The coming hurricane: early-career physicists and the crisis in American science

Parallel sessions at the American Physical Society’s Global Physics Summit reveal a stark divide The post The coming hurricane: early-career physicists and the crisis in American science appeared first on Physics World .

6 April 2026 at 07:29 pm

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The coming hurricane: early-career physicists and the crisis in American science

At the American Physical Society’s Global Physics Summit in Denver, a stark contrast between two parallel sessions highlighted the challenges facing American science. Attendees were presented with a choice between a session titled "The Crisis in American Science" and another, "How Early-Career Physicists Are Solving Society’s Greatest Challenges." This juxtaposition of sessions underscored the urgent need for addressing systemic issues in the field while also showcasing the promising work of young scientists.

The early-career physicists session began with a presentation by Rosimar Rios-Berrios, a physicist-turned-atmospheric-scientist at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. Rios-Berrios, originally from Puerto Rico, focused on understanding the development of hurricanes, a critical issue for those living in tropical regions and coastal areas. Her research aimed to uncover the atmospheric processes that transform gentle Caribbean breezes and fluffy clouds into devastating storms like Hurricane Maria in 2017, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives in Puerto Rico, and Hurricane Melissa in 2025, which devastated parts of Jamaica.

In previous studies, a specific type of atmospheric wave known as a convectively coupled Kelvin wave had been identified as a potential indicator of the early stages of tropical cyclones. These waves provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between the atmosphere and ocean that lead to the formation of hurricanes. Rios-Berrios's work is crucial for improving our understanding of these storms, which not only pose significant threats to human life and infrastructure but also have profound impacts on global climate patterns.

While the early-career physicists session offered a glimpse into the innovative research being conducted by the next generation of scientists, the parallel session on "The Crisis in American Science" addressed the systemic challenges facing the field. The crisis stems from a combination of factors, including inadequate funding, a shortage of qualified researchers, and a lack of diversity in the workforce. These issues threaten the future of American science and its ability to address pressing global challenges.

The Global Physics Summit provided a platform for early-career physicists to showcase their groundbreaking work, offering hope for the future of American science. However, it also highlighted the urgent need for addressing the crisis that the field is currently facing. The contrast between the two sessions underscored the importance of investing in the next generation of scientists while also tackling the systemic issues that threaten the sustainability of American science.

In conclusion, the American Physical Society’s Global Physics Summit revealed a stark divide between the challenges facing American science and the promising work of early-career physicists. While the latter group is tackling critical issues such as understanding hurricanes, the broader field faces a crisis that requires immediate attention. The summit served as a reminder of the need for continued investment in science and the importance of nurturing the next generation of researchers to ensure the future success of American science.

Source: Physics World

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