In his new book 'Portals to a New Reality', Prof Vlatko Vedral argues that we are on the brink of a new revolution in physics. In this talk, he will describe a number of key thought experiments that test the foundations of physics, namely the interface between quantum physics and general relativity.

Some of the thought experiments aim to test how quantum physics alters the concepts of space and time that are fundamental to understanding general relativity, while others explore how the key principle of general relativity —the so-called equivalence principle —could impact quantum physics and lead to its modification. They are all underpinned by our understanding of what quantum physics is telling us about reality and how it applies to macroscopic objects. Our rapid development of quantum technologies has now put us within a close range of performing these experiments, and rewriting our understanding of the Universe.

This event will be followed by a drinks reception and book sale/signing, all welcome.

General relativity is our best theory of gravity, and it remains a completely classical theory despite many attempts to quantize it. Some of the thought experiments are aimed at testing how quantum physics changes the concepts of space and time that are key to understanding general relativity, while others explore how the key principle of general relativity, the so-called equivalence principle, could affect quantum physics and lead to its modification. Join Vlatko to discover how the realisation of these theories could transform our understanding of quantum physics.

Vlatko's book "Portals to a New Reality" will be available after the talk.

We stand on the edge of a quantum revolution. Join Paul Davies and Vlatko Vedral for an engaging journey through the past, present and future of quantum physics, and discover how it could transform our lives.

In Quantum 2.0, Davies traces the rise of quantum mechanics and today’s emerging “second revolution,” covering advances such as quantum computing, cryptography, and the quantum internet.

In Portals to a New Reality, Vedral explains how quantum information theory and groundbreaking experiments could fundamentally reshape physics and our understanding of the universe.