FQxI
@fqxi.org
Exploring the foundations of physics and cosmology with Zeeya Merali and Gabe Fitzpatrick, of the Foundational Questions Institute, FQxI, the physics think tank and funding agency.
Pinned
[THREAD 1/4]
Science publishing is broken in ways most people don't realize...
Read more: qspace.fqxi.org/articles/282...
Science publishing is broken in ways most people don't realize...
Read more: qspace.fqxi.org/articles/282...
February 9, 2026 at 8:00 PM
[THREAD 1/4]
Science publishing is broken in ways most people don't realize...
Read more: qspace.fqxi.org/articles/282...
Science publishing is broken in ways most people don't realize...
Read more: qspace.fqxi.org/articles/282...
Reposted by FQxI
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
She made key contributions to US cold-war science despite facing huge barriers as a Black woman.
www.nature.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:09 AM
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by FQxI
Science funding cuts in the UK are expected to be a "devastasting blow" for physics research, affecting international projects such as particle detection experiments at CERN
Physicists warn of 'catastrophic' impact from UK science cuts
Science funding cuts in the UK are expected to be a "devastasting blow" for physics research, affecting international projects such as particle detection experiments at CERN
www.newscientist.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Science funding cuts in the UK are expected to be a "devastasting blow" for physics research, affecting international projects such as particle detection experiments at CERN
Reposted by FQxI
Researchers present an optoacoustically augmented magnetic guidewire that integrates imaging with magnetic navigation, enabling image-guided interventions without radiation.
Learn more in this week’s issue of #ScienceAdvances: https://scim.ag/4r3MJqw
Learn more in this week’s issue of #ScienceAdvances: https://scim.ag/4r3MJqw
February 6, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Researchers present an optoacoustically augmented magnetic guidewire that integrates imaging with magnetic navigation, enabling image-guided interventions without radiation.
Learn more in this week’s issue of #ScienceAdvances: https://scim.ag/4r3MJqw
Learn more in this week’s issue of #ScienceAdvances: https://scim.ag/4r3MJqw
Hidden connections between quantum mechanics, gravity, and time.
FQxI News: A twitch in time? Quantum collapse models hint at tiny time fluctuations
The Foundational Questions Institute, FQxI, catalyzes, supports, and disseminates research on questions at the foundations of science, particularly new frontiers and innovative ideas integral to a…
qspace.fqxi.org
February 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Hidden connections between quantum mechanics, gravity, and time.
Reposted by FQxI
You can check the list of MPs here: committees.parliament.uk/committee/13... and use www.writetothem.com to send a message. We want to ask them to ask Ian Chapman tomorrow about cuts to STFC's research areas, particularly astrophysics.
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee - Membership - Committees - UK Parliament
Committee membership for the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.
committees.parliament.uk
February 2, 2026 at 12:39 PM
You can check the list of MPs here: committees.parliament.uk/committee/13... and use www.writetothem.com to send a message. We want to ask them to ask Ian Chapman tomorrow about cuts to STFC's research areas, particularly astrophysics.
Reposted by FQxI
I've updated my post on the funding crisis heading for British astronomy: docs.google.com/document/d/1.... UKRI made clear that astro and particle physics are being subject to unique cuts due to rising costs elsewhere. This looks like a deliberate decision not to fund fundamental physics. 🔭 🧪
Funding piece
Modern astronomy is full of marvels. In recent years we have rejoiced in the success of the James Webb Space Telescope, and been puzzled by the surprisingly vibrant early Universe it is showing us. We...
docs.google.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:32 AM
I've updated my post on the funding crisis heading for British astronomy: docs.google.com/document/d/1.... UKRI made clear that astro and particle physics are being subject to unique cuts due to rising costs elsewhere. This looks like a deliberate decision not to fund fundamental physics. 🔭 🧪
Reposted by FQxI
I came to the UK because of it being a word leader in astronomy. These cuts are devastating. You want to know the impact of innovation and societal impact of cutting edge astronomy research. Just look for at the camera in your smart phone www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-... 🔭🧪
February 2, 2026 at 1:59 PM
I came to the UK because of it being a word leader in astronomy. These cuts are devastating. You want to know the impact of innovation and societal impact of cutting edge astronomy research. Just look for at the camera in your smart phone www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-... 🔭🧪
Reposted by FQxI
Me, on astronomy funding crisis, on the @ox.ac.uk website: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-02... 🔭🧪
Expert Comment: Cuts to fundamental research will hurt the UK’s
Chris Lintott, Professor of Astrophysics at Oxford’s Department of Physics, responds to the news that University funding for astronomy and physics research will be cut by almost a third.
www.ox.ac.uk
February 2, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Me, on astronomy funding crisis, on the @ox.ac.uk website: www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-02... 🔭🧪
The #1 BIGGEST story in physics last year... a nearly naked black hole?
