Events in Physics
Thursday, November 07, 2019
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Theory Seminar: Robert Brady, Not even gnorwPS1.28Twelve years ago, Peter Woit wrote an iconoclastic book about physics entitled 鈥渘ot even wrong鈥�. He argued that the discipline of string theory is not a science because it fails to propose any experiment that could show the theory to be wrong. Such failures are not new. Much of modern physics is founded on the principle that the speed of light is constant. Yet when Einstein proposed this in 1905, he recognised that no experiment could be performed to distinguish it from Lorentz's earlier theory, in which measuring instruments become distorted when they move through the light medium so that merely the measured speed of light is constant. Since no experiment can distinguish the two approaches, it follows that the theory of special relativity is 鈥渘ot even wrong鈥�. In this talk I will review Einstein鈥檚 debate with Lorentz from 1905 to 1922 and show that he won the argument by invoking an assumption that is now known to be false. This has important consequences: for example, later developments in the field of analogue gravity may have received inadequate attention because they are close to Lorentz鈥檚 ideas. In the main body of my talk, I will discuss recent experiments on analogues of quantum mechanics by Yves Couder, who died in April 2019. Ross Anderson and I showed that Couder鈥檚 experiments indicate, in quantitative detail, how Lorentz may have been right after all. |
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Up to 拢1.5 million available through the Engineering Theme to provide bespoke support to EPSRC researchers in our community to undertake public engagement activities in order to inspire, and interact with the public as well as attract them to Engineering and Physical Sciences. |
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For established researchers to develop new knowledge, skills and ideas in one or more research centres outside the UK The scheme may be used for:
Value
The maximum value of a Fellowship is 拢45,000. Duration
Fellowships are tenable for between 3 and 24 months. |
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Nominations must come from the HOD as the application number is capped. Future Leaders Fellowships will grow the strong supply of talented individuals needed to ensure a vibrant environment for research and innovation in the UK. The scheme is open to researchers and innovators from across business, universities, and other organisations. We welcome applicants from around the world. Investment of up to 拢1.2 million over four years, with the ability to extend to up to seven years, will enable the next generation to benefit from outstanding support to develop their careers, and to work on difficult and novel challenges. We want to fund the best fellows no matter what their background. The Future Leaders Fellowships scheme has been developed with unprecedented levels of flexibility to support applicants from a wide range of experiences, disciplines and sectors. Full stage deadline for Round 4 is 7th November 2019. |
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The Science and Technology Facilities Council invites applications for its public engagement nucleus awards. These support novel public engagement programmes that inspire and involve target audiences with stories of STFC science and technology, and build and sustain public engagement networks that develop communities of practice. Proposed programmes must focus on a topic within the council鈥檚 remit, which includes astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics and accelerator science, or clearly align to the science and technology work of STFC鈥檚 national and international laboratories and facilities. Applications that highlight the social, ethical, and economic benefits of research are welcomed. Applications are encouraged to propose novel or innovative approaches towards engagement. Applications that propose engagement with audiences considered to have low science capital are also encouraged. Applicant organisations must be based in the UK and the target audiences of the project must be primarily UK residents. Applicants may include grant-funded researchers, STFC scientists and engineers, facility users, schools, museum, science communicators, universities and colleges. They must be eligible to apply on behalf of the organisation to hold the award. Each application must include a researcher in an STFC-funded area of science or technology. Awards are worth up to 拢100,000 each over three years. They may cover costs such as contributions to salaries, costs of materials, travel and subsistence. Digital content is only funded as an intrinsic part of a wider engagement programme. |
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For experienced researchers in any discipline, to complete a piece of research Research Fellowships are open to experienced researchers, particularly those who are or have been prevented by routine duties from completing a programme of original research. Awards are not limited to those holding appointments in higher education. Value
The maximum value of a Fellowship is 拢55,000. The awards provide research expenses over and above normal living costs and/or provide a contribution towards reasonable replacement costs or loss of earnings. Duration
Fellowships are tenable for between 3 and 24 months. |