The discussion highlights the sociology-of-science implications within theoretical physics, particularly through the works of Ozzy Zapata and Roger Penrose. Both emphasize how intellectual trends, like string theory, can become expert fads, with Penrose's 2006 talk providing an engaging critique. Citation metrics reveal a significant decline in the prominence of recent string theory papers, suggesting a waning interest among physicists. Despite a stable publication rate, the drop in citations raises questions about the field's relevance and acceptance. Overall, these insights indicate potential shifts in the landscape of theoretical physics and its research focus.
Update to post #417 external fellowships section:
Sean Gryb (Nijmegen U.) -> Nijmegen U. (Veni Fellowship)
Joseph Ben Geloun (Perimeter Inst.) -> Potsdam, Max Planck Inst. (Humboldt Fellowship)
Update on research posting rates based on the same database search in consecutive years, 2013 figures annualized for comparison as of 6 Sept (= 249/365).
A spot check of the pop-string book market on 7 September showed top five stringy titles (audio-parallel, grand, e-fabric, e-grand, fabric) ranking (2755+12735+15773+17003+17840)/5 for an average of 13,221.
Spot check noon 16 September showed an average salesrank of 9702 (top five were fabric, elegant, e-fabric, e-elegant, grand---respectively 5949+9284+10438+10994+11847)
Update on research posting rates based on the same database search in consecutive years, 2013 figures annualized for comparison as of 11 Oct (= 284/365).
Spot check as of noon 15 October the pop-string top 5 (grand, hidden, elegant, aud-fabric, aud-hidden) had salesranks 6681+11805+11823+13249+13355 for an average of 11383.
Code:
Midmonth averages of string topfive salesranks
(recorded at Pacific noon on several days around the 15th of each month)
...
July 2009 6485
November 2009 NA
March 2010 7521
July 2010 8461
November 2010 2220
March 2011 349
July 2011 1257
November 2011 1243
March 2012 3235
July 2012 2359
November 2012 7792
March 2013 7396
July 2013 9168
(15 October 11383)
With audible editions (as with electronic e-books) where Amazon does not give the exact salesranks must estimate them by averaging ranks of the editions that come immediately before and after them in the bestseller listings.
Alabama's very broad "...candidate may include any of a variety of topics in theoretical elementary particle physics such as physics beyond the Standard Model, applications of particle physics to cosmology and particle astrophysics, quantum gravity, and string theory."
Arizona specifies "...lattice gauge theory."
Buffalo headlines phenomenology "...We seek candidates with a strong background in collider phenomenology, who will complement and strengthen the current research efforts of the High-energy Physics and Cosmology group (HEPCOS) at UB."
Oregon wants to "...especially encourage candidates with a strong interest in connections with experimental particle physics."
Princeton says hep-th, cond-mat, math-phys and comments "... The department has strong research groups in a number of subfields of theory (biophysics, condensed matter, cosmology and general relativity, high energy theory, and mathematical physics), but the goal of this search is not necessarily to strengthen an existing effort..."
Santa Barbara "...theoretical astrophysics or theoretical high energy physics"
Virginia specifies cosmology "...tenure-track opening in cosmology, broadly defined, including all areas of theoretical, observational, experimental, and computational cosmology."
Two more job openings announced:
LBNL https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/3458
York https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/3266 (area=cosmology/particle astrophysics)
LBNL(Berkeley) job is half-time helping compile the Particle Data Review and half-time research,which can be either experimental or theoretical particle physics.
York (Toronto) wants somebody in cosmology or particle astrophyics: "The candidate's research should complement York's existing theoretical research in early universe cosmology, quantum chromodynamics, and beyond-the-standard-model physics. It should also have connections to York-based research in experimental particle physics (e.g. ATLAS, T2K, ALPHA, or LArTPC) or observational astrophysics (e.g. optical, IR, radio, SDSS, or CMB).".
Update on research posting rates based on the same database search in consecutive years, 2013 figures annualized for comparison as of 18 Oct (= 291/365).
Over the past 3 or 4 years a new center of QG research has been built up at Erlangen under the chairmanship of Thomas Thiemann. He recently sent out an email briefly describing the setup there (and announcing one or more postdoc openings). It's part of the QG landscape so I'll quote some excerpts:---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2013 22:56:25 +0100
From: Thomas Thiemann <thomas.thiemann@gravity.fau.de>
Subject: postdoc in Erlangen
The Institute for Quantum Gravity (IQG) is part of the Erlangen Centre for
Astroparticle Physics (ECAP) which has a strong expertise in experimental
astroparticle physics. The IQG benefits from continuous exchange with the
excellency cluster 'Universe' in Munich, especially with the groups working
on (quantum) cosmology. The IQG fosters strong links with the Department of
Mathematics in Erlangen. The University of Erlangen has identified the
collaboration between the IQG, the chair for statistical physics and the
chair for algebra and representation theory as one of its prestigious
'emerging field projects' which is generously supported. Finally, the IQG is
in close contact with a network of international research centers focussing
on quantum gravity such as
the Albert Einstein Institute in Potsdam, Germany;
the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada;
the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos in State College, Pennsylvania,USA;
Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA;
Institute for Theoretical Physics in Marseille, France;
Institute for Theoretical Physics in Warsaw, Poland.
