Brown Physics mourns the passing of Professor Chung-I Tan

By Valerie DeLaCámara with additional input from Corrine Tan

For more than five decades, Professor Chung-I Tan was a vibrant part of the life of Brown’s Department of Physics, advancing fundamental questions in theoretical physics while building a community he considered an “extended family.” Tan, who joined the Brown faculty in 1970, died on April 8, 2026.

A distinguished theoretical physicist, Chung-I conducted research in high-energy physics and the fundamental forces that govern matter. Throughout his extensive career, he was recognized for both his scholarly contributions and his dedication to mentorship. He played a central role in the department’s development while serving as chair from 2004 to 2010.

Chung-I earned his A.B. in physics and mathematics, and his Ph.D. in physics, both from the University of California, Berkeley. After beginning his academic career at Princeton, he joined Brown. His research took him to major institutions worldwide, including Brookhaven, Lawrence Berkeley, the Aspen Center, the Université Paris–Orsay, and CERN. Many of these collaborations were decades long.

A self-described “physics gypsy,” Chung-I once expressed feeling “bonded together by some mystical forces” with fellow physicists. Like the conferences they attended, which took them to various locations, they followed the specific paths of their scientific pursuits. Nevertheless, Brown University remained his home.

Over time, Chung-I shaped a department based on collaboration and personal connection. He often described Brown Physics as an “extended family,” and highly valued his close bonds with students, colleagues, and staff across generations. These connections extended beyond the department. He remained close to longtime friends and supporters of Brown Physics, including Warren Galkin and his wife, Joyce, whose shared commitment to physics excellence reflected the enduring relationships that Chung-I fostered throughout his career.

A cornerstone of Professor Tan’s legacy is the value he placed on connecting with and mentoring numerous graduate students, now in distinguished careers around the world.

At his 2023 retirement celebration, colleagues praised Chung-I’s rare blend of intellectual depth and kindness, creating an environment where ideas and people flourished. Reflecting on a career at Brown Physics that spanned over fifty years, Chung-I commented that “it seemed like just yesterday” that he had first arrived in Providence. Alongside his wife Corinne, an elementary school teacher, he proceeded to create a vibrant life and strong community based at Brown and in Rhode Island.

Department Chair Vesna Mitrović stated that Chung-I’s presence shaped the department in lasting ways, adding that he will be deeply missed.