Searching for the Quantum Origins of Space and Time - Perimeter Institute
Public Lecture on May 5

WATERLOO, ON, April 21 /CNW/ - Science fiction authors and theoretical physicists alike will agree that Einstein's theory of General Relativity has taught us that empty space (or, more precisely, spacetime) is in itself a dynamical and wonderfully rich entity. Although it may stretch our imagination, astrophysical observations leave little doubt that spacetime can bend, move and vibrate.

On Wednesday, May 5, as part of PI's Public Lecture Series, Renate Loll, Professor for Theoretical Physics at Utrecht University and PI Distinguished Research Chair, will share her insights into how much we know and how much we can still hope to learn about quantum gravity - the elusive quantum theory of space and time. She will discuss spacetime phenomena and exotic possibilities such as spacetime foam and wormholes. Do they really exist? How would we know? Are they in conflict with known physics?

Renate Loll's research focuses on one of the most challenging unsolved problems of contemporary fundamental physics - the development of a quantum theory of gravitation. She is a former Heisenberg Fellow and holder of a Dutch VICI Award, and was appointed to one of Perimeter Institute's Distinguished Research Chairs in 2009.

Professor Loll's lecture, entitled "Searching for the Quantum Origins of Space and Time" will be held Wednesday, May 5 at 7:00 pm in Waterloo, Ontario.

Further details can be found at www.perimeterinstitute.ca.

The lecture is part of PI's award-winning outreach programming, which also includes the new "I Love Science" youth video contest - https://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/Outreach.

ABOUT PERIMETER INSTITUTE:

Canada's Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is an independent, non-profit, scientific research and educational outreach organization where international scientists cluster to push the limits of our understanding of physical laws and develop new ideas about the very essence of space, time, matter and information. The Institute, located in Waterloo, also provides a wide array of educational outreach activities to share the joy of scientific research, discovery and innovation. In partnership with the Governments of Ontario and Canada, PI is a successful example of private and public collaboration in science research and education.

For further information: Media Inquiries: Angela Robinson, [email protected], [phone] x5051