Theoretical Physics
Leiden has a strong tradition in theoretical physics, thoroughly linked with experimental disciplines.
Theoretical physicists are organised in the Lorentz Institute, while they are each also connected to one of the other three themes: Biological and Soft Matter, Quantum Materials and Optics and Cosmology.
The institute, established in 1921, is the oldest institute for theoretical physics in The Netherlands. Together with the experimental groups in the Kamerlingh Onnes and Huygens Laboratories it forms the Leiden Institute of Physics. The Instituut-Lorentz participates in two research schools, the Casimir Research School (jointly with Delft University of Technology) and the Dutch Research School of Theoretical Physics. The national research schools offer a comprehensive program of postgraduate education. Graduate students and postdocs interested in joining the Instituut-Lorentz are encouraged to apply directly to one of the faculty members listed below. Students interested in cosmology can apply to the De Sitter programme.
We closely collaborate with the Institutes of Theoretical Physics in Utrecht and Amsterdam, in the context of the Delta Institute of Theoretical Physics.
News
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Grants for fundamental research in Leiden -
Can you design super-smart materials with long-term memory that are capable of learning? -
Green light to build revolutionary new experiment at CERN to search for unknown particles -
Remarkable achievement: Leiden professor appointed AAAS Fellow -
New professor of Theoretical Physics: ‘The problems I study can come from anywhere in society’ -
ERC Consolidator grant for Alessandra Silvestri: putting gravity to the test on cosmological scales -
New professor Luca Giomi creates his own physics of living systems -
In memoriam Jan Zaanen 1957-2024: The universe in a speck of rusting copper -
After the launch of the next big space mission: ‘This is a big step towards understanding dark matter and dark energy.’ -
‘This prize is a great push for my self-esteem and motivation’