PubhD #75 - Quantum Gravity, Harm from Video Games and Treating Tinnitus
Schedule
Wed, 13 Aug, 2025 at 07:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Barley Twist | Nottingham, EN
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Were back once again bringing researchers to a pub in Nottingham near you.Three local researchers will explain their work to a bunch of people in the pub in exchange for a pint or two. The talks are at "pub level" - you don't need to be an academic to understand them!
Downstairs at the Barley Twist
19:00 Arrival For a 19:30 Start
Speakers:
Benjamin Muntz (Theoretical Physics) Is a PhD student at the University of Nottingham. His research explores some of the deepest questions in fundamental physics, with a focus on dark energy, the early universe, and string theory. Broadly speaking, he is interested in the dialogue between cosmology and quantum gravity – what insights can quantum gravity offer into the origins and evolution of the universe, and conversely, how cosmological constraints might help us understand the nature of quantum gravity. His current work centers on the Swampland Programme, an ambitious effort to map out which low-energy effective field theories cannot arise from a consistent theory of quantum gravity.
Hannah Heilbuth (Law) Her PhD thesis is focused on exploring experiences of consumer harm in video games and the extent to which existing UK consumer law protects gamers from this harm. This involves trying to understand what it means to be harmed by a video game and whether this is an issue in need of a legal solution. This year, Hannah completed her first study in which she analysed how reddit users talked about their experiences of gaming harm as well as their perspective on game design, the surrounding gaming ecosystem (Twitch, YouTube, and Discord) and on the people making games. She is now exploring how game designers think about gaming harm and hopes to use all these findings to evaluate whether UK consumer law is protecting the decision-making autonomy of consumers from unfair interference by video game companies. Hannah's favourite video games are Yakuza 0, Balatro, and Wandersong though sadly, playing them has not contributed much to her work.
Bas Labree (Hearing Sciences/ Neuro Science) is a Research Fellow in the Hearing Theme of the Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, a collaboration between the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. He researches tinnitus: the perception of sound, usually in the ear(s) or head, without an external source. His work focuses on testing and refining potential new neuromodulation treatments for tinnitus. These treatments aim to change the brain activity responsible for tinnitus by stimulating the brain or other parts of the nervous system, for instance with electric currents.
The Format:
1. Three researchers will each have 10 minutes to talk about their subject area to an interested audience in a pub.
2. There will be up to 20 minutes of (friendly!) Q&A per speaker.
3. Each speaker gets at least one pint (or other drink of their choice).
4. A whiteboard/flip chart and coloured pens will be provided. No PowerPoints. Props welcomed. Handouts accepted.
Small donation of £3 to pay for our speakers drinks for attendance Requested. Card or Cash.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PubhD/
Also anyone who wants to apply to speak or wants to suggest it to someone do get in touch to [email protected]
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Where is it happening?
Barley Twist, 89 Carrington Street, Nottingham, NG1 7FE, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
