Katsnelson debating theoretical physics seminar
At Radboud University we are passionate about uncovering the mysteries of modern physics and the fundamental laws of nature. Therefore, we organize a monthly seminar on debating theoretical physics, where leading scientist present lectures to stimulate debates on modern topics in theoretical physics across different departments and expertises, thereby cultivating the strength in theoretical physics.
The seminar is named after prof. Misha Katsnelson, professor of theoretical condensed matter physics at Radboud University since 2004. His work covers the whole field of condensed matter theory, with main achievements in magnetism, strongly correlated systems and graphene. Andre Geim wrote in his Nobel lecture 2010: “Our rapid progress would be impossible without Misha Katsnelson who provided us with all the theoretical help an experimentalist can only dream of”.
Organization
The seminar is organized every third Thursday of the month by the Ultrafast Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials and Theory of Condensed Matter departments, coordinated by Johan Mentink.
Format
We intend to make this a seminar in the style of the famous Ehrenfest colloquia, in which debates on theoretical physics were central and stimulated physics to the highest level. To this end we invite excellent speakers capable of taking a controversial position on a hotly debated contemporary topic in theoretical physics. The format is 30 minutes presentation and 15 minutes discussions. It is intended to end with a conclusion and outlook that stimulates further discussions.
Schedule 2026:
- February 12: prof. Misha Katsnelson - 'Is fundamental physics really fundamental?'
- March 19: prof. Sacha Caron - 'Can AI replace theoretical physics?'
- April 16: dr. Sascha Lichtenstein - 'QMC is all you need'
- May 21: no seminar
- June 18: prof. Yuriy Mokrousov - 'Orbitronics: Hype, Hope or the Next Frontier?'
Coming up:
- September 17: tba
- October 15: tba
- November 19: tba
- December 17: tba
