sustainability Plan. This commitment involves active participation from academics, operational teams, and the broader campus community. The 2008 plan set specific targets for operational improvements by 2020 and mandated yearly performance evaluations. Additionally, it introduced innovative approaches like utilizing the campus as a living laboratory and fostering engagement through various outreach efforts.

A notable aspect of the plan was its ambitious goal-setting, which encouraged creative problem-solving by identifying "innovation gaps." For instance, one significant target was reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 without relying on market offsets, pushing boundaries and stimulating inventive solutions.

To ensure effective execution, an external review by industry experts was conducted during the plan's implementation, leading to the establishment of governance committees. These committees played a crucial role in shaping sustainability principles and decision-making criteria, such as those related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction. These principles and criteria have since informed long-term initiatives like the 2026 Campus Plan and the current Sustainability Action Plan.

Some of the primary action plan goals were: 

History

The university's history is intertwined with the legacy of the "Log College," a seminary founded by Reverend William Tennent in Pennsylvania around 1726. Although not legally connected, many supporters and alumni of the Log College played significant roles in Princeton's early development. From its founding in 1746 until 1969, Princeton remained an all-male institution, often referred to as a "monastery." The admission of women began in 1961, with Sabra Follett Meservey becoming the first female graduate student, marking a significant milestone in the university's evolution.

                                           The Log College, an influential aspect of Princeton's development

                                                                       Princeton's mascot is the tiger