Colloquium on Quantum Simulation by Prof. Dr. Alessio Lerose

To close the semester, the Antwerp Young Minds are organizing a colloquium on Tuesday, June 10th on Campus Groenenborger in room G.US.024. Prof. Dr. Alessio Lerose (KU Leuven) will take us on a journey into the limits of simulating physical systems with a classical computer and explore the possibilities of finding solutions in quantum mechanics. We will open the doors at 16:00, and the lecture will begin at 16:15. It will last about an hour, followed by a Q&A session and a reception. 

Title: Simulating Physics Beyond Computer Power

Abstract: Since their inception, computers have proven invaluable in advancing physics. Quantum mechanics, however, fundamentally challenges the ability of computers to simulate dynamics of matter. Solving the quantum-mechanical law of motion requires accounting for the contributions of all possible configuration histories of every constituent in a system: an exponentially complex task that quickly overwhelms any imaginable classical computing device. This fundamental technological limitation hinders our understanding of a wide range of phenomena, from chemical reactions to the evolution of the primordial universe. In this talk, Alessio will discuss a seminal idea proposed by R. Feynman and others: simulating nature using controllable quantum systems instead of classical computers. He will highlight recent advances that have brought us closer to realizing this visionary approach.


Panel discussion on the interpretations of quantum mechanics

This year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of quantum physics. One hundred years after the publication of the Schrödinger equation, researchers are still questioning the fundamental nature of quantum theory. Therefore, the Antwerp Young Minds are organizing a panel discussion on interpretations of quantum mechanics. This will take place on May 16 at 18:30 in auditorium G.T.105. (Doors open at 18:00.)

  • Hans De Raedt (University of Groningen) is a computational physicist specialized in simulating quantum systems on classical computers. His work includes alternative explanations for violations of Bell inequalities.
  • Ward Struyve (KU Leuven and University of Antwerp) is a physicist and philosopher of physics. He worked on Bohmian mechanics in the context of relativistic physics and quantum cosmology and the problem of arrival times in quantum mechanics.
  • Pieter Thyssen (UC Liège) is a philosopher of science who focused on the study of Einstein's block universe and the philosophy of chemistry.
  • Jacques Tempere (University of Antwerp) has a broad interest in quantum many body physics, in particular on the description of these complex systems with path integrals.
  • Dirk Van Dyck (University of Antwerp) is an expert in electron microscopy who in particular has expertise in statistical methods at the quantum level.
  • Franck Laloë (Kastler-Brossel Laboratory, Paris): is a physicist known for his quantum mechanics textbook. He has done work on spontaneous collapse theories, as well as on pilot-wave mechanics.

Registration via the following form is required: https://forms.office.com/e/rDgGFAGk7B. Here you can submit questions as well. It is also possible to join online.

See you there!

Antwerp Young Minds

Questions/remarks? Contact us on youngminds@uantwerpen.be



Movie Night

Quantum Physics Anniversary

Young’s Double Slit: From Quantum Foundations to State-of-the-Art Electron Microscopy

Lecture by: Francisco Vega

This year marks the 100th anniversary of quantum physics, and to celebrate, we are hosting a series of events related to this fascinating field.

The first event in the series will be a lecture by Francisco Vega titled Young’s Double Slit: From Quantum Foundations to State-of-the-Art Electron Microscopy.

The lecture will take place on Wednesday, February 19th, at 4 pm in room G.US.024, followed by a small reception in hall G.US.

Your presence would be greatly appreciated.

2024 - Departmental Colloquium by Prof. Dr. Paul Midgley (University of Cambridge)

30 Years of Electron Diffraction: A Personal Journey Through Reciprocal Space

We are delighted to announce the first departmental colloquium of this new academic year. We are honored to welcome Prof. Dr. Paul Midgley from the University of Cambridge to the University of Antwerp. With over 30 years of experience in electron microscopy, Prof. Dr. Midgley will present a lecture titled, “30 Years of Electron Diffraction: A Personal Journey Through Reciprocal Space.” He will delve into various diffraction techniques and recent advancements in improving and expanding these setups.

As usual, the Antwerp Young Minds will host a reception following the lecture, offering an opportunity to continue discussions over snacks and drinks. We look forward to seeing you there!


2023 - New Academic Year

A new academic year has started!

With the EPS Antwerp Young Minds we will organise a lot of nice things this first semester.

These things are on the agenda:

  • Quantum Workshop
  • Julia Workshop
  • Master Thesis Fair
  • AYM Supported Winak Talks
  • AYM Supported Winak Trip

See you there!

We also welcome Catho Schoenmaekers to our team.

2021 - New website - new team

After a short break due to the Covid-crisis, we are back to bring lectures and workshops to UAntwerp.

The new team behind the Antwerp Young Minds is planning to do its first activity near October 2021. More information will appear soon on this new website. We hope to see you there!