Quantum gravity: we explore spin foams and other potential solutions to this enduring challenge

Quantum Quantum Podcasts Quantum gravity: we explore spin foams and other potential solutions to this enduring challenge 27 Nov 2025 Hamish Johnston Earlier this autumn I had the pleasure of visiting the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo Canada – where I interviewed four physicists about their research. This is the second of those conversations to appear on the podcast – and it is with Bianca Dittrich, whose research focuses on quantum gravity. Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity does a great job at explaining gravity but it is thought to be incomplete because it is incompatible with quantum mechanics. This is an important shortcoming because quantum mechanics is widely considered to be one of science’s most successful theories. Developing a theory of quantum gravity is a crucial goal in physics, but it is proving to be extremely difficult. In this episode, Dittrich explains some of the challenges and talks about ways forward – including her current research on spin foams. We also chat about the intersection of quantum gravity and condensed matter physics; and the difficulties of testing theories against observational data. The first interview in this series from the PI was with Javier Toledo-Marín: “Quantum computing and AI join forces for particle physics” IOP Publishing’s new Progress In Series: Research Highlights website offers quick, accessible summaries of top papers from leading journals like Reports on Progress in Physics and Progress in Energy. Whether you’re short on time or just want the essentials, these highlights help you expand your knowledge of leading topics. Want to read more? Registration is free, quick and easy Note: The verification e-mail to complete your account registration should arrive immediately. However, in some cases it takes longer. Don't forget to check your spam folder. If you haven't received the e-mail in 24 hours, please contact customerservices@ioppublishing.org. E-mail Address Register Hamish Johnston is an online editor of Physics World Back to Quantum Download your publishing guide A step-by-step guide unlocking your research’s scientific impact Read previous Talking physics with an alien civilization: what could we learn? Culture, history and society Podcasts Discover more from Physics World Careers Feature Ramy Shelbaya: the physicist and CEO capitalizing on quantum randomness Astronomy and space News China’s Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft return delayed by space debris impact Quantum computing Research update Can fast qubits also be robust? Related jobs United Kingdom | University of Oxford - Department of Physics Associate Professor of Physics (Quantum Technology) United States | Rice University Assistant Professor in Experimental AMO Physics Germany | IMPRS for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials PhD positions Related events Quantum | Conference Q2B25 Silicon Valley: the Roadmap to Quantum Value 9—11 December 2025 | Santa Clara, US Instrumentation and measurement | Meeting Neutron Scattering Group Early Career Meeting 15—16 January 2026 | Bristol, UK Quantum | Workshop Post-selection for quantum control (PoSeQu26) 23—27 February 2026 | Dresden, Germany Copyright © 2025 by IOP Publishing Ltd and individual contributors