What is information? Is it a physical quantity? What are the differences between classical and quantum information? Does our state of motion have anything to do with information? Are temperature and information related? Can the temperature of the early universe be explained in the same way as that of a hot gas, and why does all of this have anything to do with Einstein, gravity and black holes?

The 21st century is usually described as the century of information because of the large amount of accessible data that is produced. The classical theory of information developed by Shannon in 1948 and its quantum extension have provided scientists with a different perspective in all disciplines, from biology (DNA chains, cell efficiency) and
computer science (memory storage, speed processing), to physics (statistical & quantum mechanics, black holes).

In this talk, Joan Simón, visiting from the University of Edinburgh, will introduce the notion of information through intuitive examples and highlight the main difference between its classical and quantum counterparts. Using the fundamental principles of theoretical physics in the 20th century, Joan Simón will explain how these notions can intuitively explain why the early universe or black holes have a temperature, but also how they give rise to deep paradoxes and speculations on the nature of quantum gravity.

Afterwards, low-temperature cocktails sizzling with information, while we peek through the fabric of spacetime guided by the jazz sounds of Joey Williams's JAMISON THE BAND.


Image: Dice (Nick Quaranto/Flickr).