Places to do research in geometrodynamics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying suitable research institutions for studying geometrodynamics, particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland. Participants explore the relevance of the term "geometrodynamics" versus "general relativity" in academic contexts and express interest in various aspects of gravitational research.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using "general relativity" instead of "geometrodynamics" to find more research opportunities.
  • Another participant claims that geometrodynamics has largely fallen out of favor since its inception by Wheeler.
  • A participant seeks recommendations for research institutions focused on general relativity and related fields.
  • Specific research interests in general relativity are highlighted, including quantum gravity, cosmology, gravitational waves, and numerical relativity.
  • Concerns are raised about the prevalence of less credible theories in the field, emphasizing the importance of exploring diverse approaches to theoretical physics.
  • A participant expresses support for Wheeler's ideas, suggesting they remain valuable despite skepticism from others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that focusing on general relativity may yield better research opportunities, but there is disagreement regarding the relevance and validity of geometrodynamics as a field of study. The discussion reflects multiple competing views on the importance of various research approaches within gravitational physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for specificity in research interests related to general relativity, indicating that departments may not focus solely on foundational aspects of classical GR. The discussion also highlights the challenge of securing funding for unconventional research approaches.

Geometry_dude
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What are good places to do research in geometrodynamics? Any place in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria or Switzerland?
 
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You will have an easier time finding research groups/phd ads at the main physics institutions in those countries if you just use the term 'general relativity' instead of a fancy term pulled from MTW that isn't used much elsewhere.
 
Geometrodynamics died ages ago, almost immediately after Wheeler concocted it.
 
So the general consensus is that I should rather look for a place doing research in general relativity (+related)?

It also seems reasonable to me. What would be good places for this?
 
Geometry_dude said:
What would be good places for this?

You need to be quite a bit more specific than that in your search. What specifically with regards to general relativity are you interested in? QG;AdS/CFT;AdS/CMT? Cosmology? Gravitational waves? Numerical relativity?

If you're talking about research in the foundations of classical general relativity then you aren't going to find departments devoted solely to this. Nowadays when people write papers on foundational aspects of classical GR, say on spin precession from higher order multipole moments and other aspects of general relativistic rotation, it is usually on the side. This is unsurprising of course as classical GR is a very well understood theory and all that's left are details. Departments that fall into relativity will usually focus primarily on cosmology and/or numerical relativity.

GR is still quite popular in the realm of mathematical physics so look into that if you're more interested in things like stability of solutions to the EFEs and such.
 
I'm interested in alternative approaches to "quantum gravity", that is not ST or LQG. It appears to me that the lessons learned from general relativity are a natural starting point, hence the request.
 
I understand that there is a lot of nonsense and quacks out there, but I think it is in the interest of the physics community as a whole to try as many approaches as possible unless there is good evidence and arguments to exclude certain positions. After all, nature doesn't care about majority rule, only about good, honest theorizing and mathematics. Getting funding is of course a different story.

I sincerely believe Wheeler's ansatz was good and natural.
 

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