Find Academic Supervisors

• Theoretical Physics
• Mathematical Physics
• Cosmology
• +4 more

Professor Kostas Skenderis holds the Chair in Mathematical Physics at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the School of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. He is a member of the String Theory and Holography research group and the Southampton Theory Astrophysics and Gravity (STAG) Research Centre. He has extensive involvement in research projects funded by prestigious organizations such as the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Royal Society, European Union, and Leverhulme Trust. Notable projects include 'New Frontiers in Particle Physics, Cosmology and Gravity' and 'Holographic Theory for the Very Early Universe,' demonstrating his focus on foundational theoretical physics and cosmology. His research interests encompass theoretical physics, mathematical physics, cosmology, quantum gravity, string theory, and holography. He explores topics like AdS/CFT correspondence, de Sitter spacetime, conformal field theories (CFT), and renormalization techniques, often bridging high-energy physics with gravitational and cosmological phenomena. In 2023, he served as an invited speaker for the 'The ambient space formalism: CFT at finite temperature' event. He currently supervises five PhD students in Mathematical Sciences and Physics, fostering the next generation of researchers in his field. Professor Skenderis collaborates across interdisciplinary projects, including the STAG Research Centre and the Physics Theory Consolidated Grant. His work addresses diverse challenges, from black hole dynamics to inflationary cosmology, leveraging holographic methods and advanced mathematical frameworks.

Yusef MalekiView profile

Research Fellow

• Quantum Physics
• Quantum Entanglement
• Quantum Metrology
• +2 more

Yusef Maleki is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Physics Department at Texas A&M University. His research explores advanced quantum phenomena including entanglement dynamics, quantum gravity interfaces, and quantum metrology frameworks. Key research areas: Quantum state engineering and control Entanglement in cosmological contexts Cavity QED and quantum lattice systems Quantum gravity and complementarity principles Recent publications investigate quantum speed limits, cosmic expansion effects on entanglement, and scalable quantum simulation platforms.

Christopher PopeView profile

Professor

• Theoretical High-Energy Particle Physics
• Quantum Gravity
• Superstring Theories
• +4 more

Christopher N. Pope is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Texas A&M University, holding the Distinguished Stephen Hawking Chair in Fundamental Physics. He is affiliated with the George P. & Cynthia W. Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics & Astronomy. Pope earned his BA (1975) and PhD (1980) from the University of Cambridge, with postdoctoral work at Imperial College London before joining Texas A&M in 1988. His research focuses on theoretical high-energy physics, including quantum gravity, superstring theories, general relativity, and applications of differential geometry. Notable contributions include studies on black hole thermodynamics, higher-dimensional spacetimes, and Einstein-Sasaki metrics. He has co-authored over 200 publications, including seminal works on rotating black holes in anti-de Sitter spacetimes and critical gravity theories. Pope’s teaching spans advanced topics in gravitation, electromagnetism, and mathematical methods. Courses include 'Gravitational Physics' (PHYS 647) and 'Electromagnetic Theory' series. His work bridges fundamental theory with geometric insights, influencing string theory and holography.

Ergin SezginView profile

Professor

• Quantum Gravity
• Supergravity
• Superstrings
• +5 more

Professor Ergin Sezgin is affiliated with the Texas A&M University through the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy . He received his bachelor's degree from Hacettepe University (Turkey) in 1975 and his Ph.D. from Stony Brook University in 1980. Research Interests: Sezgin's work focuses on quantum gravity and supergravity, superstring theory, higher-dimensional extended objects (notably supermembranes), infinite-dimensional symmetries, and metric-affine gravity. His recent publications explore ghost- and tachyon-free theories, exceptional field theory, and supergravity models. Recent Publications analyze 11D supergravity, E7(7) exceptional field theory, and R-symmetry gauged supergravities. These works span high-energy theoretical physics, quantum field theory, and geometric approaches to gravity.

