Research in Classical and Quantum Gravity

这笔赠款将支持加州大学圣巴巴拉分校继续研究引力的量子理论及其在宇宙学中的应用。詹姆斯·哈特尔将研究决定宇宙量子态的原理，以及理解它所必需的量子力学的概括。加里·霍洛维茨将研究弦理论的引力方面，弦理论很有希望成为量子引力理论的候选者。唐·马洛夫将探索黑洞周围和宇宙中相互作用的量子物质。这项工作的中心是物理学正在寻求关于自然基本力和宇宙起源的统一理论。这些不仅是科学家非常感兴趣的课题，也是公众非常感兴趣的课题。通过吸引学生和公众的兴趣，主要研究人员希望鼓励人们对科学的普遍欣赏。此外，该项目还将通过培训研究生和博士后学者掌握先进技术来开发科技人力资源。

This grant will support continued research at the University of California, Santa Barbara into a quantum theory of gravity and its application to cosmology. James Hartle will investigate the principles which determine the quantum state of the universe and the generalizations of quantum mechanics necessary to understand it. Gary Horowitz will investigate the gravitational aspects of string theory, a promising candidate for a quantum theory of gravity. Don Marolf will explore interacting quantum matter around black holes and in cosmology.This work in centered in the ongoing quest of physics for a unified theory of nature's fundamental forces and the origin of the universe. These are subjects not only of great interest to scientists but also the general public. By engaging the interest of students and the public, the principal investigators hope to encourage general appreciation for science. In addition, the project will develop human resources for science and technology by training graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in advanced techniques.