FQxIMiriam Frankel asks whether physics can ever explain the spark of life that differentiates animate and inanimate matter. Could there ever be a fundamental physical theory of consciousness? She's joined by physicist Jim Al-Khalili and physicist and astrobiologist Sara Walker in episode five of Great Mysteries of Physics — a podcast series from The Conversation, in collaboration with FQxI.
Visit qspace.fqxi.org to learn more about the mysteries of consciousness in the physical world.
What is Life? What is Consciousness? Episode 5 of Great Mysteries of Physics on the FQxI PodcastFQxI2023-04-07 | Miriam Frankel asks whether physics can ever explain the spark of life that differentiates animate and inanimate matter. Could there ever be a fundamental physical theory of consciousness? She's joined by physicist Jim Al-Khalili and physicist and astrobiologist Sara Walker in episode five of Great Mysteries of Physics — a podcast series from The Conversation, in collaboration with FQxI.
Visit qspace.fqxi.org to learn more about the mysteries of consciousness in the physical world.
Watch Sara Walker's talk, "Bio From Bit": youtube.com/watch?v=188K1ayJS58FQxI GrantsFQxI2024-05-14 | FQxI has awarded over $27 million dollars in Zenith Grants to theorists and experimenters. #FQxI #ResearchGrants #ScienceRethinking thermodynamic laws for the nanoscaleFQxI2024-05-08 | #ShortsElectromechanics for thermodynamics at the nanoscale - An Information as Fuel talk by Natalia AresFQxI2024-05-08 | In Dr. Ares's talk we learn about the connection between electromechanics and information theory. How do the fundamental laws of thermodynamics take on new complexities at the nanoscale? And how does Dr. Ares' research provide a theoretical framework to understand and harness these unique behaviours?
Her research aims to experimentally investigate and revise the fundamental laws of thermodynamics to account for the crucial role of information, particularly quantum information, in regimes where quantum effects are significant and fluctuations cannot be averaged out. Ares research group set up intricate experiments that combine thermodynamic elements like heat baths and pistons with quantum systems to test these theoretical hypotheses.
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgSusanne StillFQxI2024-04-29 | Maxwell's Demon in the real world.Maxwells Demon in real lifeFQxI2024-04-15 | Dr. Susanne Still, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, explores how the 'Maxwell's Demon' thought experiment can give us a physical framework for studying decision-making under uncertainty. Watch Still's full talk: qspace.fqxi.org/videos/312/maxwells-demon-in-the-real-world-information-as-fuel-talk-by-susanne-still #MaxwellsDemon #InformationAsFuel #PhysicsMaxwells Demon in the Real World - An Information as Fuel Talk by Susanne StillFQxI2024-04-15 | Dr. Susanne Still shares the real-world implications of Maxwell's Demon, the thought experiment that challenges the second law of thermodynamics. Drawing on her research into the role of information in physical systems, Still discusses using information as fuel and how it can be harnessed to better understand and manipulate the natural world.
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgQuantum Measurements and Equilibration: Obtaining Information via Entropy MaximisationFQxI2024-03-30 | In quantum physics, measurements don't just reveal properties - they can actually fuel processes. Dr. Maximilian Lock explains how extracting information from quantum systems is linked to increasing entropy and driving them towards equilibrium.
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgIntroducing FQxI Broughton Hall conferenceFQxI2024-03-27 | #ShortsFQxI ConferenceFQxI2024-03-22 | FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgBroughton Hall | FQxI ConferenceFQxI2024-03-22 | Keep an eye out as we release an exciting series of panel discussion videos recorded live at Broughton Hall.
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgThe Disordered CosmosFQxI2024-03-08 | This #InternationalWomensDay, we spotlight Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein's 'The Disordered Cosmos' - a ground-breaking work challenging conventional physics and cosmology theories. A must-read for anyone and everyone passionate about science and championing diversity and inclusion in academia.