Louise A. DolanView profile

Professor

• Theoretical particle physics
• Gauge theories
• Quantum gravity
• +4 more

Louise A. Dolan is a Kenan Distinguished Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . She earned her B.A. from Wellesley College (1971) and Ph.D. from MIT (1976), followed by postdoctoral and faculty positions at Harvard Society of Fellows, Rockefeller University, and UNC-Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on quantum gravity , string theory , and theoretical particle physics , with connections to cosmology and high-energy physics . She leads a research group at UNC-Chapel Hill, which participates in the CoSMS Institute alongside astrophysics and nuclear physics programs. Research Highlights : Investigations into quantum gravity phenomenology and foundational questions in string theory. Work on combining quantum mechanics and gravity via M-theory and F-theory . Analysis of low-energy effective field theories from superstring compactification. Scientific Awards Phi Beta Kappa (1969) Sigma Xi (1970) Fulbright Scholarship (1971) Maria Goeppert-Mayer Award (1987) Guggenheim Fellowship (1988) Wellesley Alumnae Achievement Award (2004)

Devin CrichtonView profile

Professor

• Cosmology
• Astrophysics
• Galaxy Clusters
• +5 more

Dr. Devin Crichton holds the Professorship for Physics at ETH Zürich, focusing on observational cosmology and radio astronomy. His research centers on large-scale structure studies, galaxy cluster physics, and cosmic microwave background (CMB) analysis through major experiments like the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) and the Hydrogen Intensity Real-Time Analysis eXperiment (HIRAX). Key projects include developing SKA simulation frameworks and investigating 21cm intensity mapping for cosmological insights. His work spans telescope instrumentation (e.g., HIRAX antenna design), CMB power spectrum analysis, and SZ-selected cluster catalogs. Contributions include advancing understanding of cosmic string wakes and quasar feedback mechanisms through multi-wavelength observations. Dr. Crichton collaborates on international initiatives such as the Simons Observatory and LiteBIRD, addressing questions about dark energy, neutrino physics, and early universe cosmology. His technical expertise includes data pipeline development for real-time analysis and precision measurement systems for radio telescope noise characterization.

Alexandre RefregierView profile

Professor

• Cosmology
• Astrophysics
• Dark Energy
• +5 more

Prof. Alexandre Refregier is a Full Professor at the Department of Physics, ETH Zürich. He leads research in cosmology and astrophysics, focusing on dark energy, dark matter, and large-scale structure analysis using observational, theoretical, and instrumental approaches. His work spans gravitational lensing, cosmic microwave background, and galaxy cluster studies. He has contributed to major projects like the Dark Energy Survey and Euclid mission, leading instrumental development and data analysis efforts. Refregier holds a PhD from Columbia University (1997) and has held positions at institutions including Princeton University and the University of Cambridge. Education: PhD in Physics, Columbia University, 1997 M.Phil. and M.A. in Physics, Columbia University, 1992–1993 B.S. in Physics (Summa cum Laude), University of Texas at Austin, 1991 Research Interests: Dark energy/dark matter dynamics, weak lensing, baryon acoustic oscillations, cosmic microwave background analysis, and cosmological probes. His interdisciplinary methods combine theoretical modeling with cutting-edge observational techniques and instrument design. Key Contributions: Over 200 published papers (e.g., on Euclid mission instrumentation, joint lensing-CMB analyses, and baryonic feedback modeling). Active in developing simulation tools like PyCosmo and GalSBI for cosmological inference. Awards/Grants: Not explicitly listed, but his leadership in major collaborations implies significant funding and recognition. Active in Simons Foundation-supported research. Labs/Teams: Leads the Cosmology Group at ETH Zurich, involved in Euclid's science and instrument teams, and collaborates on projects like HIRAX and SKA simulations.

Aaron HillmanView profile

Researcher

• Theoretical Physics
• String Theory
• Quantum Gravity
• +3 more

Aaron Hillman is a Dubridge Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in Theoretical Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy. His research focuses on foundational questions in theoretical physics, particularly in string theory, quantum gravity, cosmology, and scattering amplitudes. He explores topics such as S-matrix principles, bootstrap methods, and holographic dualities. His work bridges mathematical rigor with physical intuition, addressing challenges in UV/IR divergence structures, cosmological correlators, and phenomenological implications of string models. His research interests span a spectrum of advanced theoretical topics, including: Bootstrap approaches to string scattering and conformal field theories Quantum gravity in de Sitter and asymptotically flat spacetimes Mathematical structures of Feynman integrals and polytopes Emergent time and cosmological dynamics Phenomenological models linking string theory to particle physics Hillman's recent publications highlight a focus on precision methods for scattering amplitudes, cosmological wavefunctions, and the interplay between UV/IR divergences. His work often combines numerical bootstrap techniques with analytical approaches to uncover universal principles governing physical systems. While no awards are explicitly listed, his research trajectory reflects active engagement with cutting-edge theoretical questions. No advising or grant details are available in the provided texts. His affiliation with Caltech's theoretical physics division suggests collaboration opportunities with major facilities like the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM) and the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics (WBITP).

