How competitive is string theory compared to other fields?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the competitiveness of string theory compared to other fields, particularly in the context of pursuing PhD programs and academic positions in the US and UK. It touches on the challenges faced by international students and the hiring trends in various physics subfields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the difficulty of entering a good PhD program in string theory due to fierce competition and suggests that advice from professors favors other areas like condensed matter physics.
  • Another participant notes that predicting the academic job market 15 years into the future is highly uncertain, but provides current statistics indicating a significantly higher number of hires in condensed matter physics compared to string theory.
  • A participant questions the specific institutions referenced regarding hiring trends in string theory.
  • One participant responds that the hiring trends apply to all US PhD granting institutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the competitiveness of string theory versus other fields, as opinions vary regarding the implications of hiring statistics and the advice given to prospective students.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects uncertainties regarding future job markets and the impact of being an international student on academic opportunities. Specific definitions of "good" PhD programs and "competitive" fields are not clarified.

Enne
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I'm Indian and I've heard stuff that it is difficult to get into a good PhD program in the US/UK for string theory because the competition is more fierce than other fields. Furthermore,the likelihood for getting academic positions is even tougher(added to the fact that I'm from a different country) - and so was advised by some profs to go for other areas like condensed matter physics. I have a suspicion that may not be fully true.
 
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I am guessing from your other post that you are a 1st or 2nd year undergrad, perhaps younger. That means you'll be looking for a faculty position 15 or more years from now. I can guess what the market will look like then, but it won't be a very good guess. Nobody can make a good guess that far out.

What I can say is that over the last few years, there are between 100-150 condensed matter hires per year at US PhD granting institutions. Typically, there are 0,1 or 2 string hires. (Since 2009, there have been three)
 
@Vanadium: Thanks for the reply - what specific granting institution are you talking about? 2-3 hires seems low enough :P
 
All of them.
 

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