What exactly is dark energy? Is there a multiverse? Are there additional forces beyond the four fundamental forces we currently understand?
These questions represent just a fraction of the unresolved issues in physics, yet they — along with the curiosity they evoke — serve as inspiration for particle physicist Asimina Arvanitaki.
Arvanitaki’s scientific journey has taken her from exploring subatomic particles to examining the vastness of the universe — journeying from her homeland of Greece to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, where she is currently based. During a Perimeter Institute event on October 7, Arvanitaki shared insights with Ideas host Nahlah Ayed concerning her career, the essence of science, the impact of artificial intelligence, and more. Below is an excerpt from their discussion.
How has curiosity influenced your enthusiasm for science and your research?
One does not become a scientist without embracing confusion regularly.
Having grown up in Greece, by the end of high school, students are required to select a major — a daunting task given that most have little idea of their future directions. For me, I was torn between science and engineering. I enjoyed mathematics, physics, and chemistry, but I soon realized my fascination lay more in understanding the “why” behind things rather than just knowing how to make them work.
Thus, I found myself pursuing physics. Eventually, I gravitated toward particle physics since it focuses on the fundamental components of matter. While it deals with the tiniest elements, it also necessitates a broader view of the cosmos to grasp how everything integrates. This field offers me significant intellectual freedom.
Can you recall your earliest display of scientific curiosity as a young girl?
In elementary school, I learned about the vast distance to the sun and discovered that light travels at a finite speed. I calculated that light takes about eight minutes to reach us from the sun, and I thought, “Oh my goodness! We may never see the sun as it is right now!… What if it explodes? We only have eight minutes to escape!”
What does curiosity entail during scientific endeavors?
It comes naturally to us. Every query reflects curiosity. For me, it’s present in everything. For instance, I might wonder how this microphone functions. There are countless questions to explore. I could question why we have this wooden paneling on the walls — is it for acoustics or aesthetics? Curiosity applies to any subject.
It seems that currently… a lot of scientific funding is directed toward projects with immediate or practical benefits. What risks arise from prioritizing this over curiosity-led research?
Let’s consider the 19th century. Back then, Rockefeller was the wealthiest individual globally. Imagine he faced an eye issue. He might approach his doctor and say, “Doctor, I want to avoid glasses. Can you find me a minimally invasive solution that doesn’t involve any invasive procedures, such as inserting instruments in my eye?” That would imply laser surgery.
To achieve that, despite all his riches, he would need to uncover quantum mechanics, comprehend how light is emitted from atoms, understand Einstein’s theory of stimulated emission, and then wait an additional 40 years for the first laser to be developed before pursuing its application.
Arvanitaki, left, conversing with Ideas host Nahlah Ayed about her journey as a physicist, the significance of curiosity-driven research, and the influence of AI in scientific endeavors. (Gabriela Secara/Perimeter Institute)
Focusing on applications or end goals can hinder the discovery of groundbreaking technologies. Even with unlimited funding, one cannot purchase transformative innovations because they stem from a genuine understanding, which often requires navigating uncertainty.
Is there a concern that AI might diminish our ability to gain insights and foster wonder and curiosity when such intelligent tools are readily available?
No, I do not believe that will happen.
Reflecting on ancient times, one of my forebears, Socrates [laughs] — once claimed that writing was the worst thing to happen to humanity, as it harms the mind. He argued that writing leads to forgetfulness and diminishes mental training.
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However, if you consider it, writing and language have been our most potent tools for ensuring the intergenerational transfer of knowledge. They have allowed us to build upon the achievements of our predecessors. This is my perspective.
We are currently experiencing a technological revolution that will transform our methods. We will adapt to these changes. I genuinely believe, for instance, that it will redefine what holds significance. AI excels at performing calculations, so we will no longer spend valuable time on those tasks, a process I personally dislike. Nonetheless, ideas will continue to hold great importance.