FQXi grant awardee abstracts (novel time ideas)

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SUMMARY

The FQXi grant program supports unconventional research in theoretical physics, focusing on topics like "the nature of time." In 2010, approximately $1.8 million was awarded to various projects, including Julian Barbour's exploration of the relationship between space and time dynamics and David Rideout's application of massive parallel computing to Quantum Gravity models, particularly Causal Sets. The discussion highlights the potential value of these projects, despite their unconventional nature, and critiques the mainstream funding landscape for not recognizing their significance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity and Quantum Theory
  • Familiarity with Quantum Gravity models, specifically Causal Sets and Causal Triangulations
  • Knowledge of Metropolis Monte Carlo simulation techniques
  • Awareness of the Feynman histories formulation in Quantum Theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Julian Barbour's relational dynamics in classical physics
  • Explore the methodologies used in Causal Triangulations and their applications in Quantum Gravity
  • Investigate the Metropolis Monte Carlo simulation method in the context of quantum cosmology
  • Study the historical context of funding in theoretical physics and its impact on research innovation
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, researchers in Quantum Gravity, and anyone interested in the intersection of unconventional scientific ideas and funding opportunities.

  • #61
atyy said:
ST has proven its worth beyond any doubt.

But details aside, I do agree that FQXi is unlikely to fund a lone wolf.

I think our disagreement is that I think we don't need lone wolves, but you think we do.

Maybe Perelman is such a case. I don't understand the mathematics, but some have said he was after all preceded by Thurston and Hamilton.

Or if we do, then by definition they must be lone. Can we engineer society to create them? What really gave rise to Bach, Beethoven and Brahms? It is still disconcerting to me that the very same culture that gave us those things, also gave us Nazism. (I suppose you could argue it wasn't the "same" culture.)

ST ? superstring theory ?
 
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  • #62
aDS/CFT and Holographic developments are valuable, it is not certain that they would not exist without string work, but it is true that they are results of the effort which proved useful in other areas.
 

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