Transforming Ideas: Selected Profiles in University of Rochester Research and Scholarship celebrates 150 years of excellence at the University of Rochester with profiles of paradigm-shifting ideas in scholarhsip and breakthroughs in research. Clearly evident is the University's commitment to serious research in many intellectual areas. The book emphasizes interdisciplinary work, such as the biopsychosocial model (with George L. Engel's innovations in psychiatry and medicine and Rober Ader inventing the field of psychoneuroimmunology); the Visual and Cultural Studies proram, which is helping to establish that scholarly field; and T.F. Williams' groundbreasking work to create the field of geriatric medicine. Established during the presidency of Rush Rhees, with Geroge Eastman's philanthropic and philosophical support, the Eastman School of Music and the School of Medicine and Dentistry have both made significant contributions. In political science, William Riker's school of rational choice theory has in two generations quickly come to dominate the academic landscape of the field.
The Laboratory for Laser Energetics has one groundbreaking credit after another to its name, in pursuit of fusion energy. In quantum optics, Emil Wolf, Leonard Mandel, and others are recognized internationally for their work. The International Conferences on High Energy Physics, now held at locations throughout the world, are still known as the 'Rochester Conferences' in recognition of their beginnings at the University. The William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration, among the top in the country, has made enormous contributions in the critical areas of finance, accounting, and organizational theory. Transforming Ideas spans the University of Rochester's many contributions in disciplines from medicine to art history, chemistry to business, political science to music, in commemoration of the University's sesquicentennial.