Black Holes vs. Reality: The Ultimate Physics Paradox
12 December 2026
10:00am-5:00pm
Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA
Event status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
12 December 2026
Study Format:
In-person day/weekend
Fees:
£90.00
With this one-day course on the Black Hole Information Paradox, we will learn about a cornerstone puzzle in modern theoretical physics. This course delves into the intriguing conflict between quantum mechanics and general relativity as it manifests in black holes. We will explore how information seems to be lost in black holes, defying quantum mechanics' fundamental assertion that information is always preserved.
Our journey will guide you through the principles of event horizons, singularity, and the groundbreaking work of scientists like Stephen Hawking. You'll learn about Hawking radiation, a theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, seemingly eradicating information forever. We'll also examine recent theories and debates that attempt to resolve this paradox, including the idea that the universe is an 'hologram'.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 9 December 2026.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Accommodation
If you wish to stay with us before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.
Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk
Our accommodation in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.
Recommended reading
Susskind, L., The Black Hole War: My Battle with Stephen Hawking to Make the World Safe for Quantum Mechanics (Little, Brown and Company, 2008)
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Event fee (includes tea/coffee) | £90.00 |
| Baguette lunch | £7.90 |
| Hot lunch (two-course) | £22.40 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Payment
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
Dr Andrea Russo – Tutor
Andrea completed his PhD at University College London, where he studied aspects of classical–quantum gravity and quantum information theory under the supervision of Prof. Jonathan Oppenheim. His work includes studying stochastic effects in hybrid classical–quantum theories of matter coupled to spacetime, reformulating quantum field theory without explicit reference to time, and investigating connections between quantum complexity and spacetime geometry.
More recently, he has explored consistent couplings of quantum fields to classical gravity, with the aim of addressing the quantum gravity problem without requiring a full quantization of spacetime. Andrea previously studied mathematical physics at the University of Nottingham and obtained his Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics from the University of Cambridge.
Module code: O26P103PYJ
Please use the ‘Book’ button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.