• Differential Geometry
• Geometric Analysis
• Partial Differential Equations
• +6 more

Klaus Kröncke is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. He is part of the research group in Differential Geometry and General Relativity within the Division of Analysis, Dynamics, Geometry, Number Theory and PDE. His academic journey began with diploma studies in Mathematics at the University of Vienna, followed by a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Potsdam under the supervision of Christian Bär, funded by the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics. Prior to joining KTH, he served as an assistant professor at the University of Hamburg and was a visiting professor at the University of Tübingen during 2020-2021. He also held a postdoc position at the University of Regensburg. Dr. Kröncke's research focuses on the intersection of differential geometry, geometric analysis, partial differential equations, and general relativity. His work centers on special geometric structures, particularly Einstein metrics and Ricci solitons, investigating their stability properties and the structure of their moduli spaces. He has made significant contributions to the study of geometric flows, especially Ricci flow, and has explored nonlinear stability problems in general relativity. His research approach combines deep theoretical insights with rigorous mathematical analysis to address fundamental questions in geometric analysis. Analysis of Dr. Kröncke's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on stability phenomena in geometric structures. His work spans from abstract mathematical investigations of Einstein manifolds to concrete applications in general relativity. A notable trend is his increasing focus on manifolds with singularities and boundary conditions, reflecting the growing importance of these structures in both mathematics and theoretical physics. His collaborations span multiple institutions across Europe, demonstrating the international recognition of his expertise in geometric analysis. Dr. Kröncke's research is supported by prestigious foundations: The Göran Gustafsson Foundation (project "Aspects of stability for the Einstein equation" 2022-2026) The Verg foundation (project "Geometric foliations and curvature flows for null hypersurfaces in general relativity" 2023-2025) As an advisor, Dr. Kröncke currently supervises PhD student Rasmus Johansen Jouttijärvi and has previously advised Áron Szabó (2016-2021). He leads a research team that includes postdocs Markus Wolff and Louis Yudowitz. His mentoring extends to numerous postdoctoral researchers including Sari Ghanem, Felix Lubbe, Francesca Oronzio, Oliver Petersen, and Alan Pinoy. Dr. Kröncke is actively involved in organizing academic events, having co-organized conferences such as "Einstein Spaces and Special Geometry" at the Institute Mittag-Leffler (2023) and "Scalar curvature rigidity" block seminar (2025).

Marcus BergView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Computing
• String Theory
• +5 more

Marcus Berg is a Professor of Physics at Karlstad University, specializing in theoretical physics with a focus on quantum computing, string theory, and mathematical physics. His research integrates advanced theoretical frameworks with practical educational methodologies in physics teaching. He holds an affiliation with the Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering within the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology. His research interests span quantum entanglement, modular invariance in critical models, automorphic forms, and axion-like particle physics. He has contributed to pedagogical innovations in mechanics education and textbook development for modern physics. Notable work includes explorations of string theory amplitudes, Calabi-Yau orientifolds, and supersymmetry phenomenology. Recent articles highlight advancements in quantum simulation, topological phases, and modular form deformations. His work bridges foundational theoretical physics with practical educational strategies, emphasizing hands-on mechanics exercises and active learning techniques. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. He has advised no listed students but has collaborated extensively with researchers like Jesper Haglund, Igor Buchberger, and Daniel Persson. His research often intersects with high-energy physics, cosmology, and mathematical structures in quantum field theory.

• Theoretical Particle Physics
• Beyond the Standard Model
• Phenomenology
• +4 more

Anson Hook is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Maryland. He holds the Richard A. Ferrell Distinguished Faculty Fellowship and is affiliated with the Maryland Center for Fundamental Physics. Hook's research focuses on theoretical particle physics, particularly theories beyond the Standard Model, dark matter phenomenology, and cosmological model building. His work includes analyzing particle physics signatures at colliders and designing experiments to detect dark matter candidates like axions and dark photons. Hook earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Stanford University (2012), followed by postdoctoral research at the Institute for Advanced Study and Stanford. He joined the University of Maryland faculty in 2018. He teaches advanced courses such as Physics 851 (Advanced Quantum Field Theory) and Physics 624 (Advanced Quantum Mechanics). His research interests span axion physics, dark matter detection strategies, gravitational wave cosmology, and early universe models. Notable contributions include studies of axion-dark photon interactions, CMB spectral distortions, and experimental proposals using ultra-high Q cavities. Hook's work bridges particle physics theory with cutting-edge experimental techniques, aiming to uncover new physics beyond the Standard Model. Key awards include the Richard A. Ferrell Distinguished Faculty Fellowship. His research group collaborates on initiatives like the Dark SRF cavity experiment and contributes to international efforts like the Muon Collider white paper. Future work emphasizes gravitational wave probes of fundamental physics and precision tests of dark sector interactions.

