The Quest for Quantum Gravity

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges facing theoretical physics lies in reconciling Einstein's classical theory of gravity - general relativity - with quantum field theory. Although both theories have been experimentally supported in their respective regimes, they seem mutually incompatible. This article summarises the current status of the superstring approach to the problem, the status of the Ashtekar program, and addresses the problem of time in quantum gravity. It contains interviews with Abhay Ashtekar, Chris Isham, and Edward Witten.