Physics World Weekly Podcast

This episode features a wide-ranging interview with the astrochemist Ewine van Dishoeck, who is professor emeritus of molecular astrophysics at Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands. In 2018 she was awarded The Kavli Prize in Astrophysics and in this podcast she talks about her passion for astrochemistry and how her research combines astronomy, astrophysics, theoretical chemistry and laboratory experiments. Van Dishoeck talks about some of the key unanswered questions in astrochemistry, including how complex molecules form on the tiny specks of dust in interstellar space. We chat about the recent growth in our understanding of exoplanets and protoplanetary discs and the prospect of observing signs of life on distant planets or moons. The Atacama Large Millimetre Array radio telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope are two of the major facilities that Van Dishoeck has been involved with. She talks about the challenges of getting the astronomy community to agree on the parameters of a new observatory and explains the how collaborative nature of these projects ensures that instruments meet the needs of multiple research communities. Van Dishoeck looks to the future of astrochemistry and what new observatories could bring to the field. The interview ends with a call for the next generation of scientists to pursue careers in astrochemistry. This podcast is sponsored by The Kavli Prize. The Kavli Prize honours scientists for basic research breakthroughs in astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience – transforming our understanding of the big, the small and the complex. One million dollars is awarded in each of the three fields.  The Kavli Prize is a partnership among The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, and The Kavli Foundation (USA). The vision for The Kavli Prize comes from Fred Kavli, a Norwegian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist who turned his lifelong fascination with science into a lasting legacy for recognizing scientific breakthroughs and for supporting basic research. The Kavli Prize follows a two-year cycle, with an open call for nominations between 1 July and 1 October in odd-numbered years, and an announcement and award ceremony during even-numbered years. The next Kavli Prize will be announced in June 2026. Visit kavliprize.org for more information.

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast I am in conversation two physicists who are leading lights in the quantum science and technology community in the US state of Illinois. They are Preeti Chalsani who is chief quantum officer at Intersect Illinois, and David Awschalom who is director of Q-NEXT. As well as being home to Chicago, the third largest urban area in the US, the state also hosts two national labs (Fermilab and Argonne) and several top universities. In this episode, Awschalom and Chalsani explain how the state is establishing itself as a burgeoning hub for quantum innovation – along with neighbouring regions in Wisconsin and Indiana. Chalsani talks about the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a 128-acre technology campus that being developed on the site of a former steel mill just south of Chicago. The park has already attracted its first major tenant, PsiQuantum, which will build a utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer at the park. Q-NEXT is led by Argonne National Laboratory, and Awschalom explains how academia, national labs, industry, and government are working together to make the region a quantum powerhouse. Related podcasts include interviews with Celia Merzbacher of the US’s Quantum Economic Development Consortium; Nadya Mason of the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago; and Travis Humble of the Quantum Science Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory This podcast is supported by American Elements, the world’s leading manufacturer of engineered and advanced materials. The company’s ability to scale laboratory breakthroughs to industrial production has contributed to many of the most significant technological advancements since 1990 – including LED lighting, smartphones, and electric vehicles.

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features an interview with Kirsty McGhee, who is a scientific writer at the quantum-software company Qruise. It is the second episode in our two-part miniseries on careers for physicists. While she was doing a PhD in condensed matter physics, McGhee joined Physics World’s Student Contributors Network. This involved writing articles about peer-reviewed research and also proof reading articles written by other contributors. McGhee explains how the network broadened her knowledge of physics and improved her communication skills. She also says that potential employers looked favourably on her writing experience. At Qruise, McGhee has a range of responsibilities that include writing documentation, marketing, website design, and attending conference exhibitions. She explains how her background in physics prepared her for these tasks, and what new skills she is learning. The first episode of this miniseries looks at what physicists can look forward to in retirement: “Third age careers for physicists: writing and the arts beckon“

Many of us will have careers with three distinct eras: education, work and retirement. While the first two tend to be regimented, the third age offers the possibility of pursuing a wide range of interests. Our guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast is the retired particle physicist Michael Albrow, who is scientist emeritus at Fermilab in the US. He has just published his book Space Times Matter: One Hundred Short Stories About The Universe, which is a collection of brief essays and poems related to science. Much of the book comes from a newspaper column that Albrow wrote earlier in his retirement and he has also been involved in collaborations with visual and musical artists. In this podcast he talks about this third age of his career as a physicist and gives some tips for your retirement.

Ada Altieri, an associate professor specializing in theoretical ecology, and Silvia De Monte, a senior research scientist with expertise in evolutionary biology, dive into the intersection of physics and ecology. They discuss how statistical physics models can illuminate complex ecosystems, from predator-prey interactions to the intricate world of the human gut microbiome. The duo explores the challenges and potential of modeling these systems, highlighting their relevance in addressing gut disorders and predicting ecological tipping points.

Travis Humble, the Director of the Quantum Science Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, shares insights on pioneering quantum materials and technologies. He discusses the significance of collaborations among national labs, universities, and industries. Humble highlights advancements in quantum sensing and communication, including efforts towards a quantum internet. Key topics also include the integration of quantum computing with supercomputing to enhance scientific simulations. The future looks bright as Oak Ridge continues to drive innovation through its multidisciplinary approach.

Sara Alderweireldt, a physicist at CERN and expert in supersymmetry, dives into the fascinating world of the ATLAS experiment. She discusses how physicists analyze vast data from high-energy collisions to uncover new physics theories. The conversation covers the critical upgrades to the LHC, set for completion in 2030, and the collaborative challenges faced in long-term research. Alderweireldt also highlights the elusive concept of missing energy, a key clue in the hunt for undiscovered particles like dark matter.

According to a recent white paper from the UK’s National Association of Disabled Staff Networks, 22% of working-age people in the UK have a disability compared to less than 7% of people working in science. At the upper echelons of science, only 4% of senior academic positions are filled with people with disabilities and just 1% of research grant applications to UK Research and Innovation are from researchers who disclose being disabled. These disappointing statistics are reported in “Towards a fully inclusive environment for disabled people in STEMM” and this podcast features an interview with one of its authors – the physicist Francesca Doddato. Based at Lancaster University, Doddato tells Physics World’s Michael Banks about the challenges facing scientists with disabilities – and calls for decision makers to engage with the issues and to remove barriers.

Hannah Earley, a mathematician and physicist and co-founder of Vaire Computing, dives into the revolutionary world of reversible computing. She explains how this technology could dramatically slash energy consumption in AI applications. The discussion covers the evolution from theoretical concepts to tangible hardware, including innovative prototypes currently under development. Earley also touches on how specialized logic gates, like Toffoli and Fredkin, can enhance overall computing efficiency while paving the way for a sustainable future.

Tracy Northup, a Professor at the University of Innsbruck specializing in quantum interfaces, and Peter Zoller, an Emeritus professor and renowned expert in quantum information, reflect on a century of quantum physics. They discuss Werner Heisenberg's groundbreaking legacy and the significance of Helgoland in the evolution of quantum mechanics. The conversation explores the future of quantum technology, the interplay between AI and physics, and the necessity for in-person collaboration in scientific discourse, amidst emerging innovations and ethical considerations.