Juan MaldacenaView profile

Professor

• quantum gravity
• string theory
• quantum field theory
• +2 more

Juan Maldacena is the Carl P. Feinberg Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study, specializing in Theoretical Physics. His academic career spans prestigious institutions including Harvard University and Rutgers University. His research focuses on quantum gravity, string theory, and quantum field theory, with particular emphasis on the relationship between quantum gravity and quantum field theories. Maldacena has made significant contributions to understanding the deep connection between black holes and quantum field theories, as well as exploring the connection between string theory and cosmology. His work has elucidated various aspects of both quantum gravity and quantum field theories through the AdS/CFT correspondence, one of the most important developments in theoretical physics in recent decades. Maldacena has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to theoretical physics, including the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, the Albert Einstein Medal, and the MacArthur Fellowship. Mencion de Honor Diputado Nacional Dr. Juan Bautista Alberdi, Cámara de Diputados, Argentina (2022) Galileo Galilei Medal (2019) Albert Einstein Medal (2018) Lorentz Medal (2018) Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics (2012) Dirac Prize and Medal (2008) Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics (2007) As a member of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, Maldacena has significantly influenced modern theoretical physics. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Buenos Aires (2019) and KU Leuven (2022), further cementing his international reputation as a leading theoretical physicist.

Victor GorbenkoView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Gravity
• String Theory
• +4 more

Prof. Victor Gorbenko, born in Saint Petersburg (1989), is a leading theoretical physicist at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) since 2022 as head of the Laboratory for Theoretical Fundamental Physics. He obtained his PhD from New York University (2015) for research on confining flux tubes and two-dimensional gravity, following his degree at Saint-Petersburg State University (2010). His career includes postdoctoral research at Stanford University and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Education: Saint-Petersburg State University (BS), New York University (PhD) Prof. Gorbenko's research spans quantum gravity , string theory , and cosmology , with a focus on flux tubes, de Sitter space holography, and gravitational correlators. His recent work explores T\bar T deformations, bra-ket wormholes, and cosmological observables via effective field theory. The Laboratory for Theoretical Fundamental Physics at EPFL, under his leadership, investigates foundational problems in theoretical physics, including applications of integrability and conformal field theory to gravitational phenomena.

Furqaan YusafView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Physics Education Research
• Theoretical Particle Physics
• Cosmology
• +3 more

Furqaan Yusaf is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at King's College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. He contributes to both Physics Education Research (PER) and Theoretical Particle Physics & Cosmology (TPPC) groups. His research focuses on evidence-based education strategies for physics teaching/learning and explores particle physics beyond the Standard Model, including supersymmetry, extra dimensions, and string theory. In 2022, he received an academic promotion to Senior Lecturer through NMES promotions. His office is located in the Strand Building, Strand Campus, London.

• Theoretical Physics
• String Theory
• General Relativity
• +5 more

Jelle Hartong is a Lecturer in Theoretical Physics at the University of Edinburgh's School of Mathematics. His research focuses on non-relativistic gravity, string theory, and fluid dynamics, with a particular interest in symmetry structures such as Carrollian and Galilean systems. He completed his undergraduate and doctoral studies at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, before embarking on postdoctoral positions in Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, and Amsterdam. His work bridges high-energy physics and gravitational theories, exploring topics like black hole thermodynamics, holography, and non-relativistic limits of string theories. He actively teaches advanced undergraduate courses, including 'Variational Calculus,' while adapting to online teaching methodologies during recent years. Education: Bachelor's and Master's in Theoretical Physics, University of Groningen (Netherlands) PhD in Theoretical Physics, University of Groningen Research Interests: Hartong’s work centers on understanding non-relativistic limits of relativistic theories, particularly in string theory and gravity. He investigates Carrollian spacetimes, fluid dynamics in non-relativistic regimes, and the interplay between symmetries and holographic dualities. His contributions to Newton-Cartan geometry and fracton models highlight his exploration of novel geometric and algebraic structures in theoretical physics. Teaching & Outreach: He teaches advanced undergraduate courses in variational calculus and theoretical physics, emphasizing hands-on problem-solving. Despite challenges with online teaching, he maintains a commitment to student engagement through structured lectures and extended office hours. Labs & Collaborations: As part of Edinburgh’s School of Mathematics, Hartong contributes to the 'Structure & Symmetry' research group, collaborating on projects at the intersection of gravity, quantum field theory, and mathematical physics.