Colloquium Series
A weekly forum for sharing ideas, advancing research and connecting physics to the broader scientific community
The Department of Physics hosts a weekly colloquium series that brings together students, faculty members and researchers to explore current and emerging topics in physics. A longstanding part of the department’s academic life, the series creates a shared space where experimental, theoretical and interdisciplinary perspectives intersect.
About the series
The colloquium is primarily research-focused, showcasing work from invited external scholars as well as Concordia faculty. Presentations span a wide range of areas in physics and related disciplines.
While most talks highlight current research developments, the series also occasionally features broader topics such as career pathways in physics as well as equity and inclusion in STEM fields.
The series creates a shared space where experimental, theoretical and interdisciplinary perspectives intersect.
Who should attend?
The colloquium is primarily intended for graduate students in physics.
Faculty members, senior undergraduate students, external guests and members of the wider university community are also welcome to attend.
Time and location
Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
Room HB-130
Hingston Hall, wing HB
Loyola Campus
Held during the fall and winter terms.
Current colloquium schedule
Fall 2026 Schedule
Sept. 9 – Barry Frank Memorial Lecture
Dr. N. Peter Armitage, Johns Hopkins University
On Ising's model of ferromagnetism
The 1D Ising model is a classical model of great historical significance for both classical and quantum statistical mechanics. Developments in the understanding of the Ising model have fundamentally impacted our knowledge of thermodynamics, critical phenomena, magnetism, conformal quantum field theories, particle physics, and emergence in many-body systems.
Despite the theoretical impact of the Ising model there have been very few good 1D realizations of it in actual real material systems. However, it has been pointed out recently, that the material CoNb₂O₆ has a number of features that may make it the most ideal realization we have of the Ising model in one dimension. In this talk I will discuss the surprisingly complex physics resulting in this simple model and review the history of "Ising's model" from both a scientific and human perspective. In the modern context I will review recent experiments by my group and others on CoNb₂O₆. In particular, I will show how low frequency light in the THz range gives unique insight into the tremendous zoo of phenomena arising in this simple model system.
Sept. 16 - Dr. Salini Karuvade, Concordia University
One Hundred and One Years of Quantum Physics
Last year marked 100 years since Werner Heisenberg wrote down the equations that would become quantum mechanics. In the century since, that framework has been tested to extraordinary precision, reinterpreted countless times, and transformed from a source of philosophical discourse into the engine of a technological revolution. This talk tells the story of how it all began. The desperate acts, the lucky accidents, and the reluctant revolutionaries who built a theory none of them fully believed.
Questions?
For questions about the colloquium series, please email physics.ac@concordia.ca.