Ewain Gwynne is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Committee on Computational and Applied Mathematics (CCAM) and the Statistics Department. He previously held postdoctoral positions at the University of Cambridge and earned his Ph.D. from MIT in 2018 under Scott Sheffield. His research focuses on probability theory, particularly random geometric structures in statistical mechanics, including Schramm-Loewner evolution (SLE), Liouville quantum gravity (LQG), and random planar maps. Education: Ph.D. in Mathematics, MIT (2018); M.Sc., MIT (2015); B.Sc., Northwestern University (2013). Research Interests: Random geometric objects in statistical mechanics Liouville quantum gravity and its metric properties Random planar maps and their scaling limits SLE and its relationship with LQG Random walks on random planar maps Percolation and permutons His recent articles explore topics such as supercritical LQG, Gaussian curvature on random maps, and harmonic balls in LQG. He has advised multiple Ph.D. students and serves as an associate editor for Probability and Mathematical Physics . His work bridges probability theory, geometry, and mathematical physics, with applications to understanding critical phenomena in random systems.
Professor Jasper van Wezel is a distinguished academic in the field of Condensed Matter Theory at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science, where he serves as Professor in the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) within the Institute of Physics. With a career spanning over two decades, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (2014-2016) to Associate Professor (2016-2024) and currently holds the position of Professor since 2024. His academic journey began with a PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics from Leiden University in 2007, followed by prestigious fellowships at Argonne National Laboratory and Homerton College, Cambridge. PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2007 Master's diploma in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2003 Dutch VWO Diploma (cum laude), Dalton Scholengemeenschap, Den Haag, 1997 US High School Diploma (cum laude), Sanford High School, Maine, USA, 1998 Professor van Wezel's research focuses on several interconnected areas within Condensed Matter Theory. His work explores competing instabilities in Charge Density Wave materials, including Superconductivity and Charge Order, Combined Charge and Orbital Order, and Transition-metal dichalcogenides. He has made significant contributions to Topology in Condensed Matter, particularly examining the Role of crystal symmetries and Topology in non-Hermitian systems. A major theme in his research involves investigating the Connections between Quantum and Classical behaviour, with special emphasis on Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking both in equilibrium (The role of the Thin Spectrum) and dynamically (Spontaneous loss of Unitarity). Analysis of Professor van Wezel's recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems, with particular attention to topological aspects, symmetry breaking, and connections to fundamental physics concepts like black hole thermodynamics. His work often bridges theoretical concepts with potential experimental realizations, as evidenced by studies on electron patterns in materials like TaS2 and theoretical frameworks for understanding quantum phase transitions. Bristol Physics Teaching Award (2014) Students' Award for Outstanding Teaching (2014) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2014) Aneesur Rahman Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory (2010-2012) Junior Research Fellowship at Homerton College, Cambridge (2007-2010) Physics 'Discovery of the year' by Leiden University Physics department (2005) 'Onderwijsprijs Natuurkunde' teaching award (2004/2005) Professor van Wezel has secured numerous research grants including an ENW-M grant (2023), an ENW-Groot project with Leiden University (2021), and a prestigious VIDI personal grant from NWO (2014). He has supervised over 50 students at various levels, including PhD candidates, MSc students, and BSc students, fostering the next generation of physicists. His leadership extends to organizing conferences, serving on PhD committees, and holding administrative roles such as chair of the educational committee for the Dutch Research School in Theoretical Physics. His research group at the University of Amsterdam's Institute for Theoretical Physics maintains active collaborations with institutions worldwide, including Leiden University, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, and research centers in France, Germany, and Poland. The group's work combines analytical theoretical approaches with computational methods to tackle fundamental questions in quantum condensed matter physics.
