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  2. Centre for Theoretical Physics
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  4. PhD projects at CTP
  5. Gravity as a Double Copy of Gauge Theory

Gravity as a Double Copy of Gauge Theory

Research Group: Centre for Research in String Theory
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 3.5 years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

Funding is provided via the Scientific Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

    • Available to Home and exceptional overseas applicants only.
    • Applicant required to start in September 2026.
    • The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

This project explores a powerful connection between gauge theory and gravity, two fundamental ingredients in our understanding of Nature. It is clear that there is a close mathematical analogy between the two theories, with gauge theory describing "spin-1" particles and gravity describing "spin-2" particles. In recent years, that relationship has been shown to be much closer than previously recognised. It turns out that gravity can be expressed as a "double copy" of gauge theory, at least perturbatively. Using this technique, fiendish calculations in gravity can be substituted by much simpler calculations in gauge theory. One of the applications of the technique is to study in detail the ultraviolet divergences in a variety of theories of gravity, a problem at the heart of quantum gravity. More recently, there is a new programme to study classical solutions (either perturbative or exact) in general relativity using the double copy.

The aims of the project are (1) to understand at a more fundamental level the mathematical structure behind the double-copy relation, (2) to develop an efficient formalism for loop-level amplitudes, (3) to investigate the connection between the spaces of solutions to the Einstein equations and to the Yang-Mills equations, and (4) to explore the application of the double copy in gravitational phenomenology, namely to problems of astrophysical interest involving gravitational waves.

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry onto the Physics programme (Full Time), please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply

Deadline for application - 28th of January 2026

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Ricardo Monteiro

Email: ricardo.monteiro@qmul.ac.uk

Requirements

Knowledge of Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity at the level of a Master course.

SPCS Academics: Ricardo Monteiro

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