Simons Center for Geometry and Physics Presents ‘100 Years of Quantum Mechanics’

The Simons Center for Geometry and Physics (SCGP) will host a new exhibition, "100 Years of Quantum Mechanics," beginning with an opening reception and guest lecture on Thursday, October 9.

The opening reception will take place at 5 pm on October 9 in the Simons Center Gallery and SCGP lobby, followed by God Plays Dice with the World: The Story of Quantum Mechanics, a lecture given by Giuseppe Mussardo in the Della Pietra Family Auditorium at 5:30 pm.

Mussardo is a distinguished professor of theoretical physics at SISSA (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati) in Trieste, Italy. His research focuses on theoretical physics, with significant contributions to quantum field theory and statistical mechanics. He is widely recognized for his expertise in integrable systems and their applications in various areas of physics.

Mussardo is also the author or several popular books on science and history of science, including The ABC's of Science and God Plays Dice with the World. He was appointed the Kramers Chair at the Institute for Theoretical Physics in Utrecht (The Netherlands) in 2017 and was elected to the oldest Italian Academy, l'Accademica del Disegno e delle Arti, in 2023.

Presented by the Simons Center Art and Outreach Program and curated by SCGP Art Director Lorraine Walsh, the exhibition explores the early foundations of quantum theory and its evolution, as well as continued research. It offers a snapshot on how quantum mechanics underlies much of modern physics that has led to a revolutionary understanding of matter, and a profound impact on technology and innovation.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, commemorating 100 years of quantum mechanics.