Description: Observational data indicate that the very early Universe was locally only infinitesimally different from the de Sitter space-time. The 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for observations which suggest that the current Universe is again approaching a locally de Sitter phase, although with a much slower expansion rate. Therefore, quantum field theory on a locally de Sitter background is a key area of fundamental physics. When quantized matter fields on de Sitter are decomposed into different frequencies, one finds that frequencies much higher than the Hubble constant behave almost as in flat space. However, the low frequency modes of certain types of fields show a radically different behavior. This workshop will explore the behavior and the consequences of this IR sector, in cosmology and related areas.

The goal of our workshop is to gather researchers who have different views on the subject. We hope to establish points of agreement, clarify the essential disagreements, and identify strategies for future research which will resolve them.

The duration of the meeting is two weeks. Although it will be organized in the form of the workshop it will be intended to introduce the students to the subject of quantum fields on curved backgrounds. To allow ample time for discussion we intend to have only a few talks each day. Each of these talks should be pedagogical, with every speaker given the opportunity to clearly and extensively express his or her point of view.

The event will be hosted at the Holliday Inn Hotel

Workshop fees:

Students = US$140,00 / €110,00 / R$300,00

Post-Docs and Professionals  = US$240,00 / €180,00 / R$500,00

Registration Fee: All the participants are expected to pay the registration fee. Members of the local community (institutions in Natal) are considered as free listeners and are exempt from paying the fee.

*Registration fee is only accepted in cash during the first three days of the event. 

Accommodation and transportation to be determined for those who qualify for financial help. You may apply for financial support on your online registration form.

For more information, please contact: events@iip.ufrn.br

Hotel and conference information:

All guests will be staying at the hotel Holiday Inn Express located in Ponta Negra : www.holidaynatal.com.br 

The workshop will be held at the "Villa Lobos" auditorium, located on the 1st floor of the hotel.

Posters:

• Tibério de Paula Netto: "On Newtonian singularities in higher derivative gravity models";
• Filipe de Oliveira Salles: "Gravitational Waves and Perspectives for Quantum Gravity";
• Renato da Costa Santos: "Can back-reaction of long wavelength prevent eternal inflation?";
• Poliane de Morais Teixeira: "On the functional renormalization group for the scalar field on curved background with non-minimal interaction".