Welcome to Beyond the Lab, a series where we explore the many hats that scientists wear. From professors embarking on entrepreneurial journeys to researchers involved in policy making, join us as we explore both inside and beyond the lab.

With Andrew J. Millis, Professor of Physics at Columbia University and co-director of the Center for Computational Quantum Physics at the Flatiron Institute, we dive into the fundamental and fundamentally strange world of quantum mechanics and how it is connected to the world of everyday things. How do collective properties arise from the interaction of individual atoms and electrons? How is the whole different from the sum of its parts? Alongside these questions, we discuss the origins of the Simons Foundation and its internal research division, the Flatiron Institute. Prof. Millis describes the philosophy of philanthropy-driven science at Flatiron, how it differs from traditional academic funding models, and how it fosters a culture of collaboration. Thanks to this culture, the whole can truly go beyond the sum of its parts.

Note: At 3:30-4:51, there is a difference in audio quality. Our sincerest apologies!

In this episode, we cover:

(01:21) What is quantum condensed matter physics?

(5:15) Simons Foundation and the Flatiron Institute

(12:54) Funding models for long-term projects

(16:21) A culture of collaboration at the Flatiron

(20:03) Interdisciplinary vs. deep domain expertise

(24:25) Sharing a “common language” between fields

(30:20) Picking up the basics of mathematics and physics

(33:06) Philanthropic funding

Further reading/listening

• Read more about Prof. Andrew Millis
• Read more about the Simons Foundation
• Read more about the Flatiron Institute

Episode host and producer: Sabrina Du

Contact: [email protected]