Old Members’ Trust Graduate Conference and Academic Travel Fund report – Noelia Sánchez González (2023, DPhil Theoretical Physics)

Last December I attended a three-day conference taking place in the Theoretical Physics Laboratory of Annecy (LAPth). The goal of the workshop was to breach the gap between theoretical studies in cosmology and observational efforts. It brought experts on string theory studying questions related to the impact of this theory on the evolution of the Universe, together with researches whose focus is more observational and with deeper knowledge in current experimental data.

The research I have carried throughout my DPhil programme so far has focused on the theoretical side, studying the particular effects that string theory could have on structures called cosmic strings potentially present in the early universe. These could have left an imprint in the gravitational wave background, which only in the last decade have we started to be able to measure. Topics such as this, together with questions regarding the observed current accelerated expansion of the Universe and its compatibility with string theory models, were addressed during the several talks and discussions sessions that took place in those three days.

The sessions were not too numerous, which allowed for the chance to engage in discussions with well-known researchers in the field. It was also a good opportunity to learn about the progress made in the last months by fellow PhD students and junior post docs that I had already met in previous conferences. I am very grateful to the Old Members’ Trust of University College for the support to attend this meeting. It was really a fantastic opportunity to keep up with the latest developments in my field.

Published: 20 March 2026

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