Simone Giombi is a Professor of Physics at Princeton University and currently serves as Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies. He holds a B.Sc. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Bologna, Italy, and a Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy from Stony Brook University (2007). His research focuses on high-energy theoretical physics, quantum field theory, string theory, and their interconnections, particularly exploring higher-spin gravity and holographic dualities. He has held postdoctoral positions at Harvard University and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Giombi's work includes groundbreaking contributions to AdS/CFT correspondence, Wilson loop defects, and quantum M2 branes. He has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the New Horizons in Physics Prize (2017) and the SIGRAV Prize (2014). His recent articles (2022–2025) emphasize non-planar corrections in ABJM theory, boundary reparametrizations in AdS2, and RG interfaces from double-trace deformations. His research also engages with fermionic CFTs, line defects, and quantum fluctuations in Wilson loops. Awards: New Horizons in Physics Prize (2017), SIGRAV Prize (2014) Advising: Students include Yagmur Erhan and Jieru Shan Labs/Teams: Active in Princeton's High Energy Theory Group
Sergei Gukov is the John D. MacArthur Professor of Theoretical Physics and Mathematics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he has been a faculty member since 2005. He serves in the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy, with primary affiliation in the Department of Mathematics. His research bridges the fields of mathematics and theoretical physics, focusing on deep connections between geometry, topology, and quantum field theory. Gukov received his B.S. from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology in 1997, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. from Princeton University in 2001. He joined Caltech as an Associate Professor in 2005, was promoted to Professor in 2007, and was named the John D. MacArthur Professor in 2021. His research spans several interconnected areas at the frontier of mathematics and physics. A central theme is the exploration of quantum topology and its connections to mathematical physics. He has made significant contributions to the geometric Langlands program, gauge theory, and the categorification of knot and 3-manifold invariants. His recent work increasingly incorporates machine learning approaches to mathematical problems, reflecting his interest in the intersection of traditional mathematical research and modern computational techniques. Gukov's work often reveals deep connections between seemingly disparate areas of mathematics and physics, such as the relationship between Rozansky-Witten geometry and Coulomb branches in supersymmetric gauge theories. Gukov's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the mathematical structures underlying quantum field theories and their topological implications. His recent work shows an increasing emphasis on computational approaches to mathematical problems, particularly through his interest in mathematics and machine learning. The recurring themes across his research include the application of physical insights to solve mathematical problems and the discovery of new mathematical structures through physical reasoning. He serves on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals including the Journal of Knot Theory and Its Ramifications, Communications in Mathematical Physics, and Letters in Mathematical Physics. Gukov is also active in the academic community, having delivered plenary talks at major conferences such as the First International Congress of Basic Science and presenting at String Math 2023 on the potential impact of AI on mathematical research. Gukov teaches Ma 146 ab, Introduction to Knot Theory and Quantum Topology, a course that reflects his research interests. He also runs a seminar on Mathematics and Machine Learning, held Tuesdays from 2-3pm in East Bridge Conference room 114, demonstrating his commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mathematics and computational methods.
Carlo Rovelli is a Professeur de classe exceptionnelle in the Department of Physics at Aix-Marseille University, holding adjunct roles at Western University's Department of Philosophy and a Distinguished Visiting Research Chair at the Perimeter Institute. He founded the quantum gravity group at the Centre de Physique Théorique (CPT) and is an associate member of the Rotman Institute of Philosophy. His research focuses on loop quantum gravity, relational quantum mechanics, and the history/philosophy of science. He authored influential popular science books including Seven Brief Lessons on Physics (41 languages, 1M+ copies sold) and Helgoland: Making Sense of the Quantum Revolution . Rovelli's work bridges theoretical physics with philosophical inquiry, exploring foundational questions in quantum mechanics, spacetime structure, and the interpretation of physical theories. His recent publications address topics like quantum information theory, gauge symmetries, black hole evaporation, and cosmological implications of quantum gravity.
Julio Parra-Martinez is a Permanent Professor at the Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques (IHES) since 2024. Originally from Spain, he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Valencia, followed by a MASt in Applied Mathematics from the University of Cambridge in 2015, and a PhD in Physics from UCLA in 2020. Prior to joining IHES, he was a Sherman Fairchild Prize Postdoctoral Fellow at Caltech for three years and an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia for one year. His educational background includes: Undergraduate: University of Valencia, Spain MASt in Applied Mathematics: University of Cambridge (2015) PhD in Physics: University of California Los Angeles (2020) Parra-Martinez is a theoretical physicist specializing in quantum field theory, scattering amplitudes, gravitation, effective field theories, and string theory. His recent work focuses on importing techniques from particle physics to classical general relativity, with applications to gravitational-wave and black-hole physics. He has made significant contributions to understanding how scattering amplitude techniques, originally developed for particle colliders, can be applied to gravitational systems. His research bridges the gap between quantum field theory and classical gravity, particularly in the context of binary black hole systems and gravitational wave emission. His publication record shows a consistent focus on using scattering amplitude methods to tackle problems in gravitational physics. Over the past five years, he has published extensively on post-Minkowskian expansions, gravitational waveforms, soft theorems, and connections between quantum field theory and classical gravity. His work often involves collaborations with leading researchers in the field and demonstrates how techniques from particle physics can be adapted to gravitational systems, particularly in the context of extreme mass ratio binaries and gravitational wave physics. Among his notable scientific achievements are: Mayhew Prize (2015) Fulbright Fellowship (2015-2020) Sherman Fairchild Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship Parra-Martinez is actively involved in the theoretical physics community, with numerous upcoming seminars, talks, and lectures scheduled through 2026 at institutions worldwide including ICTP Trieste, Universidade de Sao Paulo, University of Southampton, and others. His research program continues to explore the connections between particle physics techniques and gravitational physics, with particular emphasis on gravitational wave astronomy and black hole physics.
Tim Cohen is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Oregon, with affiliations at CERN and EPFL's Lausanne Theory Physics Laboratory. He is based at the Institute for Fundamental Science within the Department of Physics at the University of Oregon's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on theoretical particle physics, particularly exploring phenomena beyond the Standard Model. Dr. Cohen's research interests center on particle physics beyond the Standard Model, with specific expertise in Large Hadron Collider phenomenology, effective field theory, electroweak naturalness, and dark matter. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with experimental possibilities at major particle physics facilities. His research program encompasses both theoretical developments in quantum field theory and practical applications to collider physics and cosmology. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on effective field theory applications, de Sitter space physics, and dark sector phenomenology. His work demonstrates sophisticated mathematical approaches to problems in quantum field theory while maintaining connections to observable phenomena at particle colliders and in cosmological settings. He frequently collaborates with researchers across institutions including CERN, EPFL, and various US universities. Dr. Cohen serves as a senior researcher with active roles at multiple institutions, contributing to major collaborative efforts such as the Snowmass community planning process for particle physics. His work appears in leading journals including Journal of High Energy Physics, Physical Review D, and Physics Letters B, demonstrating consistent productivity and impact in the field. His research group operates within the Institute for Fundamental Science at the University of Oregon, with additional connections to theoretical physics groups at CERN and EPFL. This international collaboration network enables him to work at the intersection of theoretical developments and experimental frontiers in particle physics.
Professor Kellogg Stelle is a distinguished academic in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He holds the title of Professor of Physics and is part of research groups including the Physics of Universe and Theoretical Physics. His academic career includes a PhD from Brandeis University (1972–1977) and an AB in History and Science from Harvard University (1966–1970). His research focuses on Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics; Mathematical Physics; Quantum Physics; Astronomical and Space Sciences; Pure and Applied Mathematics. He has made significant contributions to supergravity, string theory, and cosmology, exploring topics like higher-order gravity, braneworld models, and quantum gravity phenomena. His work often bridges theoretical frameworks and cosmological implications, emphasizing unification theories and symmetry principles. Professor Stelle’s publications reflect a deep engagement with advanced topics such as compactification on Calabi-Yau manifolds, localized gravity in braneworld scenarios, and the ultraviolet problem in supergravity. His research often intersects with cutting-edge areas like quantum geometry and holography, contributing to foundational debates in theoretical physics. Affiliations include the Physics of Universe and Theoretical Physics groups at Imperial College, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to fundamental physics. He is fluent in French, Russian, Italian, and German, enhancing his international collaborations.
Oliver Schlotterer holds the position of Associate Professor at Uppsala University, affiliated with both the Department of Mathematics (Centre for Geometry and Physics) and the Department of Physics and Astronomy (Theoretical Physics). His research focuses on theoretical physics and mathematical structures in string theory, particularly exploring string amplitudes, modular forms, and algebraic geometry. He has contributed to understanding one-loop string amplitudes, modular graph forms, and supersymmetric field theories. Education: Not explicitly detailed in the provided text. Departments: Joint appointment in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. His research interests include the interplay between string theory and mathematical frameworks like modular forms, algebraic geometry, and polylogarithmic functions. Recent work emphasizes chiral-splitting techniques, cyclic products of kernels, and the coaction principle in scattering amplitudes. Collaborations span topics from supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories to Einstein-Yang-Mills systems. Publications highlight advancements in string perturbation theory, including studies on non-holomorphic modular forms, genus-one integrals, and the single-valued map in string theory. His work often bridges high-energy physics with number-theoretic structures, such as zeta functions and Poincaré series. No awards or grants are listed in the provided data. He advises no students explicitly mentioned, though his collaborative research suggests involvement in training through projects. Active in the Centre for Geometry and Physics and theoretical physics groups, his research explores foundational aspects of string theory and their mathematical implications.
Lucien Hardy is a Research Professor at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, focusing on Quantum Foundations. He holds a PhD from Durham University (1992) under Euan J. Squires. His research spans operational approaches to Quantum Theory, Quantum Gravity, and General Relativity, emphasizing frameworks like the causaloid and duotensor formalisms. Hardy introduced concepts such as indefinite causal structure and the Quantum Equivalence Principle, aiming to unify quantum theory with gravity. He has also explored experimental tests involving human decision-making in Bell experiments. Key contributions include Hardy's theorem (1992) and axiomatic reconstructions of Quantum Theory (2001). Education: PhD in Mathematical Physics, Durham University, 1992 Research Interests: Operational formulations of Quantum Theory and General Relativity Indefinite causal structures and quantum gravity Time symmetry in operational theories Causaloid and diagrammatic calculus frameworks Quantum foundations experiments (e.g., human-involving Bell tests) Awards & Fellowships: Royal Society University Research Fellow, 1997–2002 Royal Society Postdoctoral Fellow, 1993–1994 Grants: Quantum Information Structure of Spacetime (QISS) Grant, John Templeton Foundation (2019–2025) NSERC Discovery Grant, 2020 Labs/Teams: Core researcher in the Quantum Foundations group at Perimeter Institute, contributing to theoretical frameworks and experimental proposals.
Gaurav Khanna is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Rhode Island (URI) and serves as the Director of Research Computing at URI. He is a key member of the UMass-URI Gravity Research Consortium (U²GRC), a collaborative effort between the gravity research groups at URI and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth focused on gravitational physics research. Dr. Khanna earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Pennsylvania State University in 2000 and his B.Tech. in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India in 1995. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical physics and engineering principles that inform his current research. His primary research focuses on theoretical and computational aspects of gravitational physics, particularly the coalescence of binary black hole systems using perturbation theory and estimation of emitted gravitational radiation properties. This work is directly relevant to the NSF LIGO laboratory and upcoming space-borne gravitational wave detection missions. His research spans black holes, gravitational waves, quantum gravity, and high-performance scientific computing. Dr. Khanna has developed advanced computational techniques for modeling extreme mass ratio inspirals and has made significant contributions to understanding black hole singularities in both classical and quantum gravity frameworks. Dr. Khanna has published nearly 100 research papers in top international journals and secured over $2 million in research funding. His work has been featured in prominent media outlets including Nature Magazine, Quanta Magazine, and Physics World. He has advised numerous graduate students, with Tousif Islam (Ph.D. '24) receiving an honorable mention in the GWIC-Braccini Thesis Prize, and Som Bishoyi earning UMass Dartmouth's Research in the Media Award. American Physical Society Fellow As Director of Research Computing, Dr. Khanna oversees high-performance computing resources and provides expertise in parallel and scientific computing. His work with the U²GRC involves collaboration with major research groups including the Simulating Extreme Spacetimes (SXS) Collaboration, Kavli Institute for Astrophysics at MIT, Black Hole Initiative at Harvard, and the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Germany. The consortium's research is funded through multiple National Science Foundation grants, NASA, and private foundations.
K.S. Babu, Ph.D. , is a Regents Professor in the Department of Physics at Oklahoma State University . His research focuses on theoretical physics beyond the Standard Model, particularly in neutrino mass models, grand unification, and baryon/lepton number violation. Email: kaladi.babu@okstate.edu Contact: 405-744-5810 | 232 Physical Sciences, OSU Dr. Babu's work spans several key areas: Grand Unified Theories (GUTs): Studies of SO(10), SU(5), and E6 unification frameworks. Neutrino Physics: Development of models like the Zee-Babu mechanism for neutrino masses and research on oscillations. Dark Matter & Cosmology: Proposals for dark matter candidates and connections to inflation and baryogenesis. CP Violation & Leptogenesis: Mechanisms for generating matter-antimatter asymmetry. His recent publications highlight advancements in: Spontaneous CP violation in SO(10) (2025) Left-right symmetric models for leptogenesis (2025) Ultraviolet-completed two-loop neutrino mass models (2025) Probing baryon number violation at IceCube and LHC (2024) Accidental Peccei-Quinn symmetry for axion models (2024) Dr. Babu actively collaborates on international initiatives such as the Center for Theoretical Underground Physics (CETUP) and contributed to the Snowmass 2013 Community Planning Study. His lab has mentored numerous graduate and postdoctoral researchers, including Kirtiman Ghosh, Sudip Jana, and Shaikh Saad.
