Time Travel and Wormholes: Fact or Fiction?

Overview

Probe the boundaries between physics and imagination during this day school in Oxford. This fascinating journey offers a comprehensive exploration into the intriguing concepts of time travel and wormholes, where we bridge the gap between fantasy and the cutting-edge of modern physics, offering insights into some of the most profound mysteries of the universe. 

We will delve into the intricacies of relativity, causality, and the theoretical underpinnings that allow for the possibility of warping spacetime. We will discover models and solutions proposed by scientists, including Tipler Cylinders and Gödel’s Universe, and unravel the complex paradoxes associated with time travel, such as the grandfather paradox and bootstrap paradox.

The day also covers the enigmatic concept of wormholes, also known as Einstein-Rosen bridges, examining their theoretical properties, the necessity of exotic matter, and the challenges in conceiving traversable wormholes. 

Throughout the day, contemporary theories and speculations in quantum physics will be discussed, shedding light on the connections between quantum entanglement and wormholes, as well as the role of negative energy. 

Whether you're a science enthusiast or someone with a background in physics, this event provides a unique opportunity to engage with these intriguing concepts at the forefront of astrophysics. 

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 30 October 2024.

Programme details

10.15am    
Registration (Rewley House reception) 

10.30am
The nature of time 

11.45am    
Tea/coffee break

12.15pm     
Warping spacetimes  

1.30pm     
Lunch break

2.30pm     
Wormholes and energy  

3.45pm    
Tea/coffee break

4.15pm        
Unstable universes  

5.30pm     
End of day 

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee (includes tea/coffee) £120.00
Baguette Lunch £7.30
Hot Lunch £19.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Mr Andrea Russo

Andrea is currently a Ph.D. candidate in his last year at Universe College London, where he is studying different aspects of Quantum Gravity and Quantum Information Theory.  He is currently following three different research directions, ranging from reformulating Quantum Field Theory without the explicit use of time to studying the implications of stochastic effects in a hybrid classical-quantum theory of matter on spacetime. Andrea’s most recent works have been in the field of Holographic Gravity, where he and his colleagues demonstrated that Quantum Complexity can be described in terms of threads sewing spacetime together and implying its evolution under Einstein's field equations. Andrea has studied mathematical physics at the University of Nottingham and obtained his Master's degree in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation