Science & Cocktails: Cumrun Vafa
Puzzles to Unravel the Universe
Koncertsalen
11. marts 2025 KL. 20.00
lignende events
Science & Cocktails præsenterer en aften med fysiker Cumrun Vafa, der udforsker universets mysterier gennem strengteori og matematik. Inden, kan du opleve en spektakulær performance inspireret af strengteori med Den Sorte Skole, visuel kunstner Signe Emma og fysiker Jácome Armas.
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 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 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 which is designed for the general public, and does not require extensive background in mathematics or physics but just a sense of curiosity!
Event held in English with the generous support of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Cumrun Vafa (Bio)
Cumrun Vafa is the Hollis Professor of Mathematics 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. her work and find her on social media through her website,
Den Sorte Skole (Bio)
For almost 20 years, Den Sorte Skole has challenged the framework for how music is experienced and listened to. They are internationally recognized for their ambitious releases, overwhelming live shows and ability to open the listener's ear to new musical worlds. The duo, consisting of Martin Højland and Simon Dokkedal, has a broad artistic production that ranges from electronic albums to the composition of classical symphonies and avant-garde sound design to modern dance performances.
On stage, the two are most often seen behind samplers, turntables and effects machines, but they have also performed with classical symphony orchestras, choirs and musicians from all over the world. For many years, they have collaborated with visual artists such as Dark Matters, Vertigo and Steen & Hejlesen. Den Sorte Skole is today internationally recognized for their large-scale audiovisual shows, which they have performed with at everything from the Orange Stage at Roskilde Festival to Power Square in Beijing.
opdag musikken
Program
Varighed 2 timer 00 minutter.
19:00
Doors open
20:00 - 20:45
Den Sorte Skole | Koncertsalen
21:15 - 22:15
Cumrun Vafa + Q&A | Koncertsalen
22:15 - 23:00
TBA | Studie 1
Kunstnere
Den Sorte Skole
