Archives: Staff

Prof. dr. Thomas Grimm

Professor, director DRSTP

Particle Physics, String Theory, Cosmology, Quantum Gravity

I am interested in…

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON?

My research is driven by the question of how quantum field theories can be unified with gravitational theories into a fundamental theory of quantum gravity. By pursuing this unification, I aim to uncover its potential phenomenological implications and explore the mathematical structures required to build its foundation. String theory serves as the main framework in this endeavor, and over the years, I gained much experience in studying the quantum field theories that arise from it. This led to general principles that capture our expectations how quantum gravity puts additional constraints on the possible quantum field theories. In recent years, my focus has shifted to a novel concept of complexity, rooted in mathematical logic and tame geometry, which I have applied to study quantum field theories and models from string theory. I now investigate how this complexity is bounded by the unification of quantum field theories with gravity.

WHAT DOES DRSTP MEAN FOR YOU?

It offers me a platform to connect with theoretical physicists with diverse research backgrounds. The DRSTP especially helps PhD students broaden their interests, make new friends, and build a valuable national network. I am glad to be part of these initiatives.

WHAT INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE APART FROM YOUR RESEARCH?

I enjoy bouldering and am currently reactivating my tennis skills.

Prof. dr. Stefan Vandoren

Prof.dr. Stefan Vandoren

Professor

String Theory, Quantum Gravity

I am interested in..

What are you working on?

My research is centered around string theory, black holes and quantum field theories. In recent years, I am trying to find a holographic description for quantum gravity without a cosmological constant. If we succeed, it will enable us to address questions about black holes and quantum gravity in a universe that looks a bit more to ours, as opposed to holography in AdS/CFT. I also work on the construction of new string theories with broken supersymmetry, since that seems to be necessary for the connection to the real world. Lastly, I am the PI of the Dutch Black Hole Consortium (DBHC) where we try to connect theoretical physics to astronomy and gravitational wave physics.

What does DRSTP mean for you?

For me, it means building a strong consortium and network of theoretical physicists in which we can interact and learn from each other. It also is very useful for our PhD students who follow schools and courses organized by the DRSTP and meet other PhD students across the country with similar interests.

What interests do you have apart from your research?

I like to do some sports to keep fit, such as playing tennis. Or walk our dog…! I also love to travel, see places and meet people; it gives me the feeling to understand a little better this complicated world we live in.

Prof. dr. ir. Henk Stoof

Prof.dr.ir. Henk Stoof

professor

Quantum Matter

I am interested in..

What are you working on?

I am interested in how new materials can be exploited for energy-efficient applications, mostly in the context of information technology – think of new forms of logic and quantum computations. My field of research, called “hard” or “quantum” condensed matter physics, does this by using the quantum properties of atoms and electrons. In particular, I am interested in the phenomenon of superfluidity and superconductivity, which gives the opportunity of transport of quantum information without losses and heating. What I like about this field is that it combines fundamental research, done by theorists like myself, with applications. In one of our recent projects, for example, we proposed how to use advanced methods from string theory and quantum gravity for the understanding of high-temperature superconducting materials in the laboratory. The results of this project are two-fold: on the one hand it teaches us about fundamental aspects of black-hole physics, and on the other hand it could pave the way for practical applications of room temperature superconductors! It is precisely this strong connection between fundamental and applied research which I enjoy a lot.

What does DRSTP mean for you?

The DRSTP is the place to meet fellow theoretical physicists. Though the word “networking” sometimes has a negative connotation within academic physics, it is at the events of the DRSTP where I mostly meet other colleagues in The Netherlands.

What interests do you have apart from your research?

I like playing soccer, listening to music and going to concerts, and reading.