Postdoctoral Positions in Erlangen-Nuernberg
In autumn 2014, at least one postdoctoral position in the field of quantum
physics of the gravitational field, in particular quantum gravity and
quantum cosmology, will be available at the Institute for Quantum Gravity
(IQG) (Theoretical Physics III) of the Friedrich Alexander University (FAU)
Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. The position is for two years with a possibility
of extension for one additional year, depending on funding. In exceptional
cases, a five year contract may be negotiable...
The successful candidate will be part of the new international centre for
quantum gravity at the FAU which just completed its building up phase. The
centre currently hosts 5 professors, 2 postdocs plus guests, fellows, PhD and
diploma/master students. Altogether, there is space for up to 30 scientists.
Current staff includes professors Kristina Giesel, Hanno Sahlmann, Frederic
Schuller (Interim professor), Michael Thies and Thomas Thiemann (Chair),
Emeriti Frieder Lenz (former chair) and Hartmut Hofmann, postdocs Daniele
Pranzetti and Derek Wise as well as 7 Phd and 4 master students. Former
institute member and Humboldt Fellow Jonathan Engle recently accepted a
tenure track assistant professor position at Florida Atlantic University and
holds an affiliate position. Another affiliate professor position is held by
Florian Girelli.
...
...
Applications will be reviewed starting November 15th, 2013 but later
applications will be considered until the position is filled. The starting
date of the position is normally Oct. 1st 2014 but there is some flexibility.
For further information about the University and the Institute please visit:
http://www.uni-erlangen.de/einrichtungen/fakultaeten/nat/departments.shtml
and http://www.gravity.physik.fau.de.
For further information about the position please send an inquiry to application@gravity.fau.de.
QG research including Loop has sprouted in several other institutions (e.g. Beijing Normal, Florida Atlantic, Nijmejen, Morelia...) However Thiemann in his recent letter mentions these seven. I'll give common internet names for them in alphabetical order.
AEI Potsdam
CPT Marseille
gravity Louisiana State
gravity Penn State
IQG Erlangen
Perimeter Institute
physics Warsaw
IQG Erlangen is new so the name is not well established, but if you google it you do get a link to the IQG (part of the Erlangen Center for Astroparticle Physics) and that seems to be the name Thiemann prefers--it is used in announcing job openings and conference/workshop events.
Likewise googling CPT Marseille will get you links to the Centre de Physique Theorique and Rovelli's group.
Penn State and Louisiana State are insufficiently specific pointers, but googling "gravity penn state" or "gravity louisiana state" immediately gets you links to the relevant institutes. In part due to recent name change these intitutes' official acronyms seem not yet well-enough established to work consistently in a search.
MIT has announced a first-time HEP-Theory faculty job opening for 2014: http://inspirehep.net/record/1258712
I'll consider this as primarily a theory opening although it headlines a broad range of research areas "hep-ex, hep-lat, hep-ph, hep-th, nucl-th, physics-other, quant"
The announcement explicitly mentions string, along with several other areas of interest (quantum gravity...).
So now, as best we know, ten faculty openings (US and Canada) for 2014 have been announced. Application deadlines are mostly next month (November 2013)
In general the research interests that physics departments are looking for in junior faculty now seems pretty much the same as it has been on average over the past 6 or 7 years:
String jobs per year, as a share of total in HEP-theory. First time faculty hires in theoretical particle physics (Usa + Canada)
(Annual rates averaged over 3 year intervals.)
Code:
period 1999-2001 2002-2004 2005-2007 2008-2010 2011-2013
HEP theory hires 18 24 23 13 13
string hires 9 8 6 2 2
Of the 11 positions advertised so far for 2014 quite a few seem to be specified for astrophysics/cosmology.
None specifically for string although that was mentioned among other lines of research in a couple of cases.
Spot check of pop-string book market today showed salesranks of the stringy top five (e-elegant, grand, fabric, elegant, parallel) averaging 11810.
Inspire has changed their search engine so we have to re-do our record
Update on research posting rates based on the same database search in consecutive years, 2013 figures annualized for comparison as of 25 Oct (= 298/365).
Update on research posting rates as of 30 October= 303/365
(135 annualized from 112 found)
(666 annualized from 553 found)
Update on first-time faculty jobs in HEP-theory, for 2014. 11 openings have been posted so far, deadlines for application tend to be in November or December of previous year.
Of the 11 positions advertised so far for 2014 quite a few seem to be specified for astrophysics/cosmology.
None specifically for string although that was mentioned as a possibility among other lines of research in a couple of cases.
Some trends in recent hiring are shown here:
Hires per year, in string and in HEP-theory as a whole, including string. First time faculty hires in theoretical particle physics (Usa + Canada)
(Annual rates averaged over 3 year intervals.)
