Untangling Quantum: Through the eyes of student mediators

Through interactive artworks, immersive sculptural installations and the words of physicists, philosophers and poets, Science Gallery London’s new exhibition Quantum Untangled fuses art, science and extraordinary interdisciplinary research together to consider the big questions about quantum.

Helping to make these complex ideas approachable is a team of student mediators, among them Drew and Piah, who guide visitors through the strange and mystical world of quantum physics. We spoke to them to find out more about spacetime, alternate universes and the weirdness of quantum.

Meet the Mediators

Drew has recently stepped out of the world of doctoral research. After finishing his PhD in Theoretical Physics at King's, he found himself drawn to the Science Gallery as a way to apply a different side of academic life. "I’ve always liked science outreach,” he says. “This felt like a good chance to share what I’ve spent years studying and see if public engagement might be something I want to do more of”.

Piah recently completed her MSci at King’s in Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology, and this is her third - and favourite - exhibition as a mediator. 

Quantum physics is known for bending intuition and received logic, which is why Drew and Piah play such a crucial role as student mediators. Here, complex ideas are approached sideways: through light, sound, texture, and movement.

Their favourite installations

For Piah, The Blind Proliferation (pictured above), which explores the idea that our Universe is one of many co-existing ‘bubble universes’ formed in the period of rapid expansion at the beginning of time, is the standout. “It’s beautiful on its own, but it also opens up really interesting conversations about parallel universes, which can be both comforting and mind boggling".

Both enjoy discussing theories of alternate universes, even if neither are convinced by them on a scientific level. “It’s unlikely from what we know,” Piah says, “but on a personal level, I would like to believe they exist. I think the same about aliens”.

Drew gravitates toward the crocheted sculptures near the entrance, an artwork titled Begriff des Körpers by Daniela Brill Estrada & Monica C. LoCascio, which uses nets and hanging copper sculptures to evoke shapes and diagrams scientists use to depict spacetime and quantum phenomena. The use of copper also recalls the human and environmental impacts of copper mining; a key material in quantum technologies.

“They’re a great 3D representation of spacetime,” he explains. “A lot of people struggle to imagine geometry in physics - this makes it tangible and easy to visualise”.

Surprising encounters

The exhibition has attracted visitors across all ages and backgrounds - students between lectures, hospital staff on breaks, grandparents accompanying curious children - some who watch quietly and some who come prepared with armfuls of questions.

Drew recalls one visitor who asked what first inspired Einstein to think of gravity conceptually, and what made it 'click' into place in his mind. “That turned into a half-hour chat tracing the history of the idea,” he says. “It was one of those moments where you see someone really thinking it through, tracing the idea back to the beginning.”

For Piah, the standout moment was with a young girl looking at a piece on the early universe. “She asked, ‘I've heard the universe is expanding, but what is it expanding into?’ And honestly, we don’t know. I love when young people ask questions like that - it shows how natural curiosity can be.”

Why quantum is worth your time

For students and staff at King’s, the exhibition offers a rare chance to explore cutting-edge ideas in a relaxed, creative environment here on campus.

You don’t need prior knowledge, just a willingness to step inside and look. And if something puzzles you - as quantum ideas often can - there’s a team of engaged student mediators ready to talk it through.