Puzzles to Unravel the Universe
Science & Cocktails is proud to present a unique episode with superstar award-winning theoretical physicist, mathematician and world-renowned string theorist, author of the book “Puzzles to Unravel the Universe”, Cumrun Vafa, on some of the mysterious of the universe, inspired by string theory, and how to think of it using mathematics. Before that you will be immersed in a unique experience and performance inspired by string theory developed by the Internationally recognized producer and composer duo Den Sorte Skole. Known for their dark symphonic trips through samplers, turntables and effect-machines they will give the audience a deep musical journey in collaboration with the accomplished Danish visual artist Signe Emma and theoretical physicist Jácome (Jay) Armas.
Why are physicists studying string theory? Are symmetries important in nature? How about broken symmetries? What are dualities? Are they powerful in making predictions? Why are mathematical abstractions important in understanding nature?
Beneath all of the complex and formidable mathematical structures that formulate physical laws rest simple but deep nuggets of truth. It is these simple truths, and not the complicated technical details, that scientists strive for when uncovering the laws of nature. Fortunately, these core ideas can often be illustrated with simple mathematical puzzles. In this talk, Cumrun Vafa will discuss examples of these simple mathematical puzzles and show how they can shed light on some of the deepest concepts in physics. Audience will be asked to participate in solving the puzzles during the talk. Cumrun Vafa’s talk is based on his recent book Puzzles to Unravel the Universe.
Event held in English with the generous support of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Talk by
Cumrun Vafa
Cumrun Vafa is the Hollis Professor of Mathematicks and Natural Philosophy and the Chair of the Physics Department at Harvard University, where he does research and teaches theoretical physics since 1985. Born in Iran in 1960, he moved to the US for higher education where he received his B.S. in math and physics from MIT before moving to Princeton University, where he received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics.
Professor Vafa is world-renowned for his groundbreaking work in string theory and the mathematical technology needed to explore this field. He is one of the founders of the duality revolution in string theory which has reshaped our understanding of the fundamental laws of the universe. He has uncovered mysteries of black holes using topological aspects of string theory and is the founder of `F-theory’ which is one of the most promising directions in connecting string theory solutions known as the `string landscape’ to particle physics. His ideas related to apparently consistent, but ultimately inconsistent, theories of quantum gravity which he initiated in the `swampland’ project has helped narrow down the vast string landscape and is currently an active area of research with impact on cosmology, as well as particle phenomenology.
Professor Vafa has received numerous prizes and recognitions for his work on theoretical physics including the 2021 Mustafa prize, the 2017 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, the 2008 Dirac Medal of ICTP and prizes for his work on mathematical physics from American Mathematical Society, as well as American Physical Society. He is a member of National Academy of Sciences as well as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Music by
Den Sorte Skole
Den Sorte Skole is a sample-based producer and composer duo from Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2004 by Simon Dokkedal, Martin Højland and Martin Fernando Jakobsen (on leave since 2011).
By sampling obscure records from all over the globe, all possible genres and all times, Den Sorte Skole takes the listener on a trip through time and space. Imagine a parallel world where ancient ghosts and future robots communicate through heavenly spirituals and poisinous rhythms.
Their aim is to open new worlds of sound and music to people. Celebrating our cultural differences, but also finding the interconnections between them. They are driven by a fascination of the unknown and place themselves in between mainstream and avantgarde. Den Sorte Skole’s work could be described as a prism or kaleidoscope in continuous dialogue with our forgotten musical treasury.
Live, their performances unfold as dark symphonic trips through samplers, turntables and effect-machines. They usually perform as a duo, but also compose classical symphonies, work with choirs and live musicians from around the world. For many years they have been pushing boundaries for audiovisual performances together with acclaimed Danish visual artists like Dark Matters, Obscura Vertigo and Steen & Hejlesen.
In 2017 Den Sorte Skole was awarded the Crown Prince Couples Cultural Award by Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. This award is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in Denmark.
