Kenneth Intriligator is a distinguished professor of Physics who holds the prestigious Broida Chair. He began his academic journey by earning his undergraduate degree at UC San Diego, where he was honored with the S.K. Ma Memorial Prize in Physics. Intriligator went on to obtain his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Harvard University and conducted postdoctoral research at Rutgers University before serving as a long-term member at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
Intriligator’s research is focused on the theory of quantum fields, with a particular interest in developing symmetry-based methods to discover new aspects of quantum fields and their connections to mathematics. He has been recognized as a Simons Investigator and is a co-principal investigator of the Simons Collaboration on Global Categorical Symmetry.
Intriligator finds the concept of human beings existing as ripples on an ocean of quantum fields that occupy all of spacetime to be fascinating. He believes that all forms of matter and interactions, including humans themselves, are comparable to waves on this quantum “ocean.” To learn more about quantum field theory and Intriligator’s research, you can watch a recorded talk he delivered at the Aspen Physics Center.
President David Oxtoby warmly welcomed the 250 new members joining the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, commending them for their outstanding achievements and the qualities of curiosity, creativity, and courage required to push boundaries. The academy was established on the principles that celebrate intellectual pursuits, the value of knowledge, and the belief that the arts and sciences are vital to the well-being, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous society. Further details about the announcement of the 2024 new members can be found on the academy’s website.
