Physics World Weekly Podcast

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features George Efstathiou and Richard Bond, who share the 2025 Shaw Prize in Astronomy, “for their pioneering research in cosmology, in particular for their studies of fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Their predictions have been verified by an armada of ground-, balloon- and space-based instruments, leading to precise determinations of the age, geometry, and mass-energy content of the universe.” Bond and Efstathiou talk about how the CMB emerged when the universe was just 380,000 years old and explain how the CMB is observed today. They explain why studying fluctuations in today’s CMB provides a window into the nature of the universe as it existed long ago, and how future studies could help physicists understand the nature of dark matter – which is one of the greatest mysteries in physics. Efstathiou is emeritus professor of astrophysics at the University of Cambridge in the UK – and Richard Bond is a professor at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) and university professor at the University of Toronto in Canada. Bond and Efstathiou share the 2025 Shaw Prize in Astronomy and its $1.2m prize money equally. This podcast is sponsored by The Shaw Prize Foundation. Shrinivas Kulkarni, the 2024 Shaw Prize in Astronomy winner, has also appeared on the podcast. You can listen to that interview here.

Bob Coecke, chief scientist at Quantinuum, shares his groundbreaking approach to teaching quantum physics through diagrams, making it accessible to everyone. Joining him is Arjan Dhawan, a mathematics student who participated in a summer course aimed at teenagers. They discuss the urgency of understanding quantum concepts as technology evolves, the surprising success of students mastering complex ideas, and the benefits of visual learning in grasping challenging topics, all designed to engage a broader audience in the quantum revolution.

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast I look at what’s new in the world of physics with the help of my colleagues Margaret Harris and Matin Durrani. We begin on Mars, where NASA’s Perseverance Rover has made the first observation of an aurora from the surface of the Red Planet. Next, we look deep into the future of the universe and ponder the physics that will govern how the last stars will fade away. Then, we run time in reverse and go back to the German island of Helgoland, where in 1925 Werner Heisenberg laid the foundations of modern quantum mechanics. The island will soon host an event celebrating the centenary and Physics World will be there. Finally, we explore how neutrons are being used to differentiate between real and fake antique coins and chat about the Physics World Quantum Briefing 2025.

James Wootton, Chief Scientific Officer at Moth Quantum, shares his insights on merging quantum computing with creative fields. He discusses how artists, musicians, and game designers can leverage specialized quantum software to revolutionize their work. Wootton emphasizes the unique advantages of quantum systems in procedural generation for games, enhancing creativity through probabilities. He also highlights the vital role of storytelling and public engagement in making quantum concepts accessible, demonstrating the fusion of technology and artistry.

Nadya Mason, Dean of the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, dives into how molecular engineering is revolutionizing quantum computing, sustainability, and biomedical technologies. Jeffrey Spangenberger, leader of the Materials Recycling Group at Argonne National Laboratory, discusses the intricacies of battery recycling and the innovative methods being developed for a more sustainable future. Together, they explore the potential of cutting-edge science to create a circular economy and advance technologies that address global challenges.

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features the Nobel laureate Ferenc Krausz. He is director of the Max-Planck Institute of Quantum Optics and a professor at LMU Munich, both in Germany, and CEO and scientific director of the Center for Molecular Fingerprinting in Budapest, Hungary. In a conversation with Physics World’s Tami Freeman Krausz talks about his research into using ultrashort-pulsed laser technology to develop a diagnostic tool for early disease detection. He also discusses his collaboration with Semmelweis University to establish the John von Neumann Institute for Data Science, and describes the Science4People initiative, a charity that he and his colleagues founded to provide education for children who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine. On 13–14 May, The Economist is hosting Commercialising Quantum Global 2025 in London. The event is supported by the Institute of Physics – which brings you Physics World. Participants will join global leaders from business, science and policy for two days of real-world insights into quantum’s future. In London you will explore breakthroughs in quantum computing, communications and sensing, and discover how these technologies are shaping industries, economies and global regulation. Register now and use code QUANTUM20 to receive 20% off. This offer ends on 4 May.

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features the materials scientist Paul Meredith, who is director of the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) at the UK’s Swansea University. In a conversation with Physics World’s Matin Durrani, Meredith talks about the importance of semiconductors in a hi-tech economy and why it is crucial for the UK to have a homegrown semiconductor industry. Founded in 2020, CISM moved into a new, state-of-the-art £50m building in 2023 and is now in its first full year of operation. Meredith explains how technological innovation and skills training at CSIM is supporting chipmakers in the M4 hi-tech corridor, which begins in Swansea in South Wales and stretches eastward to London.

This podcast features Alonso Gutierrez, who is chief of medical physics at the Miami Cancer Institute in the US. In a wide-ranging conversation with Physics World’s Tami Freeman, Gutierrez talks about his experience using Elekta’s Leksell Gamma Knife for radiosurgery in a busy radiotherapy department. This podcast is sponsored by Elekta.

Panicos Kyriacou, chief scientist at Crainio and professor of engineering, is pioneering a non-invasive optical sensor for measuring intracranial pressure, a critical factor in diagnosing brain injuries. He discusses the limitations of invasive methods and the urgent need for efficient, non-invasive alternatives. Kyriacou explains how the sensor uses light and machine learning to monitor blood flow in real-time, potentially revolutionizing brain injury assessments both in clinical settings and emergency situations.

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features William Phillips, who shared the 1997 Nobel Prize for Physics for his work on cooling and trapping atoms using laser light. In a wide-ranging conversation with Physics World’s Margaret Harris, Phillips talks about his long-time fascination with quantum physics – which began with an undergraduate project on electron spin resonance. Phillips chats about quirky quantum phenomena such as entanglement and superposition and explains how they are exploited in atomic clocks and quantum computing. He also looks to the future of quantum technologies and stresses the importance of curiosity-led research. Phillips has spent much of his career at US’s National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) in Maryland and he also a professor of physics at the University of Maryland.   This podcast is supported by Atlas Technologies, specialists in custom aluminium and titanium vacuum chambers as well as bonded bimetal flanges and fittings used everywhere from physics labs to semiconductor fabs. This article forms part of Physics World‘s contribution to the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), which aims to raise global awareness of quantum physics and its applications. Stayed tuned to Physics World and our international partners throughout the next 12 months for more coverage of the IYQ. Find out more on our quantum channel.