This $177,330 federal Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA 47.075) program will support research to advance the understanding of quantum mechanics and the central role of complex numbers in the theory. The project, conducted by Rutgers, The State University, aims to critically examine why complex numbers are essential to quantum mechanics in contrast to classical physics. Key products will include several research articles and presentations, a piece for a general scientific audience on the topic, and the development of a new undergraduate course on the mathematical and conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics. The award will also provide mentoring opportunities for women working in the foundations of physics. The project addresses a longstanding question of great importance in the philosophical foundations of physics.
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