Spring Workshop on Quantum Gravity

This is co-hosted by iTHEMS and NCTS, and is also the first of Quantum Gravity Gatherings.

What is space-time? How did the universe begin? Various approaches exist toward theories of quantum gravity that can answer such fundamental questions. Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses and should capture, at least partially, some essential aspect of quantum gravity. Then, what are the general properties (if any) of the quantum nature of gravity independent of the details of such approaches? As the main speaker, we have asked Hikaru Kawai to give an intensive talk approaching this question from both general and specific arguments in a style consistent with the concept of Quantum Gravity Gatherings. We hope that the younger generation will experience his powerful arguments based on his experience and deep insights.

This workshop is intended to be a lively and participatory event, not just a listening experience. For this reason, the number of participants will be limited to about 30 with priority given to graduate students and young post-docs; the intensive talk will be given in a face-to-face blackboard style (in English, no online streaming) to allow for informal and lively Q&A discussions. In addition, there will be sessions where any participant can give a short talk on any topic of his/her choice. Through these, all the participants will discuss the above question from various angles, and the young generations in Japan and Taiwan will stimulate each other and start new exchanges.