Physics World Weekly Podcast
Nobel predictions and humorous encounters with physics laureates
Oct 3, 2024
Hosts explore predictions for the Nobel Prize in Physics, spotlighting potential winners in condensed-matter physics. They share personal anecdotes from memorable encounters with Nobel laureates, highlighting both humor and awe. The banter includes amusing moments from the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, showcasing the playful interactions between laureates and students. A reflection on interviewing Stephen Weinberg adds a touch of levity. The buildup to the prize announcement amplifies excitement about groundbreaking contributions to the field.
30:24
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Quick takeaways
- Predictions for this year's Nobel Prize in Physics lean towards condensed matter physics due to notable five-year gaps in awards.
- Personal anecdotes emphasize the human experiences and connections made with Nobel laureates, showcasing their humility and achievements.
Deep dives
Nobel Prize Predictions
The discussion centers around predictions for the upcoming Nobel Prize in Physics, highlighting patterns based on previous award distributions. One key observation is a trend of approximately five-year gaps between prize awards in specific fields, suggesting potential areas ripe for recognition. For instance, the presenters anticipate that condensed matter physics, which last received a prize in 2016, could be a strong candidate for this year. They also speculate that atomic, molecular, and optical physics might be recognized again, citing the notable work of MIT’s Lena Howe on slow light as a leading example.
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