• Aalto University physicists developed a new quantum theory of gravity compatible with the Standard Model.
• The theory aims to unify general relativity and quantum field theory using finite-dimensional symmetries.
• Further research is needed to eliminate infinities in calculations and fully prove the theory.

Physicists at Aalto University have announced a new approach to quantum gravity, seeking to bridge the gap between general relativity and the Standard Model of particle physics. This development is significant because it could provide a unified framework for understanding all fundamental forces of nature and offer insights into phenomena like black holes and the Big Bang, where current theories break down. The core idea involves describing gravity using gauge theory with symmetries similar to those in the Standard Model.

• What: A new quantum theory of gravity using gauge theory with finite-dimensional symmetries.
• Who: Dr. Mikko Partanen and Dr. Jukka Tulkki at Aalto University.
• When: The paper was published in Reports on Progress in Physics in 2025. The findings were announced in 2024.
• Where: Aalto University, Finland.

The development of a quantum theory of gravity that is compatible with the Standard Model represents a significant step towards unifying our understanding of the fundamental forces of nature. The current incompatibility between general relativity and quantum field theory is a major challenge in physics, and this new approach offers a potential pathway to resolving this issue. The theory's use of finite-dimensional symmetries, similar to those in the Standard Model, is a key innovation. However, the theory is still under development, and further research is needed to fully validate its predictions. The renormalization process needs to be proven effective to higher orders.

If this turns out to lead to a complete quantum field theory of gravity, then eventually it will give answers to the very difficult problems of understanding singularities in black holes and the Big Bang.

The most familiar gauge field is the electromagnetic field. When electrically charged particles interact with each other, they interact through the electromagnetic field, which is the pertinent gauge field.

If renormalization doesn’t work for higher order terms, you’ll get infinite results. So it’s vital to show that this renormalization continues to work.

The novel quantum theory of gravity developed at Aalto University offers a promising path toward unifying general relativity and quantum field theory by embedding gravity into a gauge-theoretic framework compatible with the Standard Model. This approach addresses fundamental questions about black holes and the Big Bang, and it could lead to a "Theory of Everything". A key aspect is the use of renormalization to handle infinities that have plagued previous attempts to quantize gravity. While the theory requires further validation, including demonstrating the effectiveness of renormalization at higher orders, and ensuring no hidden contradictions exist, initial first-order checks are promising. Future research involves independent teams testing the theory for subtle deviations in particle behavior or cosmic signals. If successful, this theory could provide insights into the nature of singularities, explain the imbalance between matter and antimatter, and potentially inspire new technologies.