This week, some of the brightest minds in physics met in Vancouver to explore one of the greatest mysteries in science: the theory of quantum gravity. This idea may lead to the creation of new quantum technologies, clean energy, and perhaps time travel.
Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity and quantum mechanics are the two pillars upon which the world’s physics knowledge rests. Einstein’s investigation of the idea of space, time, and gravity led to the development of space travel and technologies such as atomic clocks, which govern global GPS. While quantum mechanics focuses on the atomic and subatomic behavior of matter and light. It is responsible for the majority of today’s equipment, including electronics, lasers, computers, and cell phones.
Unfortunately, the two hypotheses are incompatible, and scientists have spent decades attempting to reconcile them. This is why the Quantum Gravity Society was founded in 2020 in Vancouver.
Philip Stamp, physics and astronomy professor at the University of British Columbia and co-founder of the Quantum Gravity Society, stated, “The discovery of quantum gravity could lead to the possibility of time travel, new quantum devices, or even massive new energy resources that produce clean energy and help us combat climate change.”
“The potential long-term repercussions of this discovery are so astounding that 100 years from now, life on earth may appear as astonishing to us as the technology of today did to individuals living 100 years ago.”
Is the existence of a multiverse a scientific question? was the theme of one session of the conference, which focused on a concept prevalent in Marvel films like Dr. Strange. The response was yes. Mark Aspelmeyer, a visiting physics professor from the University of Vienna, stated, “Theoretically, (the multiverse) may be real,” adding that scientists may one day be able to observe evidence of its existence.
Who knows, we may be able to observe signatures in the distant future even throughout the multiverse. The conference also helped the establishment of the Quantum Gravity Institute, a Vancouver-based research center.
Paul Lee, venture entrepreneur and co-founder of the Quantum Gravity Society, stated, “Most institutes are attempting to solve large challenges; they recruit the brightest minds in an effort to solve them.” The idea was that if we created an institute, we could help bring them together.
The digitization of physics archives now maintained in the United Kingdom has already begun. Video recordings, notes, and thoughts from some of the finest intellectuals in the world, including Stephen Hawking. The end plan is to move them to Vancouver. “If we can catalog it, digitize it, and make it searchable, it may be possible to preserve the information,” Lee added.
Terry Hui of Concord Pacific, another co-founder, aspires to make Vancouver the global center for quantum research. “These leading scientists represent the apex of the knowledge industry’s food chain,” Hui stated. We believe this will attract even more intelligent individuals to our already intelligent city.