Why does nobody understand quantum physics? With Frank Verstraete and Céline Broeckaert episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 12, 2025 · 47 MIN

Why does nobody understand quantum physics? With Frank Verstraete and Céline Broeckaert

from Intelligence Squared · host Intelligence Squared

Why does the universe behave in ways that defy logic - and can anyone truly understand it? In this episode, we’re joined by physicist Frank Verstraete and writer Céline Broeckaert, the husband-and-wife team behind the new book Why Nobody Understands Quantum Physics. Together, they take us on a journey into the strangest - and most essential - corner of science, unpacking everything from quantum entanglement to the surprising role of symmetry in nature. Frank Verstraete is the Leigh Trapnell Professor of Quantum Physics at the University of Cambridge. He has received several prestigious prizes for his research, including the Lieben Prize (also known as the ‘Nobel Prize of Austria’) and the Francqui Prize. He is among the leading researchers in the world on quantum physics. Céline Broeckaert is a Romance languages scholar, playwright and author.  Frank and Celine sat down with Dr Shini Somara to discuss this vital branch of physics, and why it is so misunderstood and underappreciated in the mainstream. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Why does nobody understand quantum physics? With Frank Verstraete and Céline Broeckaert

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