M-Theory, Cosmology and Quantum Field Theory

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Our STFC research programme is focused on the interrelated fundamental problems of M-theory, quantum field theory and cosmology. M-theory, which subsumes string theory and supergravity theory, is our central approach to unifying Einstein's theory of General Relativity with the Standard Model of particle physics. One of the most interesting features of M-theory is that it incorporates dual descriptions of non-perturbative Yang-Mills theories in terms of strings and branes, leading to profound connections between black holes and quantum field theory and also to new insights into strong coupling phenomena such as quark confinement. These connections will continue to be explored in a number of different ways, including using novel geometric techniques, exactly integrable quantum field theory models and theories with massless higher-spin excitations. The ultimate goal is to determine the fundamental degrees of freedom of M-theory which would have profound implications for particle physics phenomenology. Using both analytical and numerical techniques we will also construct and study black-hole solutions with novel properties that have important potential applications to both the quark gluon plasma and poorly understood systems in condensed matter such as high-temperature superconductors, exotic metals and insulators. Cosmology continues to be a highly vibrant area of study driven by a wealth of new data. Key clues to the structure and the origin of the universe are to be found in the details of the cosmic microwave background. This will provide one focus of our activities both by analysing data as well as by studying the cosmological implications of the recently discovered Higgs field and extensions of the Standard Model of particle physics in inflationary scenarios. Understanding dark energy provides an important challenge for cosmology and we will actively pursue the possibility that massive gravity plays an important role. In another direction we will aim to extract imprints of quantum gravity, such as fundamental discreteness of spacetime, on cosmological data. Dark matter is another outstanding challenge that lies that the interface of research in both cosmology and particle physics and we will continue to develop novel and global statistical tools that draw on many different experiments in order to extract the strongest possible constraints and insights.