Matthias Gaberdiel is a Full Professor at the Department of Physics, ETH Zurich, where he has been working since 2003 (initially as Associate Professor, then promoted to Full Professor in 2007). His research focuses on theoretical physics, particularly string theory and conformal field theory. Dr. Gaberdiel earned his Diploma in 1992 from the Universitaet Hamburg under Professor Klaus Fredenhagen, followed by a PhD from Cambridge University in 1995 with a thesis on conformal field theory supervised by Professor Peter Goddard. His academic journey included positions as Research Fellow at Jesus College, Cambridge, Research Associate at Harvard University, College Lecturer at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and holder of a Royal Society University Research Fellowship at King's College London. Professor Gaberdiel's research primarily centers on string theory and conformal field theory, with a particular focus on the AdS/CFT correspondence for the case of AdS3/CFT2. He has made significant contributions to identifying the world-sheet theory dual to the symmetric orbifold CFT2, which has allowed for a proof of the AdS/CFT duality in this specific example. His work bridges theoretical physics with mathematical structures, exploring the deep connections between string theory, quantum gravity, and conformal field theories. The mathematical sophistication of his research has implications for understanding quantum aspects of spacetime and black holes through holographic principles. Analysis of Professor Gaberdiel's recent publications reveals a sustained focus on AdS3/CFT2 correspondence, with particular attention to symmetric orbifold constructions, tensionless string limits, and integrability structures. His work demonstrates a progression from foundational aspects of conformal field theory toward increasingly sophisticated explorations of holographic duality in lower-dimensional settings. The mathematical depth of his research connects string theory with representation theory, algebraic structures, and advanced geometric concepts. Royal Society University Research Fellowship Professor Gaberdiel leads a research group at ETH Zurich focused on theoretical aspects of string theory and conformal field theory. His group investigates the mathematical structures underlying quantum gravity and holography, with particular emphasis on the AdS3/CFT2 correspondence. Through collaborations with researchers worldwide, including notable partnerships with Rajesh Gopakumar, Lorenz Eberhardt, and other leading theorists, his work continues to advance our understanding of string theory's mathematical foundations and physical implications.
