ProfessorJoao Magueijo

João Magueijo’s research lies at the interface of cosmology, quantum gravity and the foundations of gravitational physics. Much of his work has explored the possibility that the standard assumptions of cosmology may be emergent or approximate, rather than fundamental. This includes early work on varying-constant theories, especially varying-speed-of-light cosmologies, as alternatives to conventional accounts of the early Universe, as well as related work on Lorentz symmetry, deformed relativity and Planck-scale phenomenology.

More recently his interests have focused on quantum cosmology, unimodular and thermodynamic approaches to gravity, and the possibility that cosmological observations can provide indirect tests of quantum-gravitational ideas. A recurring theme is to treat cosmology not merely as an application of known fundamental physics, but as a laboratory for probing the foundations of space, time, gravity and the constants of nature. His current work connects formal model-building with observational consequences, including late-time cosmology, cosmic acceleration, energy non-conservation, emergent gravity and quantum boundary conditions for the Universe.