New Directions in Theoretical Physics 5 Conference

New Directions in Theoretical Physics is a series of international conferences organised by the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics, aiming to highlight the outstanding issues and stimulate an exchange of ideas across all areas of contemporary theoretical physics. All talks are plenary reviews aimed at a broad audience of theoretical physicists, intended to inspire and to promote valuable cross-disciplinary interactions. There will also be a poster session for attendees with flash talks to introduce them.

The January 2026 meeting is the fifth meeting in the series, following highly successful meetings in 2023, 2019, 2017 and 2014. Among other things, the meeting will celebrate 100 years of quantum mechanics and look forward to the next 100 years!

The 2026 meeting will focus on nonlinear physics across the scales and have sessions covering topics of great societal and intellectual importance:

Astrophysics, High Energy Physics, The Physics of Climate, The Physics of Energy, Biophysics, Fluid Dynamics, and The Next 100 years of Quantum Physics.

The conference venue is The Appleton Tower in Edinburgh city centre. The formal conference will run from Tuesday 6th - Friday 9th January, including 40 minute review talks and time for posters and discussion. In the evening of the first day (Tuesday, 6 Jan) there will be a drinks reception followed by a public lecture, delivered by Sir Steven Cowley. On the Wednesday evening (7 Jan) all participants will be hosted for a conference dinner at the Playfair Library.

Event resources