What Are the Hottest Research Areas for a PhD in Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the most promising and financially lucrative research areas for pursuing a PhD in physics. Participants explore various fields, including nanotechnology, energy solutions, and computational physics, while also considering the motivations behind choosing a research path.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that nanotechnology, particularly high-k dielectrics and spintronics, represents a significant area of research with potential for development and financial gain.
  • Others propose that energy-related research, such as nuclear fusion and renewable energy technologies, could be the next big thing due to impending energy crises.
  • Computational physics, especially in condensed matter systems, is mentioned as a hot research area, though some express concerns about the accessibility of particle physics.
  • A few participants emphasize the importance of pursuing research based on personal interest rather than solely for financial reasons.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the "sexiness" of physics and the perception of physicists in society.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on what constitutes the "next big thing" in physics, with multiple competing views on promising research areas and motivations for pursuing them.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reflect uncertainty about the implications of pursuing certain fields, and there are varying opinions on the relationship between financial incentives and academic interests in physics.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a PhD in physics, those interested in current trends in physics research, and professionals exploring potential career paths in STEM fields may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
Lisa! said:
Talent? I don't think so.

So you are doubting the talent of guys like Gates,will smith,Britney! :biggrin:

Lisa! said:
First you need to be lucky, and then perhaps your talent could help you.

Well, that's a kind of dumb thing to say!
The prepared mind sooner or later finds something important and does it! :smile:
"Fortune favours brave"! :biggrin:
 
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  • #32
heman said:
So you are doubting the talent of guys like Gates,will smith,Britney! :biggrin:
No doubt!


Well, that's a kind of dumb thing to say!
The prepared mind sooner or later finds something important and does it! :smile:
"Fortune favours brave"! :biggrin:

Well that's difficult to explain. When I'm reading the biography of famous people, sometimes I think "what would be happen to this person if he would never meet Mr/s X" or "what would happen to him if he didn't go to that plce by mistake?". Sometimes I think he would get his present position anyway.
When I say 'Luck', my definition is different from what you think. I think you get whatever you really want and you're talent in that area, provided that you should try. Then I think what you need, come to your way.
 
  • #33
Lisa! said:
No doubt!


Well that's difficult to explain. When I'm reading the biography of famous people, sometimes I think "what would be happen to this person if he would never meet Mr/s X" or "what would happen to him if he didn't go to that plce by mistake?". Sometimes I think he would get his present position anyway.
When I say 'Luck', my definition is different from what you think. I think you get whatever you really want and you're talent in that area, provided that you should try. Then I think what you need, come to your way.

Lisa,i didn't get exactly what you wanted to say! :confused:
What is the other definition of Luck.?
I agree with your last 2 lines,but initial ones doesn't make sense to me!
 
  • #34
heman said:
Lisa,i didn't get exactly what you wanted to say! :confused:
What is the other definition of Luck.?
I agree with your last 2 lines,but initial ones doesn't make sense to me!
You know for example I read an interesting story about one of the famous physicists. He had decided to study something other than physics. I can't remmember what, but perhaps history. He went to the university to attend an interview for the registration, but he stood in a wrong place with people who wanted to study physics. And he was too shy to say I would want to study history to the interviewer. So he studied physics and he even had an important discovery in Nuclear physics. Now did you get what I meant by the first lines?
And about my definition about luck: you know it's a long story and I'm not in a mood to explain it now.
 
  • #35
Lisa! said:
You know for example I read an interesting story about one of the famous physicists. He had decided to study something other than physics. I can't remmember what, but perhaps history. He went to the university to attend an interview for the registration, but he stood in a wrong place with people who wanted to study physics. And he was too shy to say I would want to study history to the interviewer. So he studied physics and he even had an important discovery in Nuclear physics. Now did you get what I meant by the first lines?
And about my definition about luck: you know it's a long story and I'm not in a mood to explain it now.

Lisa,you made a point ! :smile:
 

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