Quantum Field Theory Centre welcomes two new postdocs with support of the Carlsberg Foundation

Vania Vellucci and Pietro Butti have made it through the eye of the needle and can now further uncover and solve the dynamics of Quantum Field Theory and Gravity by exploring different conditions that allow for precise investigations, thus addressing some of the most challenging problems in physics together with Professor and Director Francesco Sannino and his accomplished team at the Quantum Theory Centre (QTC).

A short presentation of the two new postdoctoral researchers:

Vania Vellucci

Vania Vellucci received her Master Thesis from Roma, La Sapienza and will obtain her PhD degree in Astroparticle Physics from SISSA (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati), Trieste in Italy.

She is truly passionate about General Relativity, specifically her current research focuses on studying strong gravity scenarios where quantum effects are expected to play a significant role, such as the early universe and the interiors of black holes.

Indeed, we know that General Relativity presents a big limitation: its integration into a comprehensive quantum field theory remains elusive. This is why she is thrilled to join QTC:

– Where I will be surrounded by such great experts in quantum field theory. I hope that together, we will gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between gravity and the quantum realm. I look forward to collaborating with fellow members of the center and growing both professionally and personally in this stimulating environment.

Vania hopes that, also thanks to the teams’ efforts and collaboration, one day we will be able to glimpse the imprints of quantum effects in the signals coming from extreme gravitational phenomena such as the merger of compact objects, opening the world to the era of quantum gravity.

Pietro Butti

Pietro Butti is originally from Italy, where he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Torino. Pietro then moved to Madrid, Spain, earning his PhD in September 2023. Following this, he spent a year as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Zaragoza.

Pietro’s principal expertise lies in using Monte-Carlo computer simulations to study complex physical phenomena, particularly strongly coupled systems in the context of Quantum Field Theory. He has worked on high-performance, large-scale simulations of various theories that help address known flaws in the Standard Model and explore potential extensions. One of the most intriguing aspects of his research is conformality, a unique feature of some Quantum Field Theories that gives rise to numerous fascinating phenomena.

– QTC researchers are world experts in this area, and by joining their team, I hope to deepen my understanding and contribute to unraveling the dynamics underlying open problems in particle physics through innovative Monte-Carlo lattice simulations, Pietro says and elaborates:

– In modern science, the barriers between different scientific disciplines are becoming increasingly thin as our understanding of complex systems and their phenomena grows. Topics such as Quantum Field Theories, gauge theories, and conformality are no longer exclusive to particle physics, especially when coupled with the growing potential of computer simulations. Researchers at QTC and SDU have pioneered the application of Quantum Field Theories and concepts, initially developed in particle physics, to broader phenomena such as epidemiology and population dynamics. These powerful methodologies hold great potential for expanding our knowledge. My goal at QTC is to explore these connections further, extending the insights from quantum field theories to other unrelated complex systems, including the dynamics of financial markets.

Vania Vellucci will join QTC the 1st of October 2024 and Pietro Butti will already join the 1st of September.

– We are looking very much forward to having Vania and Pietro at the Quantum Theory Centre for the next two years, says Professor and Director Francesco Sannino, adding:

– Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our research endeavors at the Quantum Theory Centre. With Vania’s understanding of General Relativity and her focus on strong gravity scenarios, coupled with Pietro’s extensive experience in Monte-Carlo simulations and conformal field theories, we are ready to make significant strides in addressing some of the most perplexing questions in modern physics. Their contributions will hopefully foster innovative interdisciplinary applications of Quantum Field Theory. We warmly welcome them to our team and look forward to the exciting discoveries that lie ahead.

You will find Vania and Pietro at the Quantum Theory Center that is physically located on the second floor of the Danish Institute for Advanced Study which by design will help foster discussions and collaborations across different fields realms of the human knowledge.