Former UCLA scholar donates $11M for theoretical physics institute

A philanthropist and former UCLA postdoctoral scholar in theoretical physics donated $11 million Tuesday to the physics and astronomy department, according to a UCLA press release.

The gift, from Mani L. Bhaumik, will establish an institute for theoretical physics bearing his name. It is the largest donation for the department or the physical sciences division.

“We are tremendously grateful to Mani for his vision and generosity,” said Joseph Rudnick, dean of the physical sciences division, in a statement. “It is through extraordinary gifts like this that the next big leaps will be made in science.”

Bhaumik helped develop the laser technology that would be used for Lasik eye surgery.

He has made donations in the past to establish the Mani L. Bhaumik Presidential Chair in Theoretical Physics and to support the work of a physics research group. His most recent donation is a part of UCLA’s Centennial Campaign.