As we approach the centennial of Rutherford's discovery of the atomic nucleus, nuclear physics continues to be a challenging and dynamic discipline, A century ago, nuclear physics began as the study of the structure and properties of atomic nuclei as assemblages of protons and neutrons,. Research focused on nuclear reactions, the nature of radioactivity, and the synthesis of new isotopes and new elements heavier than uranium. Great benefit, especially to medicine, emerged from these efforts. Today, nuclear physics is much more than this - its reach extends from the quarks and gluons that form the substructure of the once-elementary protons and neutrons, to the most dramatic of cosmic events, supernovae From a theoretical and experimental perspective, strong parallels even exist between the structure of complex nuclei and structures of interest in the emerging field of nanoscience. The impact of nuclear physics can be seen not only in basic science, but also in nuclear medicine, nuclear power, and numerous practical applications With its scope enlarged by landmark astro-physical discoveries and by the successful formulation of a theory of sub-nuclear matter, the study of nuclear physics is more broadly compelling than ever before.
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