It was a groundbreaking discovery 25 years ago that remains relevant today - University of Houston physics professor Paul Chu achieved superconductivity at a temperature that would usher in a new era in materials science. To celebrate this historic achievement, the Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH (TcSUH) is hosting a special 25th Anniversary Symposium on Creativity and Innovation on Monday (Nov. 19) at the Hilton University of Houston.

The symposium will provide a unique opportunity for Nobel laureates and world-renowned scientists to share their personal insights on discoveries in materials and their impact on science and technology.

The event is free and open to the public. It runs from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and then from 1:30 p.m.- 6:10 p.m. in the Hilton's Shamrock Ballroom.

Chu, founding director and now chief scientist of TcSUH, said the symposium will feature discussions by some of the top minds in the world of materials, with an emphasis on superconductivity research. Experts will also discuss how the discoveries have helped shape public policy.

"Superconductivity is one of the few subjects in science that has intellectual challenges as well as the technological promises," Chu said.

"Therefore, it has attracted scientists from different fields, such as physics, chemistry, material science and engineering. The progress in the last 25 years has brought some of its applications a giant step closer to reality."

Allan Jacobson, TcSUH director and the Robert A. Welch Chair of Science and Professor of Chemistry at UH, said he is pleased with the response of U.S. and international scientists who will come together for the symposium, including several former TcSUH students.

"An outstanding group of distinguished scientists will help us celebrate our anniversary by sharing their knowledge with the public," Jacobson said.

Featured presenters for the morning session, "Creativity and Innovation in Frontiers of Materials Science and Technology" include:

+ K. Alex Mueller, (video lecture) IBM Zurich Research Laboratory, Ruschlikon and Department of Physics, University of Zurich; 1987 Nobel Prize in Physics for superconductivity in ceramic materials.

+ Sir Anthony J. Leggett, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor and Center for Advanced Study Professor of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; 2003 Nobel Prize in Physics for the theory of superconductors and superfluids.

+ David M. Lee, Distinguished Professor of Physics, Physics and Astronomy Department at Texas A and M University; 1996 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of superfluidity in helium-3.

+ Leon N. Cooper, (live, by video), Thomas J. Watson, Sr. Professor of Science and Director of the Institute for Brain and Neural Systems at Brown University; 1972 Nobel Prize in Physics for the BCS theory of superconductivity.

+ Robert Curl, University Professor Emeritus, Pitzer-Schlumberger Professor of Natural Sciences Emeritus and Professor of Chemistry Emeritus, Rice University;1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of fullerenes.

+ Samuel C. C. Ting, Thomas D. Cabot Professor of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology;1976 Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering the subatomic J/? particle.

Chu gained global recognition in 1987 when he and his colleagues achieved superconductivity above 77 degrees Kelvin, the boiling point of liquid nitrogen, with the discovery of the high temperature superconductor YBCO.

For a full agenda and to RSVP for the event, please visit here