Скачать или смотреть Shaking things up: how our messy world affects quantum mechanics & researchers - Alexandre Coates

Alexandre explores recent research which examines how the combination of the messy world of quantum mechanics might shed light on the mysteries of photosynthesis and stimulate new nature-inspired technologies: "It is almost impossible to avoid the effects of the outside world: no matter how well you make and seal a box, eventually the air inside will reach the same temperature and humidity of the world outside. Normally, this is an annoyance. But, on the tiny scales of atoms, molecules, and quantum mechanics – it can be an advantage!"

Of course, researchers themselves also work in an environment: their universities. Alexandre draws on some of his own experiences as a minoritised PhD student, discusses how that has influenced him, and explains what he has done to make a better environment for himself and others to thrive in.

About the speaker:
Alexandre is an asexual theoretical physics PhD researcher and award-winning student representative at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. As a researcher, he focuses on how quantum mechanics and the messiness of the real world affect the transport of energy. As a postgraduate representative, he pushes for more transparency and fairer working conditions in universities. He has successfully been involved in PhD pay rises; equal access to extensions during COVID; co-designing a new PhD mentorship scheme and hosting a regular set of theoretical physics talks.

About the event:
This talk was recorded during PRISM Exeter's Speakers event for LGBTQ+ STEM Day on November 17th, 2021. Audience questions and discussions have been edited out from the recording to preserve attendee anonymity.

The Speakers series aims to:
1. Showcase the incredible work being done by LGBTQ+ individuals in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM);
2. Provide a platform for broader discussions on diversity and inclusion within STEMM.

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