Percentage of String Theory Research in Theoretical Physics

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In summary, there is no clear data on the percentage of current new research in theoretical physics that is focused on string theory/M-theory/supersymmetry. However, it is estimated that roughly 50% of research in high energy physics beyond the standard model is related to string theory. The popularity of string theory among PhD students and tenure track researchers may have declined in recent years, but it is still a significant area of study. There is some anecdotal evidence and trends in Google searches and Academia.edu papers that suggest a decline in interest in string theory in the past decade. However, the frustration of disappointing results from particle accelerators and other factors may also impact research activities in this area. Overall, the impact of string theory on
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Maximise24
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What percentage of current new research in theoretical physics is focused on string theory/M-theory/supersymmetry? Are most PhD students or tenure track researchers still working in that space or are other ideas becoming more fashionable?

I assume it must be less than 10 or 20 years ago, but it's hard to find good data on this. If you have any anecdotal evidence, feel free to share also!
 
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Maximise24 said:
What percentage of current new research in theoretical physics is focused on string theory/M-theory/supersymmetry? Are most PhD students or tenure track researchers still working in that space
This was never the case.
 
  • #3
George Jones said:
This was never the case.
Specifically talking about high energy physics beyond the SM.
 
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Maximise24 said:
Specifically talking about high energy physics beyond the SM.
I'm always dismayed by how many people say "theoretical physics" when they mean "BSM high energy theoretical physics".

For the latter I would say roughly 50% is string related, but it depends on how one defines "related". For instance, is all SUSY string related?
 
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Demystifier said:
I'm always dismayed by how many people say "theoretical physics" when they mean "BSM high energy theoretical physics".

For the latter I would say roughly 50% is string related, but it depends on how one defines "related". For instance, is all SUSY string related?

Thanks! And do you have any idea as to the evolution throughout the years? How much more/less today than fifteen years ago?
 
  • #6
My impression is that it has from its inception been a fringe area, made conspicuous by the prominence of its primary exponents, its departures from the standard model, and in that category, especially its 'arcaneness', which makes it a darling of the pop-sci press.
 
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  • #7
You're asking for a fraction with unclear denominator, and arguably an unclear numerator.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
You're asking for a fraction with unclear denominator, and arguably an unclear numerator.
You must be a mathematician :)

I'm not looking for hard data, just a qualitative assessment of where HEP physics has been moving over the past two decades. Are up-and-coming researchers more or less drawn to string theory than they used to be, for example with respect to PhDs? Have the number of graduate programs / tenure track hirings with a specific focus on string theory changed at all?
 
  • #9
Perhaps a simple measure might be to browse hep/th and hep/ph, derive a criteria for inclusion or exclusion (keywords perhaps) and then do a paper count?
 
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Maximise24 said:
I'm not looking for hard data, just a qualitative assessment of where HEP physics has been moving over the past two decades.
Context is king, @Maximise24. Can you share the purpose of your inquiry?

It is not a direct answer, but as a proxy of interest, here's the Google Trends for searches 'string theory' from 2004.

1642157693166.png


Reviewing Academia.edu as another proxy:

- the M Theory topic has 19 Followers
- the Multiverse Theory topic has 4,044 Followers
- the Supersymmetry topic has 8,524 Followers
- the Dark Energy topic has 9,592 Followers
- the String Theory topic has 25,848 Followers
- the Particle Physics topic has 80,845 Followers
- The Quantum Physics topic has 186,314 Followers

Looking at string theory papers in Academia over time shows a distinct decline this decade:

1642159526514.png


Compare that to quantum gravity papers:

1642159584816.png


And GR sits somewhere in the middle, even after all this time:

1642159752072.png
 

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Melbourne Guy said:
Context is king, @Maximise24. Can you share the purpose of your inquiry?

It is not a direct answer, but as a proxy of interest, here's the Google Trends for searches 'string theory' from 2004.

View attachment 295448

Reviewing Academia.edu as another proxy:

- the M Theory topic has 19 Followers
- the Multiverse Theory topic has 4,044 Followers
- the Supersymmetry topic has 8,524 Followers
- the Dark Energy topic has 9,592 Followers
- the String Theory topic has 25,848 Followers
- the Particle Physics topic has 80,845 Followers
- The Quantum Physics topic has 186,314 Followers

Looking at string theory papers in Academia over time shows a distinct decline this decade:

View attachment 295450

Compare that to quantum gravity papers:

View attachment 295451

And GR sits somewhere in the middle, even after all this time:

View attachment 295452
No specific purpose, Melbourne Guy, just trying to gauge the impact of disappointing results from particle accelerators (amongst other things) on the research activities of this community.

Anyway, your graphs have been very helpful! Thanks!
 
  • #12
Maximise24 said:
No specific purpose, Melbourne Guy, just trying to gauge the impact of disappointing results from particle accelerators (amongst other things) on the research activities of this community.
Ah, that seems a different and definitely anecdotally-based question, @Maximise24. I can't talk to the frustration on the ground, but as a keenly interested observer, that we're missing some things critical in our understanding of the universe (dark matter, dark energy, mathematical singularities in black holes, what quantum means, and the other things) and cannot seem to crack them theoretically or experimentally, well, that's frustrating, to me at least.

I worry that this is us 😥

1642200723875.png
 

1. What is string theory and how does it relate to theoretical physics?

String theory is a theoretical framework that attempts to reconcile the laws of quantum mechanics and general relativity. It posits that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are not particles, but tiny strings that vibrate at different frequencies, giving rise to the particles and forces we observe. It is a major area of research in theoretical physics as it has the potential to unify all the fundamental forces of nature.

2. How much research is currently being done on string theory in theoretical physics?

It is difficult to determine the exact percentage, but string theory is a highly active area of research in theoretical physics. Many universities and research institutions have dedicated departments and groups studying string theory, and numerous papers are published on the subject every year.

3. What are some current challenges and controversies surrounding string theory research?

One of the main challenges of string theory research is that it has yet to be experimentally verified. This has led to some controversy and criticism in the scientific community. Additionally, there are different versions of string theory, such as superstring theory and M-theory, which have not been fully reconciled.

4. How has string theory research progressed over the years?

String theory research has evolved significantly since its inception in the late 20th century. Early developments focused on the mathematical framework and theoretical implications of the theory. In recent years, there has been a shift towards making testable predictions and connecting string theory to other areas of physics, such as cosmology and particle physics.

5. What potential applications or implications does string theory research have?

If string theory is proven to be correct, it could have profound implications for our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics. It could also potentially lead to new technologies and advancements in fields such as quantum computing. However, it is important to note that these potential applications are still purely speculative at this point in time.

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