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Will We Ever Finish Drawing the Map of Physics? From Discovery to Imagination


B&W picture of Einstein looking at book with particle and exoplanet background

Speaker: Professor Mete Atatüre FInstP, Professor of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge

The quest to map the landscape of physics is associated with a continuous and enduring journey of discovery. From fundamental particles to exoplanets, the notion of discovery indicates finding out what is already there - hence the map analogy. There is however another important element, namely imagination, that drives progress in physics. A field where this second notion might be most needed is the broad condensed matter physics, where what one discovers is linked to how one approaches the concept of complexity via imagination. Within the context of condensed matter physics, Professor Mete Atatüre of the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge will delve into the role of imagination in propelling scientific progress, highlighting how new models are shaped through reimagining new constituents out of complexity. Ultimately, the Lecture aims to provoke a light contemplation on the infinite nature of scientific inquiry: Are we destined to ever complete the map of physics, or does the pursuit itself lead us into realms of ever-expanding wonder and possibility?

Please register for this event, as it will help with our rooming and refreshment arrangements.

About the Speaker

Mete Atatüre received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1996 from Bilkent University Physics Department in Turkey. Then, he joined the Quantum Imaging Laboratory at Boston University for his PhD studies. From 2002 to 2007, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Quantum Photonics Group at ETH Zurich. He joined the Cavendish Laboratory in June 2007 as a University Lecturer, was promoted to a Readership in 2011 and to a Professorship in 2015.

His current research efforts include optical control of spin-photon interfaces in solids, development of nanoscale quantum sensors and investigations of novel quantum materials and devices. He is also a co-founder and CSO of QOMS quantum-tech spin out, Nu Quantum Ltd. He dedicates significant time to science communication and public engagement on the role of science in society, scientific integrity, and achieving diversity & equality in science. Mete Atatüre is a Distinguished Research Fellow of Sabanci University, and a Fellow of the Institute of Physics, the Optical Society of America, Academia Europaea, and the Turkish Science Academy. He is the recipient of the IOP 2020 Thomas Young Medal.