Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics

The discovery of the Penrose tiling (and other self-similar quasiperiodic tilings) in the 1970s sparked research into the remarkable mathematical properties of quasiperiodic structures, revealing connections to Fourier theory, number theory, and even pure logic. Soon after, these tilings found a classic application in physics as models for “quasicrystals”, new ...

Recent observations with the James-Webb-Space Telescope have revealed many surprising observations of the high-redshift galaxy and black hole population. Some of these show that massive galaxies and black holes have already been in place earlier than predicted by models and simulations. While within the community progress has been achieved towards ...

The first known examples of quasicrystals were synthesized in the laboratory over four decades ago, but could Nature have beaten us to the punch? Most thought that was impossible: how could such exotic and fragile atomic arrangements arise naturally? This talk will describe the decades-long effort to prove the skeptics ...

Artificial intelligence tools are becoming ubiquitous in everyday life as a tool for facilitating and speeding up tasks, such as retrieving information. In fundamental physics they are instead being used as tools for discovery. Specifically drawing from examples in high-energy physics, I show that AI and machine learning are enabling ...

Wood scientist Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis (Edinburgh Napier University) asks what we all think about the purpose of trees. How should we decide which kinds of trees to plant so that future generations won’t be annoyed by our decisions? Physicist Dr Tyler Shendruk (The University of Edinburgh) applies physics to ...

Kellie Hodge (The University of Edinburgh) reveals how mass spectrometry uncovers the hidden molecular stories across research, art and space – from ground-breaking discoveries to priceless masterpieces and distant planets. Discover the invisible chemistry shaping our health, culture and understanding of the universe. Physicist Dr Tyler Shendruk (The University of Edinburgh ...