Dominican Republic establishes National Physicist Day to promote science

Santo Domingo.- The Academy of Sciences of the Dominican Republic (ACRD) officially presented National Physicist Day, which will be observed every June 3 under Presidential Decree No. 454-26, issued on July 6, 2026.

The ceremony, held at the Academy’s headquarters, brought together academics, researchers, educators, students and physics professionals, who highlighted the discipline’s role in the country’s scientific, technological and social development.

Melvin Arias, coordinator of the ACRD’s Commission of Basic Sciences and Technology, said the annual observance will help promote science outreach, strengthen physics education and encourage young people to pursue scientific careers.

The event included the reading of the presidential decree by Editrudis Beltrán Crisóstomo, a professor at the UASD School of Physics and former university rector. Attendees also observed a minute of silence in memory of deceased Dominican physicists.

At the close of the ceremony, SoDoFi recognized Beltrán and Emma Encarnación for their contributions to the development of physics in the Dominican Republic.

The initiative was supported by SoDoFi, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Mescyt), the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) and the Academy of Sciences. Organizers said the creation of National Physicist Day reinforces the country’s commitment to science, research and the training of future professionals.