Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
According to our best theories of physics, the fundamental building blocks of matter are not particles, but continuous fluid-like substances known as 'quantum fields'. David Tong explains what we know about these fields, and how they fit into our understanding of the Universe.
Watch the Q&A here: youtu.be/QUMeKDlgKmk
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David Tong is a professor of theoretical physics at Cambridge University, specialising in quantum field theory.
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According to our best theories of physics, the fundamental building blocks of matter are not particles, but continuous fluid-like substances known as 'quantum fields'. David Tong explains what we know about these fields, and how they fit into our understanding of the Universe.
Watch the Q&A here: youtu.be/QUMeKDlgKmk
Liked this video? Sign up as a YouTube channel members for perks, including early access to videos and exclusive Q&As: youtube.com/channel/UCYeF244yNGuFefuFKqxIAXw/join
David Tong is a professor of theoretical physics at Cambridge University, specialising in quantum field theory.
The Ri is on Twitter: twitter.com/ri_science
and Facebook: facebook.com/royalinstitution
and TikTok: tiktok.com/@ri_science
Listen to the Ri podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ri-science-podcast
Donate to the RI and help us bring you more lectures: rigb.org/support-us/donate-ri
Our editorial policy: rigb.org/editing-ri-talks-and-moderating-comments
Subscribe for the latest science videos: bit.ly/RiNewsletter
Product links on this page may be affiliate links which means it won't cost you any extra but we may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase through the link.










