Instant Expert: Quantum mechanics and the future of physics

New Scientist presents ...

Instant Expert: Quantum mechanics and the future of physics

Saturday 9th November 2024, 10am - 5pm | Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS

*** EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ENDS ON SUNDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2024***

Get up to speed on the weird and wonderful world of quantum mechanics in this one-day intensive workshop. Our line-up of six leading quantum experts will explain this famously complex field in easily understandable language; perfect for those curious about the quantum but who may not have a science background.

Quantum theory is our best description of the microscopic world of atoms and their constituents. It has given us lasers, computers and nuclear reactors, and even tells us how the sun shines and why the ground beneath our feet is solid.

Yet the quantum world defies our everyday experiences – it is a place where objects can be in two places at once, influence each other at opposite sides of the cosmos and nothing is as it seems until you measure it. Why is the quantum world so strange? Where does it begin and end? And what does this mean for the bedrock of reality?

In attempting to address such frontier questions, physicists have come to realise that the quantum world promises exciting new technologies: the ability to communicate with absolute security, computers more powerful than anything built before and even quantum teleportation.

The six presentations at our Instant Expert will reveal:

• The core principles of quantum mechanics, including wave-particle duality, superposition, and entanglement.

• The groundbreaking experiments that shaped the field and continue to challenge our classical understanding of the universe.

• The real-world applications of quantum mechanics, from leading-edge technologies like quantum computing to the future of materials science.

• The philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, such as the ‘Many Worlds’ interpretation.

Talks and speakers:

TALK 1: The origins of quantum mechanics

Find out how a black body experiment led to Max Planck's revolutionary concept of 'quanta,' transforming our understanding of physics.

James Millen, Experimental quantum scientist, King's College, and Director of King's Quantum, multidisciplinary research initiative.

The seemingly simple experiment of heating a black body and observing how it emits heat led to a crisis in physics at the end of the 19th Century. To fix the equations to match the experiment, Max Planck introduced the theory of ‘quanta’ – that radiation consists of quanta with specific energies determined by a new fundamental constant. Join James Millen as he reveals how this insight laid the groundwork for the whole of modern physics.

TALK 2: Dualities in Quantum Physics

Explore duality in physics, uncovering deep connections in the quantum world, from quantum gravity to field theories.

Alejandra Castro, associate professor, DAMTP

In physics and mathematics the discovery of a duality is powerful and useful. A duality can mean that two different aspects of nature are connected mathematically. A duality can also give two different points of view when looking at the same object. In this masterclass, I will introduce the concept of duality and give examples (old and new) that shape our understanding of the quantum world. I will illustrate how we think of many modern concepts in this way, covering topics such as strongly coupled quantum field theories and quantum gravity.

TALK 3: Dualities in Quantum Physics Quantum Sensing & Metrology: The next frontier

Discover how advancements in quantum mechanics are creating sensors that exceed classical limits, enhancing our quality of life.

Jan-Theodoor Janssen FREng FinstP FIET, Chief Scientist, National Physical Laboratory

The invention of quantum mechanics is now nearly a century old, and you would have thought that most its applications would have been discovered. Nothing could be further from the truth. This field of research is more active than ever before with most of the attention going to quantum computing: a new form of computing based on the principles of quantum mechanics and is predicted to outperform any form of classical computing. Although the realisation of a useful quantum computer is still some years away, there are applications of quantum mechanics which are here and now and extremely exciting. Using delicate quantum effects, we can make sensors which allow us to measure signals beyond classical limits, opening up a whole new world for us to explore with huge potential impact for our prosperity and our quality of life. In this talk I will try to explain some of the weird and wonderful aspects of quantum mechanics and discuss a number of exciting sensing applications which result from it.

TALK 4: Philosophy and the Quantum Multiverse

Explores the quantum multiverse and the profound implications of the Everett interpretation for reality and our place in it.

Dr Emily Qureshi-Hurst, College Lecturer in Philosophy, University of Oxford

When quantum theory was developed, its interpretations raised many profound questions for philosophers, including how to understand the most fundamental levels of reality. There are several interpretations of Quantum Physics vying for supremacy, but one that has risen in prominence in recent years is the Everett (or Many Worlds) interpretation. Many Worlds raises deep philosophical questions about the nature of reality, the existence of parallel universes, and the place of the human in a quantum world. Join Emily Qureshi-Hurst as she explores the mind-bending philosophy of the quantum multiverse.

TALK 5: Constructing the world’s most incredible machines: Quantum Computers

Find out how quantum physics can power practical computers to tackle industry challenges, revolutionizing our work and lives.

Winfried Hensinger, Director of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies, University of Sussex

Making use of strange phenomena of quantum physics, such as superposition and entanglement (referred to by Einstein as spooky), it is possible to build computers that can solve important industry problems in a few hours, that would require millions of years on even the fastest supercomputer. Such problems include optimising financial transactions, creating new medicines, making aircraft engines more fuel efficient, simulate chemical reactions, breaking codes but really span across nearly any industry sector. The realisation of practical quantum computers will likely change the work we work and live. Hensinger will discuss breakthroughs in research at the University of Sussex and work via quantum computing company Universal Quantum to construct practical quantum computers capable of solving important industry problems.

TALK 6: Quantum Biology

Find out how scientific and technological advances have enabled us to zoom into the biological world. Allowing us to get down to the biomolecular scale, a domain where quantum phenomena can take place and therefore cannot be neglected.

Alexandra Olaya-Castro, Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London

Scientific and technological advances have enabled us to zoom into the biological world. We can get down to the biomolecular scale, a domain where quantum phenomena can take place and therefore cannot be neglected. Join Alexandra Olaya-Castro as she explores research on fundamental quantum principles underlying energy capture, transfer, and conversion at the biomolecular level. In this talk, discover how we develop theoretical approaches that bring together modern quantum science with physical chemistry and biology.

Who should attend?

This masterclass is designed for everyone who wants to leave this Instant Expert feeling confident discussing quantum mechanics and inspired by its potential to revolutionise the future of physics and beyond!

• Become an expert in one day

• Informal set-up, meet like minded people

• Open your mind, be inspired
• Unique chance to ask your burning questions to our experts

What's included in your ticket:

In-depth and engaging talks from six leading scientists

Ask-an-expert Question Time session

Your chance to meet our six speakers and New Scientist host

Exclusive on-the-day New Scientist subscription deal, book and merchandise offers Booking information:

The event will be held at the Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS

Doors will open at 9:15am, with talks commencing at 10am sharp. The event will finish at 5pm.

We require the name of each person attending - please ensure this is provided at the time of booking. If you need to change the name of an attendee, please notify us as soon as possible: [email protected]

Eventbrite will email you your ticket(s) immediately after purchase. Please remember to bring your ticket(s) with you as you'll need it to gain entry. We can scan tickets from a print out, or off the screen of a phone / tablet / smartwatch.

The schedule / exact running order for the day will be confirmed closer to the event, and will be emailed to all ticket holders.

Lunch will NOT be provided at this event. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, or purchase lunch at one of the many establishments in the surrounding area.

Should you require details about disabled access, please contact us at: [email protected]

Tickets are non-transferable to any other New Scientist event.

All tickets are non-refundable.

New Scientist reserves the right to alter the event and its line-up, or cancel the event. In the unlikely event of cancellation, all tickets will be fully refunded. New Scientist Ltd will not be liable for any additional expenses incurred by ticket holders in relation to the event.

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