Gravity conference delves into the geometric foundations of the universe
On 17–21 June 2019 the University of Tartu Institute of Physics will host the 2nd international conference "Geometric Foundations of Gravity", attended by over 60 theoretical physicists and mathematicians from 20 countries.
Einstein's general relativity, which mathematically describes the force of gravity by spacetime curvature, explains many astronomical phenomena, and has recently received remarkable confirmation by the observations of gravitational waves as well as the black hole image. Yet the unresolved problems of dark matter and dark energy raise the possibility that general relativity is just a limiting case of a broader theory, engendering significant effects on the behaviour of the universe only on very large scales.
"Fitting together the standard models of particle physics, cosmology and gravity for a comprehensive description of the universe does not give a fully consistent picture. This motivates researchers to revisit the geometric foundations and systematically consider all possible alternatives in the formulation of the theory," explains UT Senior Research Fellow in Theoretical Physics Manuel Hohmann, one of the organisers of the conference.
The conference is run by the Laboratory of Theoretical Physics of the UT Institute of Physics, and it is a part of the activities of the Center of Excellence "The Dark Side of the Universe", supported by the European Regional Development Fund. The invited speakers of the conference include Professors Fawad Hassan (Stockholm), Lavinia Heisenberg (ETH Zürich), Jutta Kunz (Oldenburg) and Derek Wise (Concordia, St. Paul).
"Tartu has become an internationally recognised hub of gravity theory and it is a pleasure to see that after two years many seasoned experts as well as young researchers in the field have found a possibility to delve with us into the puzzles of universe," says the Assistant Director of the UT Institute of Physics Laur Järv, another organiser of the conference.
On the popular level the gravity-related topics are explained at a public lecture on Tuesday, 18 June at 18 in Tartu Old Observatory (on Toomemägi). Professor Lavinia Heisenberg will deliver the lecture "Our Dark Universe" in English.
More details are available on the conference webpage.
Additional information: Laur Järv, UT Senior Research Fellow, Assistant Director at UT Institute of Physics, +372 5341 6324, laur.jarv [ät] ut.ee