This is the first edition of QUEST: Quantum Gravity, Early Universe, Space-Time and Theoretical Frontiers. This conference will be held in Pisa from 23rd to 25th September 2026 and is entirely organized by PhD students from the University of Pisa who are interested in Gravity, Quantum Field Theories and Cosmology.
With unprecedented precision tests of Einstein’s theory of gravitation and the ΛCDM model of the universe, a better theoretical understanding of fundamental theories is becoming increasingly important, in order to keep up with recent technological advancements. On the other hand, many questions remain open and lead us to look for extensions of these theories, such as the possibility of deviations from Einstein’s relativity and from the Standard Model of Particle Physics and Cosmology.
The aim of this conference is to bring together senior, junior and post-graduate researchers working at the interplay of Gravity and Cosmology, within the broader framework of Quantum Field Theory. Controversial and debated topics in modern theories of gravity, and new techniques in gauge and Generalized Symmetries theories, will be introduced with plenary talks from senior professors, followed by contributions from younger researchers. The final goal is to update participants on recent progress in modified gravity and cosmology, as well as their most recent Quantum Field Theory approaches, and potentially foster new collaborations within the community.
Contributions from participants will be in the form of invited seminars, submitted talks and posters. The deadline for submission of an abstract for a contributed talk or a poster is September 1st, 2026.
No registration fee is required.
Coffee breaks are offered by the organization.
This conference has received financial support from the University of Pisa and INFN, Sezione di Pisa.
Local and Scientific Organizers
Pierre Béchaz, Lorenzo Benfatto, Fabrizio Chicconi, Matteo Orso, Luca Parente, Dario Rossi