Code:
period 1999-2001 2002-2004 2005-2007 2008-2010 2011-2013
HEP theory hires 18 24 23 13 13
string hires 9 8 6 2 2
Update on first-time faculty jobs in HEP-theory, for 2014. 13 openings have been posted so far, TWO at Texas A&M (in astrophysics and in theoretical cosmology/astrophysics). Deadlines for application are mostly this month or next.
A large share of the 13 positions advertised so far for 2014 seem specified for astrophysics/cosmology. None of the openings were specifically for string although that line of research was mentioned as a possibility among others in a couple of cases.
Since we've turned a page, I'll bring forward the short record of pop-string salesrank averages.
Code:
Midmonth averages of string topfive salesranks
(recorded at Pacific noon on several days around the 15th of each month)
...
July 2009 6485
November 2009 NA
March 2010 7521
July 2010 8461
November 2010 2220
March 2011 349
July 2011 1257
November 2011 1243
March 2012 3235
July 2012 2359
November 2012 7792
March 2013 7396
July 2013 9168
(15 October 11383)
Setting up to record the midmonth salesrank average for November
Code:
Midmonth averages of string topfive salesranks
(recorded at Pacific noon on several days around the 15th of each month)
...
July 2009 6485
November 2009 NA
March 2010 7521
July 2010 8461
November 2010 2220
March 2011 349
July 2011 1257
November 2011 1243
March 2012 3235
July 2012 2359
November 2012 7792
March 2013 7396
July 2013 9168
12 November 11433
13 November 12429
14 November 10141
15 November …..
16 November …..
17 November …..
18 November …..
The pop-string top five as of noon on the 14th were grand, e-elegant, parallel, hidden, fabric.
(8353+9084+10827+11201+11242)/5 = 10141
Midmonth averages of string topfive salesranks
(recorded at Pacific noon on several days around the 15th of each month)
...
July 2009 6485
November 2009 NA
March 2010 7521
July 2010 8461
November 2010 2220
March 2011 349
July 2011 1257
November 2011 1243
March 2012 3235
July 2012 2359
November 2012 7792
March 2013 7396
July 2013 9168
12 November 11433
13 November 12429
14 November 10141
15 November 9910
16 November 9554
17 November …..
18 November …..
At noon 16 November (6240+7539+8380+11843+13769)/5 = 9554
the pop-string top five being fabric, parallel, grand, hyper, e-elegant.
Midmonth averages of pop-string topfive salesranks
(recorded at Pacific noon on several days around the 15th of each month)
...
July 2009 6485
November 2009 NA
March 2010 7521
July 2010 8461
November 2010 2220
March 2011 349
July 2011 1257
November 2011 1243
March 2012 3235
July 2012 2359
November 2012 7792
March 2013 7396
July 2013 9168
November 2013 10558
11433+12429+10141+9910+9554+9948+10488)/7 = 10558
Back in 1999-2001, looking at hires to first-time faculty positions, string accounted for about half of the total high energy physics (HEP) theory hires---about 9 jobs per year on average, out of total 18 per year. This declined to about a third in 2002-2004, and about a quarter of theory hires in 2005-2007--an average of about 6 per year.
Now the annual rate is more like 1/6 or 1/7. An increasing share of hires has been going to theoretical cosmology/astrophysics, including the crossover "astroparticle" area.
Hires per year, in string and in HEP-theory as a whole, including string. First time faculty hires in theoretical particle physics (Usa + Canada)
(Annual rates averaged over 3 year intervals.)
Code:
period 1999-2001 2002-2004 2005-2007 2008-2010 2011-2013
HEP theory hires 18 24 23 13 13
string hires 9 8 6 2 2
A noticeable share of the 14 job descriptions advertised so far for 2014 specified astrophysics/cosmology. None were specifically for string although that was mentioned in some cases as one of a broad range of possible research interests.
As of 26 Nov, essentially no change in research postings
137*365/330=152
603*365/330=667
A spot check of the pop-string market at 12:30 PM showed essentially no change from the mid month average recorded earlier: average salesrank of the stringy top five (hyper, grand, fabric, elegant, e-elegant) was 10487.
Here's a simple Inspire search for keyword "quantum cosmology" papers that appeared 2009--present, ranked by cites. It gets 639 total: http://inspirehep.net/search?ln=en&...search=Search&sf=&so=d&rm=citation&rg=25&sc=0
In the first 20 listed (as of now the most cited) four primarily involve non-loop approaches (#3, 5, 8, 15). It could be interesting to look further down the list and see what other QC approaches are getting research attention.
On the HEP-theory job scene (first-time faculty USA+Canada) 13 departments have posted job for 2014, for a total of 14 jobs. The deadlines for applications are mostly passed, or are in early January, which means departments are beginning to select "short lists". So far only one (Arizona) has the beginnings of a short list posted. The research interest they are looking for is lattice gauge theory. A substantial fraction of the other departments indicate the are looking for candidates specializing in astroparticle physics and/or cosmology. See posts #444 and 445 for more details. http://particle.physics.ucdavis.edu/rumor/doku.php