Read the Disordered Cosmos: bookshop.org/a/85756/9781541724686Jenann IsmaelFQxI2024-03-08 | 🔥 #InternationalWomensDay 🔥 Can thermodynamics explain the rise of human intelligence? Philosopher Jenann Ismael speaks about how culture, not just big brains, propelled the human species to the top. It's all about the arrow of time! 🕰️
Article: qspace.fqxi.org/articles/244/time-to-think Talk: youtube.com/watch?v=WNH-sHlllD8&ab_channel=FQxI Book: bookshop.org/a/85756/9780198832669The End of Everything: (Astrophysically speaking)FQxI2024-03-08 | Celebrate #InternationalWomensDay by exploring the cosmos with Katie Mack's brilliant book 'The End of Everything: (Astrophysically speaking). BOOK: bookshop.org/a/85756/9781982103552 PODCAST: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/94/2022.06.27Aperiodic MonotilesFQxI2024-03-05 | #ShortsDouble Slit ExperimentFQxI2024-03-04 | #ShortsBuilding a Universal Constructor: a Conversation with David DeutschFQxI2024-02-17 | Could we build a machine that can carry out any task? The meta-framework "Constructor Theory" suggests we might be able to make such a universal constructor. David Deutsch discusses the implications of such a machine for physics, for the economy, and for humans. Deutsch also talks about problems in funding for fundamental physics, with reporter Logan Chipkin.
#physics #computerscience #science #constructortheory #daviddeutschPerfect Clocks are ImpossibleFQxI2024-02-13 | #ShortsJWST Uncovers Early LightFQxI2024-02-05 | #ShortsProton StructureFQxI2024-01-30 | #ShortsPhonon Beam SplitterFQxI2024-01-17 | #Shorts #Physics #Phonon #QuantumCosmic HumFQxI2024-01-14 | #Shorts #gravitationalwaves #astronomyMATH IS WEIRD… 🤔FQxI2024-01-13 | #Physics #Maths #Geometry #ShortsQuantum WeatherFQxI2024-01-11 | #ShortsThe perils of super-intelligent AIFQxI2024-01-09 | We begin our look back at the biggest talking points of 2023 in foundational physics, with quantum physicist Ian Durham.Times Mysteries and Spectres in Space: 2023 Physics Review Part 3FQxI2023-12-31 | Concluding FQxI's review of the year, with quantum physicist Ian Durham. We discuss advances in astronomy, quantum physics, computing and mathematics. What is FQxI's pick for the biggest achievement in foundational physics?
Image credit: NASA-GSFC, Adriana M. Gutierrez (CI Lab)
#astronomy #physics #quantum #science #math #computerscienceSpherical Cubes and Splitting Phonons: 2023 Physics Review Part 2 FQxI PodcastFQxI2023-12-30 | Counting down the biggest physics advances of the year, with quantum physicist Ian Durham.
In part 2, we review stories from the world of maths, cosmology, and nuclear physics.
Illustration Credit: Olena Shmahalo for NANOGravModelling Earths weather systems as quantum matter. 2023 Physics Review Part 1 FQxI PodcastFQxI2023-12-28 | Beginning FQxI's review of the top physics advances of the year, with quantum physicist Ian Durham.
In part 1, some of the news stories that haven't made this year's top 5, but are worthy of discussion, from superconductor controversies to AI to quantum weather.
Part 2: youtube.com/watch?v=mIslIwWfcn8Is There a Theory of Everything? Episode 6 of Great Mysteries of Physics on the FQxI PodcastFQxI2023-12-24 | Miriam Frankel searches for a 'theory of everything' that could unite all physics from the tiny quantum scale to the cosmic — and questions whether such a theory is even needed. She's joined by physicists Vlatko Vedral and Chanda Prescod-Weinstein in episode six of Great Mysteries of Physics — a podcast series from The Conversation, in collaboration with FQxI.
Visit qspace.fqxi.org to learn more about the mysteries of consciousness in the physical world.
#physics #quantum #space #astronomyDavid Sloan: Changing Science by Asking Big Questions. PUZZLE X Keynote TalkFQxI2023-12-19 | Join physicist David Sloan as he makes a case for curiosity-driven science - for asking the big, boundary-pushing questions that spark wonder about the mysteries of our universe. Questions not for definitive answers, but to shift paradigms and reveal deeper truths about time, consciousness, and reality.
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgRoger Penrose: Are Consciousness & Quantum Linked? PUZZLE X Keynote TalkFQxI2023-12-10 | Join us for a fireside chat with the legendary physicist and Nobel Laureate, Sir Roger Penrose, as he talks about the connections between quantum mechanics and consciousness at PUZZLE X 2023. As two ever-perplexing topics converge, quantum physics and the nature of consciousness, hear from one of the great scientific minds of our times.
