• 18:00 - 19:00
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Lecture Theatre

In the first part of this talk I will focus on the question of whether we are alone in the Universe. Planets, some similar to the Earth, have now been discovered beyond the Solar system but uncertain factors prevent a robust estimate of the probability that intelligent life has evolved outside our planet. In any case, if it persists, the human species (or its descendants) will have to find a new home in about a billion years from now when life (as we know it) will become impossible on Earth.

In the second part I will discuss the evolution of our entire universe, from a fraction of a second after the Big Bang to the present, reviewing the known processes that have given rise to the galaxies and stars around which life might exist. I will then discuss the long-term future of our Universe, be that infinite expansion, a “big crunch” or a “big rip”. I will end with a brief discussion of the possibility that there might other universes besides our own.

• 18:00 - 19:00
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Lecture Theatre

“Nanowires” are filamentary crystals with diameters less than 1000^th that of a human hair. They exhibit host of extraordinary properties due to their one-dimensional geometry, that, if harnessed, could help solve some of the most pressing problems facing society: energy security, climate change and connectivity. Somewhat paradoxically, the one-dimensional geometry that confers these amazing properties also creates challenges. How do you create something so small, reproducibly? How can you measure their electrical properties? And how can you integrate them into real-world electronics? In this talk I will discuss methods of “growing” these nanowires from the bottom - up, contact-free schemes for measuring the intriguing electrical properties of these nanowires, and strategies for integrating nanowires into electronic devices that possess either entirely new functionality, or enhanced performance.

• 10:15 - 17:00
• Cambridge University Engineering Department

Quantum physics describes a new type of information with distinctive properties that can revolutionize how we process and control data.  Emerging technologies like quantum cryptography, computing, and communication harness this potential.  This one-day meeting brings experts from around the world to share their insights and visions into a quantum-powered future.

Programme

10.15-10.30 Introduction to meeting

10.30-11.30 Harry Buhrman, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands – Quantum Computing: From Theory to Reality

11.30-12.30 Giuseppe Carleo, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland – Exploring the Quantum Frontier: Machine Learning for Solving Hard Quantum Problems 

12.30-13.30 Lunch

13.30-14.30 Jian-Wei Pan, Head of the Chinese quantum technology programme, University of Science and Technology, Shanghai - Quantum entanglement and beyond

14.30-15.30 Barbara Terhal,  EEMCS Department, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands – Quantum: pushing towards the limits of control

15.30-16.00 Afternoon Tea  

16.00-17.00 Professor Mete Atatüre, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge – Quantum Optics and Quantum Technology

Organised by: Professor Adrian Kent, Dr Boris Groisman, Dr Sergii Strelchuk and Professor Ron Horgan

Location: Constance Tipper Lecture Theatre - Cambridge University Engineering Department

This scientific one-day meeting is free and open to everyone who is interested.