David vs Goliath: How the smallest particles interact with gravity

Quantum gravity is one of the biggest open questions in modern physics. It describes how the smallest particles interact with gravity.

There are many different competing theories that attempt to explain and describe this phenomenon; ranging from the somewhat popularised String Theory to the more complex sounding Quantum Field Theory on Curved Space-times.

Here, Jacob gives an overview of quantum gravity - starting with why we need it, discussing the many different theories (and why we have so many competing ones) and finally explaining what it is exactly that he does and where he and others at the University of Sheffield find themselves within the world of quantum gravity.

This talk was part of Pint of Science, an annual worldwide science festival bringing researchers and the public together. Find out more here.