Dialogues between Mathematics and Physics: Yang-Hui He interviewed by Daniel Wang
Aug 2, 2022
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Yang-Hui He, Fellow of the London Institute for Mathematical Sciences, discusses intersections between math and physics, international education experiences, and the Churn Institute of Mathematics at Nankai University. They also delve into their research focus on string theory, quantum field theory, algebraic geometry, and machine learning. Plus, they share their motivation for returning to China and their hobbies outside of mathematics.
The intersection of string theory and quantum field theory presents challenges in determining the correct geometry, which can be addressed using machine learning and AI.
The dialogue between mathematics and physics, facilitated by string theory, leads to new mathematics and problem-solving techniques in both fields.
Deep dives
Research Focus on Intersection of String Theory and Quantum Field Theory
The podcast guest, Yongkui Hui, discusses his main research focus on the intersection of string theory and quantum field theory, as well as the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in solving related problems. He highlights the challenge of determining the correct geometry to reduce string theory to a four-dimensional world, and explains how machine learning and AI can be utilized to explore the vast space of possible geometries. Hui also references his book, 'The Calabi-Yau Landscape from Geometry to Physics to Machine Learning', which explores this topic comprehensively.
The Unique Dialogue between Mathematics and Physics in String Theory
Hui emphasizes the unique dialogue between mathematics and physics that string theory has fostered. He highlights the mutual exchange of ideas and problem-solving techniques between the two disciplines, such as the emergence of new mathematics through string theory's exploration of counting instantons and the use of cutting-edge mathematics in solving problems within quantum field theory. This dialogue has led to fruitful collaborations and a deeper understanding of both fields.
The Role of International Education and Research Experiences
Hui reflects on the benefits and challenges of his international education and research experiences. Having lived in different continents and worked in various institutions, he identifies himself as a citizen of the world intellectually. He believes this diverse background allows him to fit into different academic communities and brings unique perspectives to his work. However, he acknowledges the difficulty of learning different disciplinary languages and adapting to new research environments.
In this episode, we've invited him to talk about the interactions between mathematics and physics, how the international education and research experience influence a scientist, and the activities carried out at Chern Institute and Nankai University.
Yang-Hui He studied at Princeton University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Physics, with a Certificate in Applied Mathematics and a Certificate in Engineering Summa cum Laude (Highest Honours, Phi-Beta-Kappa). He then obtained a Certificate in Advanced Mathematics (Tripos) at Cambridge University, with Distinction. He went on to receive his PhD in theoretical and mathematical physics from MIT and continued at the University of Pennsylvania before joining Oxford University as a FitzJames Fellow in Mathematics and then UK STFC Advanced Fellow in theoretical physics.
Prof. He is a mathematical physicist working on various interfaces between geometry and theoretical high energy physics. He is particularly interested in aspects of algebraic geometry in application to, and interacting with, gauge theory as well as string theory, such as Calabi-Yau manifolds, holographic correspondences and string phenomenology. He also has interests in the dialogue between number theory, graph representation theory and gauge theories. Yang-Hui He is author of over 200 scientific publications and also a keen communicator of science. With Springer, he published in 2021 The Calabi-Yau Landscape. From Geometry to Physics, to Machine Learning as volume 2293 of Lecture Notes in Mathematics. In late 2022, the Proceedings of the Nankai Symposium on Mathematical Dialogues will appear, a symposium which celebrated the 110th birthday of S.-S. Chern.
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