March 25th 2026, @UCM

Faculty of Physics. Plaza de las Ciencias 1. Madrid

Sala de Grados

11:30h     First Talk

Speaker: Astrid Eichhorn   (Heidelberg University, Germany)

Title: Probing quantum gravity at all scales

Abstract: To make progress in our understanding of the quantum structure of spacetime, we need observational tests of proposed theories of quantum gravity. However, this is challenging, because the Planck scale is many orders of magnitude removed from scales that we can probe directly with observations. Thus, we require lever arms that translate Planck-scale predictions into predictions at observationally accessible scales. In my talk, I will use asymptotically safe quantum

gravity as a case study. I will show, how the interplay of quantum gravity with matter (both visible and “dark”) shapes the

properties of matter fields in and beyond the Standard Model at the Planck scale. I will then show how to translate these Planck-scale predictions into predictions of Standard-Model properties as well as predictions about the properties of dark matter.

14:30h     Second Talk

Speaker: Raúl Carballo-Rubio  (IAA - CSIC, Granada)

Title: Revamping black holes

Abstract: The concept of black hole has been around for decades, both with its evident strengths and striking flaws. Attempts at updating the concept of black hole have been hampered by difficulties in defining controlled modifications of the dynamics of general relativity according to broad principles. I will discuss how these difficulties can be overcome in a symmetry-based approach applicable to spherical black holes.