Sir Roger is renowned for his groundbreaking work in general relativity, quantum theory, consciousness studies and more. Along with Stephen Hawking, he famously theorized that spacetime singularities exist at the heart of black holes.
In this keynote, Sir Roger traces his winding journey of discoveries that ultimately led him to formulate the ‘Orch OR’ theory. He argues that consciousness arises from the strange effects of quantum mechanics within structures inside neurons.
Some profoundly existential questions arise in this discussion - are non-computational processes in the brain a key ingredient for intelligence and subjective experience? Do mysterious quantum effects ‘orchestrate’ the brain’s computations to give rise to awareness?
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgNatalia Ares: Can Quantum Measurements Fuel Tiny Engines? PUZZLE X Keynote TalkFQxI2023-11-25 | Join us for a keynote talk by Dr. Natalia Ares, a leading quantum physicist exploring the boundaries of what's possible in quantum mechanics. In her research, Dr. Ares has investigated using quantum measurements to extract work and power micro- and nano-scale engines. This approach is inspired by Maxwell's demon and could have important implications for creating very small-scale devices or sensors.
Natalia Ares explains the conceptual foundations behind her research and walks through some of her groundbreaking experiments demonstrating quantum measurement-powered engines.
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgThe Young Scientists Learning Quantum Thermodynamics - FQxI Short DocsFQxI2023-11-02 | In the heart of the Austrian Alps, where snow-capped peaks touch the sky, a unique convergence of minds takes place. Welcome to Obergurgl, Austria, where FQxI hosts a conference as part of the Information as Fuel program.
We brought together young physicists from around the world to present their talks to kindred spirits, all united by their passion for the unknown. The conference was not just about discussing physics, but also about fostering a sense of community among young physicists.
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgEminent Physicists on Schrödinger’s Cat | FQxI AnimationFQxI2023-10-27 | Schrödinger’s cat is a thought experiment in quantum mechanics that has puzzled everyone. The experiment involves placing a cat, a flask of poison, and a radioactive source connected to a Geiger counter in a sealed box. According to interpretations of quantum mechanics, the cat is considered to be both alive and dead at the same time until the box is opened and observed.
In this short animation, we hear from Christopher Fuchs, Marc Seguin and Sean Carroll. They share their thoughts on questions about the nature of reality, the role of observation in quantum mechanics, and the nature of consciousness raised by this paradoxical scenario.
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at fqxi.orgPUZZLE X 23 x FQxI: Colliding science, art, technology, industry and policyFQxI2023-10-25 | FQxI is delighted to announce our new partnership with PUZZLE X, the world’s leading event for Exponential Technologies for the future, taking place in Barcelona, Spain (7-9 Nov 2023).
Subscribe to FQxI's QSpace newsletter (qspace.fqxi.org) before 30 October 2023, for the chance to win a free pass to this year's festival of ideas. A limited number of free passes will be released, through the newsletter.
From quantum, biotech, climate tech, energy, sensors, frontier matter, sentient cities, and more, there are many pieces that make up the world of Exponential Technologies. PUZZLE X is a unique event that brings all these pieces of the puzzle together in one place, at one time.
Discuss DNA data storage, exotic computing, quantum+AI, brain interfaces, 2D materials, CRISPR, and Fusion energy. This 3-day event that will reveal the horizons of technology like you've never seen before!
Learn from:
Sir Roger Penrose, Nobel Laureate and FQxI member Dr. Bill Phillips, Nobel Laureate Sir Robin Saxby, Founding CEO & Chairman, ARM Sir Kostya Novoselov, Nobel Laureate Dr. Hiroshi Ishii, Vice Director of MIT Media Lab Nabil Alnuaim, CEO, Aramco Digital Dr. Andreu Mas-Colell, Founder of Barcelona School of Economics Dr. Chema Alonso, Chief Digital Officer, Telefonica
See you in November!
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgThe Clockmakers | Quantum TimeFQxI2023-10-20 | Visit the University of Queensland to find out about the limitations of quantum mechanics on timekeeping, in FQxI's short documentary. Our relatively new understanding of how to build quantum clocks has opened up new avenues of research and has given us a better understanding of fundamental questions about the nature of our reality.