What does this mean → qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
What does this mean → qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
January 28, 2026 at 7:01 PM
The #1 BIGGEST story in physics last year... a nearly naked black hole?
What does this mean → qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
What does this mean → qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Coming in at NUMBER 2 in our countdown of the TOP 5 biggest stories in physics of the year was something quasiparticle-related.
Listen to the full countdown here: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Listen to the full countdown here: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
January 27, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Coming in at NUMBER 2 in our countdown of the TOP 5 biggest stories in physics of the year was something quasiparticle-related.
Listen to the full countdown here: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Listen to the full countdown here: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
While our expert judges deliberate, we wanted to spotlight the essays that resonated most with the community.
These three got the most likes from readers during our "How Quantum is Life?" essay competition.
Official winners announced February 2026. Read entries: qspace.fqxi.org/competitions...
These three got the most likes from readers during our "How Quantum is Life?" essay competition.
Official winners announced February 2026. Read entries: qspace.fqxi.org/competitions...
January 27, 2026 at 5:57 PM
While our expert judges deliberate, we wanted to spotlight the essays that resonated most with the community.
These three got the most likes from readers during our "How Quantum is Life?" essay competition.
Official winners announced February 2026. Read entries: qspace.fqxi.org/competitions...
These three got the most likes from readers during our "How Quantum is Life?" essay competition.
Official winners announced February 2026. Read entries: qspace.fqxi.org/competitions...
Coming in at #3 in our countdown of the TOP 5 biggest stories in physics of the year was the discovery of the #noperthedron
FULL STORY ON: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
FULL STORY ON: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
January 26, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Coming in at #3 in our countdown of the TOP 5 biggest stories in physics of the year was the discovery of the #noperthedron
FULL STORY ON: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
FULL STORY ON: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Coming in at #3 on @quantummoxie.bsky.social’s countdown of the TOP 5 BIGGEST physics stories of the year... a team at the University of British Columbia proving the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture.
Hear what this result is (and why it matters) on the podcast: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Hear what this result is (and why it matters) on the podcast: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
January 20, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Coming in at #3 on @quantummoxie.bsky.social’s countdown of the TOP 5 BIGGEST physics stories of the year... a team at the University of British Columbia proving the three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture.
Hear what this result is (and why it matters) on the podcast: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Hear what this result is (and why it matters) on the podcast: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
What have our members achieved in the last year..? Quite a lot it turns out. qspace.fqxi.org/news/165315/...
@alyssaney.bsky.social @nicoleyh11.bsky.social @seanmcarroll.bsky.social @nafshordi.bsky.social @saraimari.bsky.social @rovelli.bsky.social @coecke.bsky.social @postquantum.bsky.social
@alyssaney.bsky.social @nicoleyh11.bsky.social @seanmcarroll.bsky.social @nafshordi.bsky.social @saraimari.bsky.social @rovelli.bsky.social @coecke.bsky.social @postquantum.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 7:45 PM
What have our members achieved in the last year..? Quite a lot it turns out. qspace.fqxi.org/news/165315/...
@alyssaney.bsky.social @nicoleyh11.bsky.social @seanmcarroll.bsky.social @nafshordi.bsky.social @saraimari.bsky.social @rovelli.bsky.social @coecke.bsky.social @postquantum.bsky.social
@alyssaney.bsky.social @nicoleyh11.bsky.social @seanmcarroll.bsky.social @nafshordi.bsky.social @saraimari.bsky.social @rovelli.bsky.social @coecke.bsky.social @postquantum.bsky.social
Coming in at #4 in FQxI's countdown of the biggest stories in physics of 2025... superfluidity was demonstrated in liquid hydrogen!
Listen to the full podcast: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Listen to the full podcast: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
January 7, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Coming in at #4 in FQxI's countdown of the biggest stories in physics of 2025... superfluidity was demonstrated in liquid hydrogen!
