Progress in Group Field Theory and Related Quantum Gravity Formalisms

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the Group Field Theory (GFT) formalism for quantum gravity has seen significant progress in different directions: Our understanding of its quantum geometric degrees of freedom has been deepened, new techniques have been developed towards GFT renormalization, and the possibility of establishing a continuum limit; new connections between quantum gravity, condensed matter physics and quantum information have been explored; applications of GFT to the physics of cosmology and black holes point to possible novel resolutions of puzzles of classical gravity and represent promising avenues for connecting quantum gravity with observations. The many (conceptual and mathematical) relations and structural overlaps with other quantum gravity formalisms, such as random tensor models, loop quantum gravity, and lattice gravity, allow also to take advantage of the many developments occurring in them, which include both interesting results of direct implementation within GFT as well as inspiring advances towards shared goals. This stimulates mutual and joint progress.

This Special Issue focuses on GFT, and more broadly on related formalisms which share the same methods and foundations. Contributions from tensor models, loop quantum gravity, spin foam models, or other discrete and combinatorial approaches to quantum gravity which have direct implications for GFT will be particularly welcomed. We also encourage submissions from research fields with direct relevance to more specific aspects of GFT research, including for instance fundamental cosmology, quantum information, or condensed matter theory, but also mathematical and formal aspects.

Research papers or review articles are welcome.

No Article Processing Charges (APC) will be applied to submitted manuscripts.  If the Special Issue reaches more than 10 published papers, it will be printed in book form, with an ISBN number.

Dr. Steffen Gielen
Dr. Sylvain Carrozza
Dr. Daniele Oriti
Guest Editors

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