The associate director of the Mathematics and Physical Sciences division describes some of the mysteries he hopes will be solved
Four Minutes With
Madhu Sudan talks about exploring reliable mechanisms for computers to interact with one another.
Watch: Alexei Kitaev and the Value of Toy Models
Simplifications can provide deep insights to complex systems like black holes, explains Alexei Kitaev of the California Institute of Technology
Watch: Eva Silverstein on String Theory, Quantum Gravity and the History of the Universe
Eva Silverstein of Stanford University connects the mathematical structure of string theory to predictions for cosmological observables.
Watch: Paul Steinhardt and the New Big Bounce Cosmology
Paul J. Steinhardt, a key developer of cosmic inflation in the big bang theory, has second thoughts about that model. Instead, he is revisiting the idea of a cyclical universe, perhaps made possible by dark energy
Watch: Simons Fellow Lisa Tran and the Future of Liquid Crystals
Most familiar in displays, liquid crystals behave in unusual ways that could lead to new developments in science and technology, points out Lisa Tran, a chemical engineer and a member of the Simons Society of Fellows
Watch: Thomas Scanlon Discusses the Importance of Mathematical Logic
Watch: Ashvin Vishwanath Talks About the Border of Quantum Physics and Material Properties
Ashvin Vishawanath's work uses quantum mechanics to explore properties of matter such as superconductivity and magnetism.
Watch: Astrophysicist Eve Ostriker Talks About Spiral Galaxies and the Interstellar Medium
The astrophysicist talks about the interstellar medium, star formation, galactic winds and her favorite galaxies
Watch: Four Minutes With Terence Tao
We ask the 2006 Fields Medalist to talk about his love of mathematics, his current interests and his favorite planet