Listen to the full podcast: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Listen to the full podcast: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
What is dark matter? @astrokatie.com @perimeterinstitute.ca
January 5, 2026 at 8:33 PM
What is dark matter? @astrokatie.com @perimeterinstitute.ca
Number 5 in FQxI's 2025 Year in Physics countdown: they found tryptophan on asteroid Bennu. @quantummoxie.bsky.social
Listen to the full story here: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Listen to the full story here: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
January 5, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Number 5 in FQxI's 2025 Year in Physics countdown: they found tryptophan on asteroid Bennu. @quantummoxie.bsky.social
Listen to the full story here: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Listen to the full story here: qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Julian Barbour’s course on complexity is 70% off: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...
$16.50 for 6 months or $3.30 for your first month.
Ends 7 January 2026.
$16.50 for 6 months or $3.30 for your first month.
Ends 7 January 2026.
January 5, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Julian Barbour’s course on complexity is 70% off: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...
$16.50 for 6 months or $3.30 for your first month.
Ends 7 January 2026.
$16.50 for 6 months or $3.30 for your first month.
Ends 7 January 2026.
Julian Barbour’s course "Complexity in the Cosmos" is now 70% off. But hurry, the offer ends 7 January 2026.
Get 6-month access for $16.50 (down from $55), or $3.30 for your first month on a subscription.
USE CODE BLUESKY70: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...
Get 6-month access for $16.50 (down from $55), or $3.30 for your first month on a subscription.
USE CODE BLUESKY70: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...
January 4, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Julian Barbour’s course "Complexity in the Cosmos" is now 70% off. But hurry, the offer ends 7 January 2026.
Get 6-month access for $16.50 (down from $55), or $3.30 for your first month on a subscription.
USE CODE BLUESKY70: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...
Get 6-month access for $16.50 (down from $55), or $3.30 for your first month on a subscription.
USE CODE BLUESKY70: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...
A runner-up from FQxI's Year in Physics Review 2025: Hannah Cairo (17) found a counterexample to the Mizohata–Takeuchi conjecture.
🎧 qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
🎧 qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
January 3, 2026 at 8:00 PM
A runner-up from FQxI's Year in Physics Review 2025: Hannah Cairo (17) found a counterexample to the Mizohata–Takeuchi conjecture.
🎧 qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
🎧 qspace.fqxi.org/podcasts/127...
Julian Barbour’s course on complexity is now 70% off!
Get 6-month access for $16.50 (down from $55), or $3.30 for your first month on a subscription. qacademy.fqxi.org/sign-up-to-c...
Offer ends 7 January 2026.
Get 6-month access for $16.50 (down from $55), or $3.30 for your first month on a subscription. qacademy.fqxi.org/sign-up-to-c...
Offer ends 7 January 2026.
January 3, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Julian Barbour’s course on complexity is now 70% off!
Get 6-month access for $16.50 (down from $55), or $3.30 for your first month on a subscription. qacademy.fqxi.org/sign-up-to-c...
Offer ends 7 January 2026.
Get 6-month access for $16.50 (down from $55), or $3.30 for your first month on a subscription. qacademy.fqxi.org/sign-up-to-c...
Offer ends 7 January 2026.
You don’t need a physics degree for this.
Julian Barbour breaks down why “complexity” matters for understanding the universe — in three short lessons.
70% off until 7 January: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/HQUZp...
Julian Barbour breaks down why “complexity” matters for understanding the universe — in three short lessons.
70% off until 7 January: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/HQUZp...
January 2, 2026 at 5:15 PM
You don’t need a physics degree for this.
Julian Barbour breaks down why “complexity” matters for understanding the universe — in three short lessons.
70% off until 7 January: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/HQUZp...
Julian Barbour breaks down why “complexity” matters for understanding the universe — in three short lessons.
70% off until 7 January: qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/HQUZp...
Julian Barbour's masterclass "Complexity in the Cosmos" takes you from the foundations of shape dynamics to a radical rethinking of causality and the arrow of time.
Try it for $3.30 (70% off your first month). Cancel anytime.
qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...
Try it for $3.30 (70% off your first month). Cancel anytime.
qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...
December 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Julian Barbour's masterclass "Complexity in the Cosmos" takes you from the foundations of shape dynamics to a radical rethinking of causality and the arrow of time.
Try it for $3.30 (70% off your first month). Cancel anytime.
qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...
Try it for $3.30 (70% off your first month). Cancel anytime.
qacademy.fqxi.org/offers/qw2JL...