The history of physics in Cuba is intimately connected to Cuba’s relationships with the Soviet Union, other socialist countries, and other parts of Latin America and Europe. But the history also reflects the strength, character, and resilience of the Cuban people.
A Spanish colony until 1898, Cuba formally gained independence in 1902. Growing social ferment resulted in the revolution that overthrew Fulgencio Batista in 1959. The new government promoted deep and ambitious changes in every aspect of society and encouraged modernization and the development of science and industry. In 1961, a general campaign of widespread mobilization eliminated illiteracy from the country. An advanced system of research and higher education was built up in the following decades.
That growth was an extremely difficult task. Since 1960, collaboration with socialist countries—particularly the Soviet Union—played an increasing role, one whose relevance can hardly be overestimated. But many scientists invited from nonsocialist countries also...