Markus Müller is a Professor in Theoretical Quantum Technology at RWTH Aachen University and the Forschungszentrum Jülich's Peter Grünberg Institute. He leads a research group focused on quantum information processing, quantum simulation, and topological quantum computing/ error correction using atomic, molecular, and optical systems. His work bridges theory and practice, with collaborations on trapped-ion and neutral-atom quantum processors. Education: PhD in Quantum Simulation (2011, University of Innsbruck). Postdoctoral positions at Complutense University Madrid. Faculty roles at Swansea University (2015–2019) before moving to Aachen. Research Interests: Quantum error correction, fault-tolerant protocols, topological phases, quantum neural networks, and scalable quantum hardware. His group explores applications in trapped ions, Rydberg atoms, and superconducting qubits, with projects funded by ERC and EU Quantum Flagship grants. Grants/Projects: ERC Starting Grant (Quantum Neural Networks), EU AQTION (Trapped Ion Quantum Computing), VEQTOR (Fault-Tolerance Validation), and Munich Quantum Valley (Neutral-Atom Processors). Key Publications: Includes experimental demonstrations of fault-tolerant gates, surface-code error correction, and quantum neural networks. Over 120 peer-reviewed articles in Nature Physics , Physical Review X , and Quantum .
Jason P. Miller is a Professor in the Statistics Laboratory at the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (DPMMS), University of Cambridge, and a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. He previously held the Poincaré Chair at IHP in the 2015-2016 academic year and was a post-doctoral researcher at MIT and Microsoft Research. Miller's research focuses on probability theory, particularly stochastic interface models, random surfaces, Schramm-Loewner evolutions (SLE), Liouville quantum gravity, and random planar maps. His work bridges mathematical physics and probability, exploring deep connections between random geometry, conformal field theory, and statistical mechanics. He has made fundamental contributions to understanding the relationship between Liouville quantum gravity and the Brownian map, and has extensively studied the properties of Schramm-Loewner evolutions in various contexts. Miller's publication record shows a consistent focus on the intersection of probability theory and mathematical physics, with a particular emphasis on scaling limits of discrete models to continuum objects. His work often involves collaborations with prominent researchers like Scott Sheffield and Ewain Gwynne, and demonstrates a progression from foundational work on SLE and the Gaussian free field to more recent breakthroughs in Liouville quantum gravity and its connections to random planar maps. Scientific Awards Rollo Davidson Prize, 2015 Poincaré Chair, 2015-2016 academic year Whitehead Prize, 2016 Clay Research Award, 2017 ICM invited speaker (probability and statistics), 2018 Doeblin Prize, 2018 Eisenbud Prize, 2023 Fermat Prize, 2023 Miller has supervised numerous PhD students (though specific names aren't listed in the provided text) and has been involved in significant research grants supporting his work in random geometry and probability theory. His editorial service includes positions on the boards of Probability Theory and Related Fields and Bernoulli journals. While specific laboratory details aren't provided, Miller's research appears to be theoretical in nature, focusing on mathematical analysis of random geometric structures. His work has significant implications for theoretical physics, particularly in understanding quantum gravity and critical phenomena in statistical mechanics.
Renate Loll is a Professor in Theoretical Physics at Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands. She is a co-founder of Causal Dynamical Triangulations (CDT) , a groundbreaking nonperturbative path integral approach to quantum gravity. Her research focuses on the intersection of gravity, geometry, and quantum systems, with a strong emphasis on understanding the quantum structure of spacetime, the origin of the universe, and nonperturbative quantum field theory techniques. Education : Habilitation (1998) and PhD (1989) in Theoretical Physics, with additional degrees from Imperial College London (Diploma, 1986) and Freiburg University (Baccalaureus, 1984). Research Impact : Leads one of Europe's largest research groups in quantum gravity, with over 120 professional publications (76 in peer-reviewed journals). Leadership Roles : Chair of Perimeter Institute's Scientific Advisory Committee, Member of FOM's Board of Governors, and editorial roles at Living Reviews in Relativity and General Relativity and Gravitation . Her work spans fundamental physics, integrating concepts like quantum foam and wormholes into rigorous mathematical frameworks. She has secured over 6 million euros in external funding, coordinated European networks (ENRAGE, Eurogrid), and served as Scientist-in-Charge for multiple Marie Curie Fellowships. Loll's contributions to science communication include TV/radio appearances and international media coverage. Awards : VICI Award (2005), Heisenberg Fellowship (1999), Lise Meitner Lecturer (2012), DAAD Scholarship (1984). Service : Co-organized 7 international conferences, referee for funding agencies across 6 countries, and invited plenary speaker at 25+ events in recent years.
