Albert Einstein (1879–1955) Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist widely regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds in history. He was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany. Einstein is best known for developing the theory of relativity, particularly the famous equation E=mc², which explains the relationship between mass and energy. Einstein showed an early interest in mathematics and science and studied at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich. In 1905, while working at the Swiss Patent Office, he published four groundbreaking papers that revolutionized physics. This year is often called his “Annus Mirabilis” or “Miracle Year.” He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, which played a key role in the development of quantum theory. In the 1930s, Einstein fled Nazi Germany and settled in the United States, where he took a position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. He became an advocate for civil rights and world peace. Albert Einstein died on April 18, 1955. His work continues to influence modern science, technology, and philosophy.