Home / Dialogues with
The Quantum revolution in the XXI Century
Scientific advance is essential for understanding the world that surrounds us. It brings about cultural and social changes that shape our personal environment. An important element in this complex scenario is the advent of disruptive technologies that emerge from new fundamental knowledge.
Quantum physics serves as a quintessential example of this idea. Since the beginning of the XXth century, quantum mechanics has transformed our description and prediction of phenomena at the atomic scale. Moreover, quantum physics underpins a significant part of the technological and economic developments of the last century, including progress in semiconductors, communications or materials. Last but not least, the quantum theory raises fundamental philosophical questions that affect our understanding of reality.
In this context, a new generation of quantum technologies is emerging. They are based on the practical application of concepts intrinsically associated with quantum theory, such as particle entanglement or the superposition of quantum states. This dialogue will offer the opportunity to discuss about the role of basic science in the rise of new technologies, as well as the present and future of quantum science and technologies, particularly quantum computing.
Women's leadership in Physics
Over the past few decades, there have been considerable efforts to identify and raise awareness about the gender imbalance in science. Despite some progress, the resistance to implementing significant actions is so deeply ingrained that it prevents addressing this systemic problem with a truly transformative and honest perspective. As a consequence, the advancement of gender equality in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) fields has been slower than anticipated. This calls for a critical discussion on complex issues like access to power, allocation of resources, outdated gender norms, healthy working environments, and the existence of preferential hierarchies and opaque power structures.
In this dialogue, we will focus on the central challenges to achieving equality in science. We will review the data, analyze institutional strategies, and highlight why progress is stagnant. We will also discuss the importance of male allies and reflect on how to advance towards inclusive leadership models. We aim to invite participants to listen, reflect, and encourage them to take personal and collective action.
El rol de la física en el siglo XXI
La física ha jugado un papel relevante en el curso de la ciencia del siglo XX, con hitos que han afectado incluso a nuestra historia global. El siglo XXI nos ofrece un panorama aparentemente menos definido, cambiante, con evoluciones que se desencadenan con notable rapidez.
¿Qué efectos tienen esas evoluciones sobre los roles que desempeña la física y los de las personas que se dedican a ella? ¿Deben ser formados los físicos modernos de otro modo?
Para abundar en estos aspectos, reunimos a todo un referente de la física española con una física joven que comienza ahora su carrera investigadora. Casi medio siglo separa sus experiencias, una diferencia temporal que ayudará a desarrollar un diálogo en el que se complementen diferentes visiones.
Artificial Intelligence and Physics in the XXI Century
The twenty-first century marks a crucial era where artificial intelligence (AI) merges with the physical sciences, creating unprecedented avenues for discovery and innovation. In this discussion we will explore the cutting-edge interface between AI and physics, emphasizing machine learning's (ML) revolutionary impact on both fundamental and applied physics.
We will discuss how ML algorithms are not just augmenting but reshaping our way of exploring natural phenomena. From predicting subatomic behaviors to simulating cosmic phenomena, AI’s role in fundamental physics is pushing the boundaries of both theoretical and experimental paradigms. Similarly, we will discuss AI's transformative influence on the development and discovery of novel materials, which could catalyze advances in technology and sustainable development.
The discussion aims to knit together these insights, shedding light on AI's broad implications in the physical sciences. The dialogue is set to highlight groundbreaking achievements while paving the way for future research directions. It will also tackle ethical considerations, the key role of big corporations in shaping the development and application of scientific AI technologies, and the potential societal impacts.
July 15-19, 2024
DONOSTIA - SAN SEBASTIAN
Lankor – Conference and Events
+ 34 943 42 81
11
info@bienalfisica.org