The establishment of the Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies, 1936 - 1948

Abstract

This thesis investigates the establishment of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) and its three schools in the period 1936 to 1948. The initial two Schools of Theoretical Physics and Celtic Studies were established in 1940 and the third School of Cosmic Physics was added in 1947. In particular this research focuses on the School of Theoretical Physics and situates itself within the disciplines of twentieth-century Irish history and the history of science in Ireland. It contextualises the establishment of DIAS within the cultural and political situation in Ireland from the period 1936 to 1948. It investigates the earliest origins of DIAS as an effort to address the neglect ofscience in Ireland since the country gained independence. The availability of Dunsink Observatory to the State, where DIAS founder and Taoiseach Eamon de Valera once studied, acted as a catalyst for DIAS. The revival of Dunsink was problematic and its procurement for DIAS was delayed until 1947, when the School of Cosmic Physics was established.