Nikita Nekrasov: Why Physicists Still Don't Understand QFT

Nikita Nekrasov explains why quantum field theory remains mysterious despite experimental success. We explore his solution to the Cyberg‑Witten puzzle, the Nekrasov partition function, and the role of exotic four‑dimensional structures in the chemistry of life.0:00 Introduction1:13 Understanding Quantum Field Theory4:38 The Journey to Gauge Origami6:53 The Story of the Microsoft Partition Function19:12 Connecting Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory36:43 The Nature of Instantons45:05 Exotic R4 and Its Implications49:01 Dealing with Non-Compactness52:25 The Emergence of Non-Commutative Geometry1:04:29 Lessons from Mentors1:20:11 Language as a Dynamic System1:22:35 The Concept of Gauge Origami1:30:48 Insights from Collaboration with Peers1:37:15 Aspirations for Future Work1:38:15 Advice for Aspiring ResearchersSPONSORS:- I personally subscribe to The Economist. TOE listeners get 35% off the annual subscription. No other podcast has this! https://economist.com/TOE- YouTube Membership (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join- Patreon: https://patreon.com/curtjaimungal- Crypto: https://nowpayments.io/donation/TOE- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=XUBHNMFXUX5S4Every episode days early, ad-free, plus my essays: https://curtjaimungal.substack.com/subscribeRESOURCES:- Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com- Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e- Nikita’s Papers: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bKV59LwAAAAJ&hl=en- Nikita’s Lecture: https://scgp.stonybrook.edu/archives/44062- Two Dimensional Gauge Theories [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/9204083- Richard Borcherds [TOE]: https://youtu.be/U3pQWkE2KqM- Edward Frenkel [TOE]: https://youtu.be/n_oPMcvHbAc- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [TOE]: https://youtu.be/RX1tZv_Nv4Y- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [Part 2]: https://youtu.be/0AC-Ol1z5vI- String Theory Iceberg [TOE]: https://youtu.be/X4PdPnQuwjY- Roger Penrose [TOE]: https://youtu.be/sGm505TFMbU- Cumrun Vafa [TOE]: https://youtu.be/kUHOoMX4Bqw- Garrett Lisi [TOE]: https://youtu.be/z7ulJmfFvd8- Chiara Marletto [TOE]: https://youtu.be/Uey_mUy1vN0- Debunking "All Possible Paths" [TOE]: https://youtu.be/XcY3ZtgYis0- Peter Woit [TOE]: https://youtu.be/TTSeqsCgxj8- Leonard Susskind [TOE]: https://youtu.be/2p_Hlm6aCok- Seiberg-Witten Prepotential from Instanton Counting [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0206161- Eva Miranda [TOE]: https://youtu.be/6XyMepn-AZo- Leptons and Quarks [Book]: https://www.amazon.com/LEPTONS-QUARKS-SPECIAL-COMMEMORATING-DISCOVERY/dp/9814603007- Brian Greene [TOE]: https://youtu.be/O2EtTE9Czzo- David Wallace [TOE]: https://youtu.be/4MjNuJK5RzM- Jenann Ismael [TOE]: https://youtu.be/7kvXihDAOi0- Claudia de Rham [TOE]: https://youtu.be/hNPMKy6RxCE- Yang-Mills [Paper]: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2504.19097 Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices