Grand Unified Theories Aren't Just for Physics
- Anna Oliva
- Jan 4, 2023
- 1 min read
Mathematics has many branches, from analysis to algebra, to topology to number theory. These branches can often seem very detached from one another. For example, the skills required to work with graph theory are quite different from those necessary for calculus. Because of this diversity it is difficult to delve deeply into many of those branches. Indeed, many mathematicians focus on just one of these mathematical perspectives. However, many fascinating observations arise when applying the principles of one branch of mathematics to solve the mysteries of another.
The Langlands program, named after mathematician and founder Robert Langlands, is an international effort to find connections between seemingly disparate branches to create a “grand unified theory” of mathematics similar to the Standard Model of particle physics. This effort has the potential to help solve famous hypotheses and conjectures, like the Riemann Hypothesis, and may also yield valuable results for other fields like physics.
Elementary introductions:
A more mathematical perspective:
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