Through Space and Time: The Physics of Wormholes
14 November 2026
10:00am-5:00pm
Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA
Event status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
14 November 2026
Study Format:
In-person day/weekend
Fees:
£90.00
In-person lecture-style day event
In this lecture-style day event, we will probe the boundaries between physics and imagination. This fascinating journey offers a comprehensive exploration into the intriguing concepts of time travel and wormholes, where we bridge the gap between sci-fi and the cutting-edge of modern physics, offering insights into some of the most profound mysteries of the universe.
We will delve into the intricacies of relativity, causality, and the theoretical underpinnings that allow for the possibility of warping spacetime. We will discover models and solutions proposed by scientists, including Tipler Cylinders and Gödel’s Universe, and unravel the complex paradoxes associated with time travel, such as the grandfather paradox and bootstrap paradox. The course also covers the enigmatic concept of wormholes, also known as Einstein-Rosen bridges, examining their theoretical properties, the necessity of exotic matter, and the challenges in conceiving traversable wormholes.
Throughout the course, contemporary theories and speculations in quantum physics will be discussed, shedding light on the connections between quantum entanglement and wormholes, as well as the role of negative energy.
Whether you're a science enthusiast or someone with a background in physics, this course provides a unique opportunity to engage with these intriguing concepts at the forefront of astrophysics.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Recommended reading
Al-Khalili, J., Black Holes, Wormholes and Time Machines (Taylor & Francis, 1999)
Kaku, M., Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration Into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel (Doubleday, 2008)
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 accommodationour accommodation at Rewley House 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.
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.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Event fee (includes tea/coffee) | £90.00 |
| Baguette lunch | £7.90 |
| Hot lunch (two-course) | £22.40 |
Payment
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
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:
Module code: O26P102PYJ
Please use the ‘Book’ button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.
