Physics

Florian Marquardt surveys approaches to reducing the energy and computational cost of neural networks by implementing their functions in physical devices. The central question is how experiments can efficiently determine updates to adjustable parameters, allowing the hardware itself to learn. Examples include learning through time reversal, obtaining nonlinear computation from linear optical scattering, and training analog quantum simulators as neuromorphic systems. The seminar is available in person and through the registration link on the organizer’s event page.

Quasinormal-mode frequencies characterize black-hole spacetimes and can be measured with gravitational waves, but small perturbations to the gravitational potential can substantially change the spectrum. This seminar studies that spectral instability in a time-domain waveform model. A frequency shift appears only after a delay set by the echo time between the perturbation and the primary potential. In the perturbative limit, the post-echo shift agrees with the usual frequency-domain result; outside that limit, the intermediate-time signal cannot be represented by a constant frequency shift.

Leonid Berlyand discusses mathematical models for the onset of cell motion driven by myosin contraction. A two-dimensional free-boundary PDE model links cell-shape evolution to diffusion and Keller–Segel-type transport. The talk examines linear stability, a stability-determining eigenvalue and the way nonlinear diffusion changes the bifurcation from supercritical to subcritical. It also considers the curvature of the bifurcation curve, connections to bistability, and the role of non-self-adjoint operators. An example illustrates why a spectral gap alone need not guarantee stability. This is an in-person Analysis of Fluids and Related Topics seminar at Princeton.

Tanmay Vachaspati, joined by Maulik Parikh, explores the limits of knowledge in cosmology and particle physics. The discussion moves from large-scale cosmic structure, the cosmic microwave background and black holes to the Higgs particle, symmetry breaking and magnetic monopoles. These established research landscapes frame questions about what remains unknown and whether some questions could be fundamentally unknowable. This is part of the Beyond Center’s Thinking Beyond series on major questions in science. Speakers: Tanmay Vachaspati and Maulik Parikh, Arizona State University. Organized by the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science. Monday 28 September 2026, 18:00 America/Phoenix (Arizona, UTC−07:00). Online via Zoom. Use Register Here on the official event page to complete the event-specific Zoom registration; registration is required. The registration page confirms the date and time.

Supports established institutes and research centers in mathematics and the physical sciences to strengthen contacts within the international scientific community; up to $750,000 (inclusive of 20% indirect costs) over a three-year award period, with up to ten grants each year.

Round 2 is open for doctoral researchers presenting at in-person conferences between November 2026 and April 2027. Applications close on 4 October 2026 through UCT’s PeopleSoft Student Portal. Awards contribute to travel, registration and conference-day subsistence. Local and specified SADC conference support is capped at ZAR 10,000; the overall maximum is ZAR 32,000. The grant does not normally fund the full trip. Applicants must secure remaining costs, provide proof of paper acceptance before payment and submit a post-conference report. At most one local and one international grant may be awarded per applicant in a calendar year within the overall limit.

CERN's ATLAS Group is recruiting an applied physicist to lead electronics integration for new resistive-plate-chamber detectors in the upgraded ATLAS muon spectrometer. The role covers front-end and low-voltage board validation, detector quality assurance, chamber integration, installation coordination and commissioning in the ATLAS cavern. It is a 54-month, fully on-site appointment in Geneva with an ideal start date of 1 January 2027. Applications close on 4 October 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time.

The ITA DUNE group seeks a doctoral researcher to analyse low-energy neutrino interactions using ProtoDUNE data, identify experimental signatures and develop background-mitigation strategies. The position is in São José dos Campos, Brazil, with a planned March 2027 start. Applications and the separate ITA doctoral admissions submission are due on 10 October 2026. The official notice provides the investigator’s submission instructions and required references.

Tanmay Vachaspati, joined by Maulik Parikh, explores the limits of knowledge in cosmology and particle physics. The discussion moves from large-scale cosmic structure, the cosmic microwave background and black holes to the Higgs particle, symmetry breaking and magnetic monopoles. These established research landscapes frame questions about what remains unknown and whether some questions could be fundamentally unknowable. This is part of the Beyond Center’s Thinking Beyond series on major questions in science. Speakers: Tanmay Vachaspati and Maulik Parikh, Arizona State University. Organized by the Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science. Monday 28 September 2026, 18:00 America/Phoenix (Arizona, UTC−07:00). Online via Zoom. Use Register Here on the official event page to complete the event-specific Zoom registration; registration is required. The registration page confirms the date and time.

Funding for strategic infrastructure that strengthens UK research capability within EPSRC’s remit. Route one supports purchase and set-up; equipment must cost at least GBP 400,000 including VAT, and requests above GBP 5 million require prior EPSRC approval. Route two supports improved use and sharing of existing infrastructure, for at most two years, and requires an invitation from the relevant EPSRC theme lead. These thresholds are not a guaranteed individual award. Applicants must be based at an eligible UK research organisation and meet UKRI individual eligibility rules; eligible research technical professionals may lead. Institutions may submit no more than three applications per batching period. The first period runs September–December 2026. Applications should demonstrate strategic need, accessibility, sustainability and institutional priority. This is an open call with no closing date: UKRI processes submissions throughout the period, regardless of a system-generated future closing date. Submit an outline through Funding Service opportunity OPP1336; successful outlines are invited to a full application.

Investigate quantum materials for sensing, including nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, with the NIMS Semiconductor Defect Design Group. Work includes electron-spin-resonance characterization of color centers, crystal processing to control their structures, and analysis of defects and impurities. One position with a negotiable start in January 2027 or later. The initial appointment is for one year, renewable after annual review up to five years; published monthly salary JPY 345,425. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Upload a ZIP through the official role page’s Box link containing the NIMS-format CV with photograph, a one-to-two-page research summary, publications and invited talks, details of two referees and three main papers. Follow the upload form’s subsequent notification instructions.

Conduct fundamental research on soft magnetic materials in the Green Magnetic Materials Group, NIMS Research Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials. Develop rapidly solidified ribbons and bulk materials with varied compositions and microstructures, and evaluate their magnetic behavior. One position, with a negotiable January 2027 start. Initial term one year, renewable after annual review up to five years. Published monthly salary is JPY 345,425–493,012. Applications remain open until the position is filled. The official role page provides an active Box upload route for a ZIP containing the NIMS CV with photo, a one-page research summary and two main papers; selection includes document review and an interview.