Physics Colloquium

3:30–4:30 pm Zoom

Zoom link will be emailed to our events mailing list. To be added to this , send your request to Tiffany Kurns.

Broken Symmetry Clues for Fundamental Physics
Matthew Reece, Harvard

Host:  LianTao W.

Symmetries provide a powerful organizing principle in physics. However, there are reasons to believe that exact global symmetries do not exist in consistent quantum-gravitational theories. Thus, we expect all symmetries in the world around us to be at least slightly broken. The extent and nature of symmetry breaking phenomena can offer important clues about fundamental physics. In this talk, I will discuss both phenomenological aspects of broken symmetries, including a look at high-precision experiments searching for flavor- and CP-violating effects; and theoretical aspects, including efforts to better understand the constraints quantum gravity imposes on approximate symmetries.


Dear Physics Community,

After thoughtful consideration, we have decided not to have indoor receptions following our weekly Physics colloquium.  As a result, we will not have a reception for the remaining of the Autumn Quarter.   Though we look forward to these gatherings, the health and safety of our community is our highest priority.  We will continue to monitor the situation and, when possible, will resume our normal schedule.

Please note, our Physics Tea will continue on Tuesday/Thursday at 3pm in KPTC 206.  We’ll offer tea, coffee and take-away snacks.  We encourage you to bring your own mugs too!

Event Type

Colloquia and Lectures

Dec 2