2026 APCTP Colloquium to Explore Topics from String Theory to Biophysics

- Eight-Session Online Series to Cover Key Topics in Theoretical Physics, Including Quantum Field Theory and Quantum Information -

The Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP), will host the “2026 APCTP Colloquium,” an eight-session international online lecture series, from July 24 to November 6. This year’s theme is “New Horizons in Theoretical Physics: From String Theory to Biophysics.”

The Colloquium is an international academic program for researchers that presents the latest findings and major open questions across key areas of theoretical physics. It offers early-career researchers direct access to the work and perspectives of world-renowned scholars while promoting academic exchange and international research networks across disciplines and borders. All lectures will be delivered in English, and global researchers may participate online.

More information: APCTP website (https://www.apctp.org/theme/d/html/research/colloquium.php)
Registration: (https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Gt8xhT5DR5-xWo7TXpUJDQ#/registration)

The Colloquium brings together internationally renowned scholars whose work has shaped a wide range of fields in modern theoretical physics, including string theory, cosmology, statistical physics, and biophysics. Researchers from leading institutions such as Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Yale University, and the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) will discuss recent developments and future challenges in their respective fields.

2026 APCTP Colloquium speakers: Prof. Meng Cheng (Yale University), Prof. Massimiliano Esposito (University of Luxembourg), Prof. Josh Frieman (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory), Prof. Mehran Kardar (MIT), Director Reinhard Lipowsky (Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Germany), Prof. Andrei Linde (Stanford University), Prof. Warren Mori (University of California, Los Angeles), and Prof. Cumrun Vafa (Harvard University)

In particular, the Colloquium features recipients of prestigious honors in theoretical physics, including the Dirac Medal* and the Breakthrough Prize*. Prof. Mehran Kardar of MIT is a world-renowned statistical physicist whose pioneering research in nonequilibrium statistical physics earned him the Dirac Medal in 2013 and the Boltzmann Medal* in 2025. Prof. Andrei Linde of Stanford University, a leading researcher who helped establish the theory of cosmic inflation, received the Breakthrough Prize in 2012. Prof. Cumrun Vafa of Harvard University, a leading authority on string theory, received the Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics* in 2016 and the Breakthrough Prize in 2017.

* Dirac Medal: Awarded by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) to researchers who have made outstanding contributions to theoretical physics.
* Breakthrough Prize: Awarded by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation in the United States to researchers who have made groundbreaking achievements in mathematics, life sciences, and fundamental physics.
* Boltzmann Medal: A prestigious international award presented by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) for outstanding achievements in statistical physics.
* Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics: Jointly awarded by the American Physical Society (APS) and the American Institute of Physics (AIP) for outstanding contributions to mathematical physics.

“One of the most important roles of theoretical physics is to connect natural phenomena that may appear unrelated through common principles and a shared language,” says Misao Sasaki, President of APCTP. “This Colloquium will offer an opportunity to explore how research at the forefront of fields ranging from string theory and cosmology to statistical physics and biophysics can come together to open new possibilities.”

Established in 1996 on the occasion of the APEC meeting, APCTP is Korea’s only international center for theoretical physics. Based at POSTECH in Pohang, the Center works with 20 Member Countries/Regions and 39 Partner Institutes across the Asia-Pacific region.

With continued support from the Korean government’s Science and Technology Promotion Fund and Lottery Fund, APCTP has attracted and trained more than 300 outstanding early-career scientists as resident researchers. Through collaborative research and academic exchange in theoretical physics, the Center contributes to strengthening Korea’s capabilities in basic science. APCTP also promotes the public value of basic science through public lectures, participatory science festivals, and science outreach programs for young people.