On the occasion of the 9th consecutive Condensed Matter Physics in the City conference, Royal Holloway has the pleasure to invite from the United States two internationally acclaimed academics in Physics and Music respectively, for a unique public event.

Professor Laura Greene, the Francis Eppes Professor of Physics at Florida State University, Chief Scientist at the National MagLab and immediate past-president of the American Physical Society (APS) will talk about her research on superconductors in Windsor Auditorium. After the lecture, Professor Ian Hobson, celebrated performer, pianist and conductor will perform some of his favourite pieces of classical music in our iconic picture gallery.

The dark energy of quantum materials
Professor Laura Greene
18.00, Windsor Auditorium

Superconductors are fascinating quantum materials with applications that include the lossless transmission of electrical power, levitating trains, making huge magnetic fields, and detecting the tiniest magnetic fields. In this lecture, Professor Greene will explore superconductivity and the bizarre behaviours of some quantum materials, and show some of the transformative applications. She will explain in simple terms what we do know, and give a perspective of how much we still have to learn. Superconductivity reminds her of the universe itself: we use it every day, it’s very useful, and mostly, we don’t know much about it!

Classical music piano performance
Professor Ian Hobson
20.00, Picture Gallery

Called “powerful and persuasive” by the New York Times, Ian Hobson is a musician of tremendous versatility who has earned an international reputation as a pianist, conductor and educator. He is recognised for his command of an extraordinarily comprehensive repertoire, his consummate performances of the Romantic masters, his deft and idiomatic readings of neglected piano music old and new, and his assured conducting from both the piano and the podium.

Please mind that due to different venues (and different capacities) you have to book two separate tickets for this events. We strongly recommend to book early for the piano performance to avoid disappointment.