Quantum information theory sheds light on quantum gravity
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Gravity Gravity Podcasts Quantum information theory sheds light on quantum gravity 08 Jan 2026 Hamish Johnston This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features Alex May, whose research explores the intersection of quantum gravity and quantum information theory. Based at Canada’s Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, May explains how ideas being developed in the burgeoning field of quantum information theory could help solve one of the most enduring mysteries in physics – how to reconcile quantum mechanics with Einstein’s general theory of relativity, creating a viable theory of quantum gravity. This interview was recorded in autumn 2025 when I had the pleasure of visiting the Perimeter Institute and speaking to four physicists about their research. This is the last of those conversations to appear on the podcast. The first interview in this series from the Perimeter Institute was with Javier Toledo-Marín, “Quantum computing and AI join forces for particle physics”; the second was with Bianca Dittrich, “Quantum gravity: we explore spin foams and other potential solutions to this enduring challenge“; and the third was with Tim Hsieh, “Building a quantum future using topological phases of matter and error correction”. This episode is supported by the APS Global Physics Summit, which takes place on 15–20 March, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, and online. 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 Gravity Download your publishing guide A step-by-step guide unlocking your research’s scientific impact Read previous Oscar-winning computer scientist on the physics of computer animation Art and science Podcasts Discover more from Physics World Quantum Blog Winning the popularity contest: the 10 most-read physics stories of 2025 Astronomy and space News Light pollution from satellite mega-constellations threaten space-based observations Quantum optics Research update Quantum photonics network passes a scaling-up milestone Related jobs Hong Kong | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Tenure-track Faculty Positions in Observational Cosmology San Antonio | Trinity University Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Two-Year Position New York City | The Graduate Center, CUNY Assistant Professor – PhD Program in Physics Related events Instrumentation and measurement | Meeting Neutron Scattering Group Early Career Meeting 15—16 January 2026 | Bristol, UK Instrumentation and measurement | Conference Anglo-French Physics Acoustics Conference 2026 21—23 January 2026 | Bristol, UK Astronomy and space | Meeting UK Space Weather and Space Environment Meeting IV 14—17 September 2026 | Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK Copyright © 2026 by IOP Publishing Ltd and individual contributors