Nikita Nekrasov: Why Physicists Still Don't Understand QFT

Nikita Nekrasov explains why quantum field theory remains mysterious despite experimental success. We explore his solution to the Cyberg‑Witten puzzle, the Nekrasov partition function, and the role of exotic four‑dimensional structures in the chemistry of life.

0:00 Introduction
1:13 Understanding Quantum Field Theory
4:38 The Journey to Gauge Origami
6:53 The Story of the Microsoft Partition Function
19:12 Connecting Quantum Mechanics and Field Theory
36:43 The Nature of Instantons
45:05 Exotic R4 and Its Implications
49:01 Dealing with Non-Compactness
52:25 The Emergence of Non-Commutative Geometry
1:04:29 Lessons from Mentors
1:20:11 Language as a Dynamic System
1:22:35 The Concept of Gauge Origami
1:30:48 Insights from Collaboration with Peers
1:37:15 Aspirations for Future Work
1:38:15 Advice for Aspiring Researchers

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RESOURCES:

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- Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4gL14b92xAErofYQA7bU4e
- Nikita’s Papers: scholar.google.com/citations?user=bKV59LwAAAAJ…
- Nikita’s Lecture: scgp.stonybrook.edu/archives/44062
- Two Dimensional Gauge Theories [Paper]: arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/9204083
- Richard Borcherds [TOE]: youtu.be/U3pQWkE2KqM
- Edward Frenkel [TOE]: youtu.be/n_oPMcvHbAc
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [TOE]: youtu.be/RX1tZv_Nv4Y
- Edward Frenkel’s Presentation [Part 2]: youtu.be/0AC-Ol1z5vI
- String Theory Iceberg [TOE]: youtu.be/X4PdPnQuwjY
- Roger Penrose [TOE]: youtu.be/sGm505TFMbU
- Cumrun Vafa [TOE]: youtu.be/kUHOoMX4Bqw
- Garrett Lisi [TOE]: youtu.be/z7ulJmfFvd8
- Chiara Marletto [TOE]: youtu.be/Uey_mUy1vN0
- Debunking "All Possible Paths" [TOE]: youtu.be/XcY3ZtgYis0
- Peter Woit [TOE]: youtu.be/TTSeqsCgxj8
- Leonard Susskind [TOE]: youtu.be/2p_Hlm6aCok
- Seiberg-Witten Prepotential from Instanton Counting [Paper]: arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0206161
- Eva Miranda [TOE]: youtu.be/6XyMepn-AZo
- Leptons and Quarks [Book]: amazon.com/LEPTONS-QUARKS-SPECIAL-COMMEMORATIN…
- Brian Greene [TOE]: youtu.be/O2EtTE9Czzo
- David Wallace [TOE]: youtu.be/4MjNuJK5RzM
- Jenann Ismael [TOE]: youtu.be/7kvXihDAOi0
- Claudia de Rham [TOE]: youtu.be/hNPMKy6RxCE
- Yang-Mills [Paper]: arxiv.org/pdf/2504.19097

Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal features long-form, technically detailed interviews with leading researchers in physics, mathematics, consciousness, and philosophy, exploring topics at the level of active research. For academics, graduate students, and anyone seeking depth beyond popular science.

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