What's the most active field of physics nowadays?

  • Thread starter Thread starter scottbekerham
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Field Physics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the current state of various fields in physics, particularly focusing on the activity levels in theoretical high energy physics (HEP) and condensed matter physics. Participants explore the ease of entering research in these fields and the perceived value of their respective studies, including practical applications and career prospects.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that condensed matter physics is currently the most active field, citing its applications and relevance to real-life problems.
  • Others question the value of theoretical high energy physics, noting its high entry barriers and perceived lack of practical applications.
  • Concerns are raised about the long timescales required to develop theories in theoretical HEP, with some arguing that condensed matter offers more immediate relevance.
  • There are mixed feelings about string theory, with some participants expressing skepticism about its ultimate validity and relevance.
  • A participant references a report indicating that condensed matter physics leads in the number of physics PhDs granted, suggesting a trend that may still hold.
  • Questions are posed regarding the job prospects for condensed matter PhDs in academia and industry, particularly in tech and engineering sectors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express differing views on the value and activity levels of theoretical high energy physics versus condensed matter physics. There is no consensus on which field is definitively more active or valuable, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path for entering research.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the fields' activity levels and job prospects are based on older data, and the discussion acknowledges the influence of geographical location on research opportunities.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in physics, particularly those interested in condensed matter or theoretical high energy physics, as well as those exploring academic and industry job prospects in these fields.

scottbekerham
Messages
48
Reaction score
0
I have some questions.
What's the most active field of physics nowadays?
Is theoretical high energy physics worth doing ? What's the current state of research ?
Which is easier one to get quickly into research ,Condensed matter or particle physics, string theory etc.?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
scottbekerham said:
I have some questions.
What's the most active field of physics nowadays?

Condensed matter.

scottbekerham said:
Is theoretical high energy physics worth doing ? What's the current state of research ?

Could you possibly be any vaguer on this?

scottbekerham said:
Which is easier one to get quickly into research ,Condensed matter or particle physics, string theory etc.?

Doesn't this depend on a lot on where you are?
 
I hear people saying that theoretical HEP is very difficult . The entry barrier is very hard to penetrate and similar stories . Also and most importantly it has no connection to real life and it will take decades to produce a real theory so one should better study condensed matter that have applications etc.
 
I mean one who is working on strings feels that theories he's developing will turn out to be ultimately false (It's just some mathematical curiousity) but in condensed matter one study graphene and other things that's very important in real life
 
If you look at this report:
http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/reports/physgrad2008.pdf
on page 11 you'll see a breakdown of physics PhDs granted by subfield. Although the data is now about 5 years old, condensed matter seems to be a clear leader and I doubt that's changed.
 
scottbekerham said:
I mean one who is working on strings feels that theories he's developing will turn out to be ultimately false (It's just some mathematical curiousity) but in condensed matter one study graphene and other things that's very important in real life

Well then it sounds like you answered your own question. If working on things that could just be a 'mathematical curiosity' doesn't appeal to you, then from your perspective it's not worth doing.
 
For condensed matter PHD's, what are industry employment prospects like? Do they have greater odds of getting jobs in academia, and of working in tech/engineering sectors (if I can't be a physicist, at least I can work in tech or engineering).
 

Similar threads

Other How do physicists practically switch fields to non-adjacent subfields?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Programs Where did all the “fundamentals-deepening” master’s programs go?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
PhD in condensed matter theory or theoretical cosmology
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Admissions Chance of admission to Imperial QFFF and LMU MSc Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Other What are areas of research that pertain to Grand Unified Theory?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Admissions Statement of purpose critique request (high-energy theory PhD application)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Looking for interdisciplinary institutes/groups (Europe preferred)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Feedback About Theoretical Cosmology?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Courses Physics education PhD then MSc Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Admissions Exploring the Universe: Pursuing a PhD in High Energy Physics
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K