Our Incomplete Universe: Quantum Physcis And The Search For The Theory Of Everything

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For centuries, physics has transformed our understanding of the Universe. Newton’s laws described a world of predictable motion and absolute space and time; Einstein’s theory of relativity radically reshaped that picture, revealing space-time as dynamic, curved, and responsive to matter and energy. Yet alongside these successes sits a profound problem: the rules that govern the very small — quantum mechanics — refuse to fit comfortably with either framework.

This mismatch lies at the heart of some of the deepest open questions in modern physics. Is space-time fundamental or emergent? Is the Universe finite or infinite, and do the same laws apply everywhere? How should we understand randomness, chaos, and the origin and fate of the cosmos? In the search for a “Theory of Everything” — a framework capable of uniting relativity and quantum physics — ideas such as string theory, multiverses, and even simulated realities have emerged, blurring the line between well-tested science and informed speculation.

Bringing together leading researchers Dr Katy Clough (Queen Mary), recognized for her pioneering work using advanced computational methods to investigate fundamental physics, and Toby Wiseman (Imperial), professor of theoretical physics, this conversation will explore where our current theories succeed, where they break down, and what these tensions reveal about the nature of reality.