Invitation to the ICTP Theoretical Physics Colloquium by Prof. Edward Witten on "What Every Physicist Should Know About String Theory" on Wednesday 7 June 2023 at 14:00 hrs, Budinich LH

[ICTP Director]

Dear All,

You are most cordially invited to the ICTP Theoretical Physics 
Colloquium by Prof. Edward Witten on "What Every Physicist Should Know 
About String Theory"

*The Colloquium will take place on Wednesday 7 June at 14:00 hrs in the 
Budinich Lecture Hall.*

Biosketch: Edward Witten is Professor Emeritus in the School of Natural 
Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. He is a 
researcher in string theory, quantum gravity, supersymmetric quantum 
field theories, and other areas of mathematical physics. Witten's work 
has also significantly impacted pure mathematics. In 1990, he became the 
first physicist to be awarded a Fields Medal by the International 
Mathematical Union, for his mathematical insights in physics, such as 
his 1981 proof of the positive energy theorem in general relativity, and 
his interpretation of the Jones invariants of knots as Feynman 
integrals. He is considered the practical founder of M-theory. Edward 
Witten’s work exhibits a unique combination of mathematical power and 
physics insight, and his contributions have significantly enriched both 
fields. He was awarded the ICTP Dirac Medal in 1985 for stimulating 
contributions to quantum field theory, particularly with regard to the 
implications of new kinds of anomalies. He has greatly contributed to 
the modern interest in superstrings as a candidate theory for the 
unification of all known physical interactions. Most recently, he has 
explored quantum duality symmetries of field theories and string 
theories, opening significant new perspectives on particle physics, 
string theory, and topology.

Abstract : Prof. Witten will explain in nontechnical language how string 
theory generalizes quantum field theory while eliminating the 
ultraviolet divergences and the ability to adjust coupling constants in 
an arbitrary fashion.

The Colloquium will be livestreamed at the following link: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m4PgjlswfQ

Light refreshments will be served on the Leonardo Building Terrace at 
the end of the talk.

Looking forward to your participation.

With best regards,

Zina Makkawi

Director's Office, ICTP