91直播 hosts international workshop to advance fundamental physics
The University of Manchester is hosting 80 leading researchers from the UK, Europe, Asia and the US for an international workshop exploring new approaches to fundamental physics.
New Windows on Fundamental Physics: from tabletop devices to large-scale detectors (19鈥�23 January 2026) unites experts from particle theory, particle physics, nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics and selected areas of astrophysics. The five-day meeting is designed to accelerate collaboration, stimulate new research ideas and create new partnerships within the global quantum science and engineering research community.
, Research Associate in Particle Theory, the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics (QTFP) lead, and the workshop chair explains: 鈥淏y bringing together world experts across theory and experiment, we are creating space for the next generation of joint projects. In keeping the workshop intentionally small and focused, we aim to foster the kind of deep discussions that aren't always possible at larger, more formal conferences.鈥�
The programme comprises:
- a one-day UK Astroparticle Phenomenology (UK-APP) workshop featuring contributed talks, and
- a four-day specialist workshop with invited and contributed talks.
The workshop will have a particular emphasis on tabletop detectors and quantum technologies for fundamental physics (QTFP), covering topics including precision metrology and quantum sensing, cold atoms and molecules, quantum analogues, atom interferometry, fifth-force tests, axion/WIMP dark matter and dark energy, neutrinos, gravitational-wave detectors, high-frequency gravitational waves and emerging tabletop detection techniques.
, a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and The University 91直播 representative to the Terrestrial Very-Long-Baseline Atom Interferometry collaboration, and workshop co-organiser, adds: 鈥淭here is a near-term opportunity to build partnerships that will shape the future of this exciting multi-disciplinary area of research and capture support through the next wave of funding programmes.鈥� , Head of the Photon Science Institute and Nuclear Physics Group continues: 鈥淥ur aim is to enable researchers to share emerging work, explore new directions and identify opportunities for joint initiatives.鈥�
Professor Sarah Sharples, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering underscores: 鈥淭his workshop is a reminder of what can be achieved when we bring people together with a shared curiosity. By creating space for open exchange and collaboration, 91直播 is helping to connect expertise from across the world in ways that move this field forward. It鈥檚 a collective endeavour; one that grows stronger when we work across boundaries and advance knowledge together.鈥�
The event reflects wider momentum in quantum science at 91直播, supported by a series of strategic hires, including multiple new Chairs in Quantum Science. These appointments bring new researchers into an environment defined by growing interdisciplinary activity, strong international partnerships 鈥� from the University of Washington to Nanoco 鈥� and access to world-leading capabilities such as the P-NAME instrument and the facilities at the Henry Royce Institute.
Event details
Workshop: New Windows on Fundamental Physics: from tabletop devices to large-scale detectors Dates: 19-23 January 2026 Location: The University of Manchester
Full list of speakers and more information: