This free exhibition unites art and science in a captivating exploration of the quantum universe, celebrating the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
Quantum science deals with the smallest particles in nature. It is bringing about a revolution in our understanding of the origins of the universe and delivering ground-breaking technology. At the forefront of quantum research are scientists from the University of Nottingham and across the country, whose pioneering work has established both the university and the UK as centres of excellence in this fast-evolving field.
The exhibition features new commissions by nine artists who have each spent time working alongside world-leading researchers in quantum physics. Through immersive sculptural installations and photography, they give expression to the excitement, wonder and poetry of cutting-edge scientific discovery that is transforming our future.
The exhibition has been curated by Professor Silke Weinfurtner in the School of Mathematical Sciences – whose pioneering work in the field of black hole simulations remains unrivalled, Dr Ulrike Kuchner, Senior Researcher in Astronomy and Art-Science collaborations in the School of Physics and Astronomy, and Neil Walker, Head of Visual Arts Programming, Lakeside Arts, with Prof. Helen Kennedy and the Virtual & Immersive Production Studio.
Artists include Conrad Shawcross RA; Studio Above&Below; Alistair McClymont, Matthew Woodham, Monica C. LoCascio & daniela brill estrada, David Severn, Jim Grainger.
Through art and interpretive text, audio and video, this exhibition will communicate the wonder, complexity and otherworldliness of quantum science, with the pioneering research taking place at the University of Nottingham, explained and interpreted for a general audience. A public programme of talks, workshops and tours will accompany the exhibition offering audiences the opportunity to delve deeper into the artistic-scientific collaborations underpinning the exhibition. The exhibition also incorporates a public engagement area including photography by David Severn and Jim Grainger and video interviews with leading UK quantum researchers.
The exhibition has been generously supported by the following: UKRI: STFC (Science and Technologies Facilities Council), EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), UKRI: HEIF (Higher Education Innovation Funding), SIF (Strategic Innovation Fund), APEX Award (in partnership with the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society and Leverhulme Trust), BMKÖS (Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture Austria), University of Oxford: Department of Physics, Imperial College London, QTFP (Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics) and AION (UK atom interferometer observatory and network).
Image: Conrad Shawcross with Light Cage 2024 (detail). Photo: Richard Ivey
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Exhibition images
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Ringdown by Conrad Shawcross. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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Ringdown by Conrad Shawcross. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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The Blind Proliferation by Conrad Shawcross. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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The Blind Proliferation by Conrad Shawcross. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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Begriff des Korpers by daniela brill estrada and Monica C. LoCascio. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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Begriff des Korpers by daniela brill estrada and Monica C. LoCascio. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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Superdecision by Matthew Woodham. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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Superdecision by Matthew Woodham. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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Quantum Lens by Studio Above&Below. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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Quantum Lens by Studio Above&Below. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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An Early Universe by Alistair McClymont. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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An Early Universe by Alistair McClymont. Photo by Nick Dunmur.
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Wed 16 Apr 2025
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Workshop
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Wed 9 Apr 2025
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The University of Nottingham is part of the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics (QTFP) programme – a £40m Strategic Priorities Fund programme that aims to transform our approach to understanding the universe and its evolution. The University of Nottingham is a recipient of one of 24 awards made since 2020 (the University of Nottingham was one of the original seven projects funded). Professor Silke Weinfurtner is the principal investigator at Nottingham of the funded project Quantum Simulators for Fundamental Physics (QSimFP) which explores essential processes linked to the dynamics of the early universe and black holes through analogue quantum simulations. Dr Ulrike Kuchner is a pioneer in the research on the collaboration of art and science and co-leads the global ArtScience collective SEADS (Space Ecologies Art and Design), alongside fundamental research in Astrophysics.
Cosmic Titans: Video Interviews
An introduction to Cosmic Titans with Dr Sam Patrick
An introduction to Cosmic Titans with Dr Sam Patrick
Dr Ilana Wisby, entrepreneur in quantum computing, champion for women in technology and leadership.
Dr Ilana Wisby, entrepreneur in quantum computing, champion for women in technology and leadership.
Prof. Hartmut Grote, Professor of Physics, Cardiff University. Specialist in gravitational wave detection and search for dark matter.
Prof. Hartmut Grote, Professor of Physics, Cardiff University. Specialist in gravitational wave detection and search for dark matter.
Prof. Jonathan Pritchard, Professor of Physics, University of Strathclyde - leading research in quantum computing.
Prof. Jonathan Pritchard, Professor of Physics, University of Strathclyde - leading research in quantum computing.
Prof. Matt Brookes OBE. Professor of Physics, University of Nottingham - working on the development and applications of human brain imaging.
Prof. Matt Brookes OBE. Professor of Physics, University of Nottingham - working on the development and applications of human brain imaging.
Sir Peter Knight FRS - leading British physicist and Professor of Quantum Optics.
Sir Peter Knight FRS - leading British physicist and Professor of Quantum Optics.
Exhibition Audio Descriptions
Ringdown by Conrad Shawcross
The Blind Proliferation by Conrad Shawcross
An Early Universe by Alistair McClymont
Superdecision by Matthew Woodham
Quantum Lens by Studio Above&Below
Begriff des Körpers by daniela brill estrada and Monica C. LoCascio