Center For Computational Quantum Physics

 Simons Foundation, June 2018

From early stone tools to silicon computer chips, materials have defined humankind’s progress. Electrons, discovered in 1897, are chiefly responsible for the physical properties of molecules and materials. The behavior of these charged particles determines why some metals hold an edge whereas others are pliable, why some substances react and others are inert, and why some materials conduct electricity and others insulate.

Article for the Simons Foundation 2017 annual report.

Flatiron Institute Inaugural Celebration

 Simons Foundation, June 2018

Within a brisk five-year period, the Simons Foundation’s new Flatiron Institute has grown from the germ of an idea floated at a foundation scientific retreat in 2012 to a large, bustling hub for developing computational methods. In a ceremony on September 6, 2017, Simons Foundation co-founders Jim and Marilyn Simons and keynote speaker New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo joined Flatiron Institute and Simons Foundation leaders to dedicate the new research division of the Simons Foundation. The event, held in the institute’s newly renovated lobby, celebrated early progress and hopes for the future.

Article for the Simons Foundation 2017 annual report.

Assembly of Massive Galaxy Cluster Witnessed for the First Time

 Simons Foundation, April 2018

For the first time, astronomers have witnessed the birth of a colossal cluster of galaxies. Their observations reveal at least 14 galaxies packed into an area only four times the diameter of the Milky Way’s galactic disk. Computer simulations of the galaxies predict that over time the cluster will assemble into one of the most massive structures in the modern universe, the astronomers report in the April 26 issue of Nature.

Yuri Tschinkel Elected to German National Academy of Sciences

 Simons Foundation, April 2018

Yuri Tschinkel, director of the Simons Foundation’s Mathematics and Physical Sciences division, has been elected to the Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences. The honor recognizes Tschinkel’s mathematical contributions, ­which focus on problems at the interface of algebraic geometry and number theory.

Flatiron Institute’s David Spergel Awarded 2018 Breakthrough Prize for Mapping the Early Universe

 Simons Foundation, December 2017

On December 3, astrophysicist David Spergel was honored with the 2018 Breakthrough Prize in fundamental physics for his work mapping the early universe. He shares the award with Charles Bennett of Johns Hopkins University, Gary Hinshaw of the University of British Columbia, and Norman Jarosik and Lyman Page of Princeton University. Page is currently on sabbatical at the Flatiron Institute in New York City.

Gravitational Waves from Merging Supermassive Black Holes Will Be Spotted within 10 Years, New Study Predicts

 Simons Foundation, November 2017

Astronomers won’t have to wait much longer for their first glimpse of one of the biggest types of unions in the cosmos. New research published November 13 in Nature Astronomy predicts that gravitational waves generated by the merger of two supermassive black holes will be detected within 10 years. The study is the first to use real data, rather than computer simulations, to predict when such an observation will be made.