APS President Sends Condolences to Japan

In the wake of the combined disasters of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami on March 11, followed by the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex, APS President Barry Barish sent letters to representatives of the Japanese Society of Applied Physics and the Physical Society of Japan. The letter to the Japanese Society of Applied Physics, dated March 14, follows:

"On behalf of the American Physical Society (APS), I would like to convey our deepest care and sympathy to the citizens of Japan and the Japan Society of Applied Physics for the tragedy that your country has suffered as a result of the earthquake and tsunami last week. We are saddened by the loss of lives and the extent of the devastation. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic event.

Along with our condolences for the loss of life and property, we share your concerns over the impact on your scientific community and facilities. We hope that our fellow scientists and their families are safe.

We join our colleagues worldwide in extending our sympathies to the Japanese people and the Japanese scientific community. Please know that the members of the American Physical Society are with you during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Barry Barish"