News
President’s Medals for University of Glasgow gravitational wave researchers
1st Novemeber 2016 – University of Glasgow physicists who played a key role in the historic first detection of gravitational waves have received a prestigious award for their achievements.
A total of 13 scientists associated with the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy received the President’s Medal from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) at an event held at the Society’s headquarters yesterday (Monday 31 October).
The award, presented by the RSE President and University of Glasgow alumna Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, recognises outstanding achievements from scientists working in Scotland.
DOQS 2016 - Workshop on Many-body Dynamics and Open Quantum Systems
This workshop hosted world-leading theorists and experimentalists from the fields of quantum optics and quantum many-body systems, working with cold atomic and molecular gases, optical lattices, photons, cavities, cold ions, Rydberg atoms and polar molecules. A focus of the workshop was the understanding of interactions between a quantum system and its environment, and how these open quantum system dynamics combine with the behaviour of many-body AMO systems.
Engineering Quantum Matter Workshop June 2016
This workshop was held at the Byre Theatre, St Andrews from 8th-10th June 2016. Over 100 delegates attended, including world-leading scientists working in the areas of quantum materials, topologically-protected states and quantum computation. Funding was awarded to Dr Peter Wahl by the IMPP, mainly covering travel expenses and accommodation for speakers and catering costs. Invited speakers included Dr Eva Benckiser from the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany.
IGR Professor Sheila Rowan appointed Scottish Chief Scientific Adviser
8th June 2016 – Professor Sheila Rowan MBE is to be Scotland’s next Chief Scientific Adviser, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has announced during a visit to the University of Glasgow.
Mr Swinney and Science Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville met Professor Rowan at the University’s Institute for Gravitational Research, of which she is Director.
Research carried out by the Institute was part of a global effort leading to the discovery of gravitational waves, one of the most significant scientific discoveries of this century, with the international team involved being awarded the 2016 Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.
Gravitational waves detected for first time!
An international team of scientists have announced the first-ever direct detection of gravitational waves. The discovery opens a new astronomy window on the universe and confirms a major prediction of Albert Einstein’s 1915 general theory of relativity, and was made possible by British and German advances in technology.
“This is a monumental leap forward for physics and astrophysics – taking Einstein’s predictions and turning them into an entirely new way to sense some of the most fascinating objects in our Universe,” said Professor Sheila Rowan, Director of the University of Glasgow’s Institute for Gravitational Research, and a member of the discovery team.
Combined IMPP and IMPRS lecture week
In June 2015 the International Max Planck Partnership (IMPP) held a lecture week in Scotland in collaboration with the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) at the Albert Einstein Institute (AEI) in Germany. Forty PhD students and postdocs from the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Hannover, Germany and the Institute for Gravitational Research at the University of Glasgow, UK, plus other closely collaborating partners, came together in the beautiful setting of Crieff Hydro in the Trossachs in the Scottish Highlands.
Workshop on Macroscopic Quantum Coherence
1 - 3rd June 2015 at University of St Andrews
Quantum coherence of macroscopic systems is a subject currently under intense study, particularly within quantum optics. This workshop is intended to bring together experts on quantum coherence of macroscopic systems, in particular on continuous variable quantum optics and opto-mechanics, in an informal setting for networking and discussion of new ideas on fundamental issues as well as applications in quantum technologies.
Key role for IMPP partners in new Quantum Technology Hubs
The new £120 million national network of four Quantum Technology Hubs has been unveiled recently by Greg Clark, Minister of State for Universities, Science and Cities. The IMPP partners are involved in all four Hubs and lead the Quantum Sensing Hub, based in Glasgow. In detail:
• Quantum Sensing/Imaging Hub: The University of Glasgow-led hub involves also the IMPP partners Universities of Edinburgh and Strathclyde, and Heriot-Watt University.
• Quantum Sensing and Metrology Hub: The IMPP partners University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde participate in the University of Birmingham-led hub.
• Quantum Computing/Simulation Hub: University of Oxford leads this hub. It collaborates with IMPP partners University of Edinburgh and Strathclyde.
• Quantum Communications Hub: IMPP partners University of Edinburgh and Strathclyde participate in this University of York-led hub.
The hubs were selected after a competitive peer reviewed process and will explore the properties of quantum mechanics and how they can be harnessed for use in technology.
Workshop on Many-body Dynamics and Open Quantum Systems
20th - 22nd October 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland
This international workshop brings together more than 100 world-leading theorists and experimentalists from the fields of quantum optics and quantum many-body systems, working with cold atomic and molecular gases, optical lattices, cavities, cold ions, Rydberg atoms and polar molecules.
IMPP scientists receive three major multi-million Euro grants
Three research projects closely connected to the "International Max Planck Partnership" have received major grants from the European Research Council (ERC).
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