How do limitations on acquiring knowledge of time impact controlled quantum operations in different paradigms?
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgCan you be in two places at once? #ShortsFQxI2023-08-14 | What do you think? #Science #PhysicsCan you be in two places at once? #physics #quantum #wavefunction #fqxiFQxI2023-06-28 | ...What do you think happened to Schrödinger’s cat? 🐈⬛ #physics #quantum #schrodinger #fqxiFQxI2023-06-28 | ...Culture oriented perspectives on time #time #physic #FQxIFQxI2023-06-22 | ...Can the future affect the past? FQxI #physic #timeFQxI2023-06-22 | ...Retrocausality at UEA | FQxIFQxI2023-06-22 | Can the future affect the past?
This question challenges our understanding of causality and the nature of time. The concept of retrocausality, which suggests that future events can affect past events, has been a subject of scientific inquiry and philosophical debate.
To find out more, you can download our free report "Time: A Review of Temporal Research in the Physical and Biological Sciences"Ultimate Limits in Timekeeping - Information as Fuel Obergurgl Conference 2023FQxI2023-06-03 | FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgElectron Transport - Information as Fuel Obergurgl Conference 2023FQxI2023-06-02 | FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgQuantum Dots - Information as Fuel Obergurgl Conference 2023FQxI2023-06-01 | FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgQuantum Control - Information as Fuel Obergurgl Conference 2023FQxI2023-05-31 | FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
The relaunch will expand FQxI’s horizons, empowering scientists in revolutionary science around the world, and creating new opportunities for funding partners and sponsors.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Please join us at www.FQxI.orgUncertain Works | Can quantum measurements fuel tiny engines?FQxI2023-04-07 | In our latest FQxI original short doc, quantum physicists Benjamin Huard and Alexia Auffèves are building operational quantum engines using superconducting metals. They are using the power of quantum measurement to provide energy to small-scale engines. Will this work revolutionise the way we view and use the concept of information?
FQxI funds revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
Want to dream big, then prove it?
Find out more about our work and how to support us at https://fqxi.org.
Wine, Quantum, a Life Worth Living: youtube.com/watch?v=EKw1TK7EETMDoes Objective Reality Exist? Episode 4 of Great Mysteries of Physics on the FQxI PodcastFQxI2023-04-03 | Is the moon still there when we're not looking at it? Schrödinger's cat is neither alive nor dead, but why don't we see real cats or humans in quantum superpositions?
Miriam Frankel investigates a host of quantum paradoxes, with philosopher Chris Timpson and physicists Marcus Huber and Chiara Marletto, in part 4 of Great Mysteries of Physics, FQxI's podcast series produced by The Conversation.
Which quantum interpretation is the best?
Watch physicist Chris Fuchs muse about the meaning of life and his interpretation of quantum physics, QBism, with colleagues and friends over wine: youtube.com/watch?v=EKw1TK7EETM
Listen to previous episodes in the Great Mysteries of Physics series:
Find out more about quantum physics at qspace.fqxi.orgWine, Quantum, a Life Worth Living Is Quantumness in the Eye of the Beholder?FQxI2023-03-28 | Join Chris Fuchs for cocktails and conversation with Adán Cabello, Marissa Giustina and Rüdiger Schack, discussing probability, chaos, and quantum randomness whilst trying to convince them that 'QBism' is the ultimate quantum mechanical interpretation. Do you agree with him?
FQxI is funding revolution, not evolution: The Institute is the leading body funding high-risk, high-reward research in the foundations of science.
Read more about QBism here: qspace.fqxi.org/articles/218/painting-a-qbist-picture-of-realityIs There a Multiverse? Episode 3 of Great Mysteries of Physics on the FQxI PodcastFQxI2023-03-25 | Miriam Frankel explores the multiverse with physicists Andrew Pontzen, Katie Mack and Sabine Hossenfelder in part 3 of Great Mysteries of Physics, FQxI's podcast series produced by The Conversation.
The Many Worlds theory of quantum mechanics posits one type multiverse of parallel universes, while some cosmological models suggest others. But is the idea of a multiverse even scientific? Miriam discusses attempts to find evidence of neighbouring universes in the relic radiation of the big bang — and also the criticism that ultimately the idea of a multiverse is not testable and thus not scientific.