Thomas Mertens

Thomas Mertens is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ghent University's Faculty of Sciences. His research focuses on quantum gravity, string theory, and black hole physics, with particular expertise in Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity, the SYK model, and holographic principles. He has established himself as a leading researcher in lower-dimensional quantum gravity models and their connections to quantum information theory.

Dr. Mertens' research interests span Quantum Gravity, String Theory, General Relativity, Field Theory, and Black Hole Physics. His work primarily investigates solvable models of quantum gravity, particularly Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity and its supersymmetric extensions. He explores connections between quantum gravity in low dimensions and quantum information theory, with significant contributions to understanding black hole evaporation, entanglement islands, and the holographic nature of quantum gravity. His research often employs advanced mathematical techniques from quantum groups, representation theory, and conformal field theory to address fundamental questions about quantum spacetime.

Analysis of Dr. Mertens' publication record reveals a strong focus on Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity and its connections to the SYK model, quantum information, and holography. His recent work extends into q-deformed structures, modular doubles, and the mathematical foundations of gravity models. The research shows a clear progression from foundational work on string thermodynamics near black holes toward increasingly sophisticated treatments of quantum gravity in low dimensions, with a growing emphasis on connections to quantum information theory and computational aspects of gravity.

Dr. Mertens has supervised at least one PhD student (Andreas Blommaert, who completed in 2020) and maintains active research collaborations, particularly with Henri Verschelde (17 joint papers), Andreas Blommaert (9 papers), and David Dudal (4 papers). His research is supported through the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ghent University, where he contributes to projects focused on quantum gravity models and black hole horizons.

Dr. Mertens leads research within Ghent University's theoretical physics group, focusing on quantum gravity and its connections to quantum information. His team investigates mathematical structures underlying quantum gravity models, with particular attention to solvable systems that can provide insights into the quantum nature of spacetime and black holes.