Physicist's Quantum Mechanics, Gravity Research Gets Grant

Massachusetts Institute of Technology physics professor Xiao-Gang Wen has received a grant from the Foundational Questions Institute (FQXi) to fund his study of the relationship between quantum mechanics and gravity. Wen is one of 30 researchers to receive funding in the inaugural round of grants awarded by FQXi, a new philanthropically funded agency. The institute awards grants to researchers to investigate questions about the deep nature of the universe, including topics such as the fundamental constants of nature, the relationship between quantum mechanics and theories of gravity, the possible existence of other universes, time travel, extraterrestrial life and the ultimate theories of physics. FQXi is distributing $2 million in grants in its inaugural round; Wen will receive $94,924.