Hot Coffee with physicist Jon Chkareuli

Photo by Francesca Magnani

Jon Chkareuli is a Georgian theoretical physicist working in particle physics, Head of the Particle Physics Department at Andronikashvili Institute of Physics of Tbilisi State University, and Professor at the Institute of Theoretical Physics of Ilia State University in Tbilisi. From 1991 to 2012, he was also a Visiting research professor at many leading centers in high energy physics, including the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, the International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Max-Planck Institute in Munich, University of Glasgow, University of Maryland, University of Melbourne, Institute of High Energy Physics in Beijing. He is also my father and a role model for discipline, deep inquiry, and curiosity. I asked him about his most recent academic article just published in The European Physical Journal, titled "On Gravity Unification in SL(2N,C) Gauge Theories."      

Nina: Imagine you are in your favorite coffee or tea spot. Where is it? What are you drinking? What are the three things you see right now?

Jon: Oh yes, there’s much to remember... I'm sitting in Sukhumi, on the terrace of the “Amra” pier, somewhere in the 1980s, with my dear friends—Marlen Papava, Eugene Kotlyarov, and Igor Gelbah. They are residents of Sukhumi, while I have come from Tbilisi to spend a couple of weeks by the sea, as I have done every summer for the last 10–15 years.

Marlen is a legendary figure and a celebrated world champion in pistol shooting. Eugene (as we call him) is a well-known theatrical artist, a quiet and introspective individual. Igor, on the other hand, is a wonderful storyteller who writes brilliant short stories and plays, though none are published because, in the country we live in—the Soviet Union—this privilege belongs only to those who cooperate with the authorities.

Ten years later, this country would fall apart, and Georgia would face a civil war, leaving its mark on the lives of my friends. Marlen and Eugene, deeply affected by the trauma, would pass away in the early 2000s, while Igor would move to Australia, finally publishing his remarkable novels—including those about this time in Sukhumi.

But now, we’re sitting and reminiscing about wonderful days at the Black Sea and sharing our plans for the future in that damned Soviet Empire. On the table, there’s a cup of rich Turkish coffee, and around me, I see the glimmering sea, a gentle breeze rustling through the palm trees, and the vibrant colors of our shared laughter and dreams.

Amra, Sokhumi, 1973 photo.

Nina: Please tell me more about your scientific article "On Gravity Unification in SL(2N,C) Gauge Theories," which was just published in The European Physical Journal.

Jon: Thank you for your interest! The article explores how gauge theory—a mathematical framework fundamental to quantum field theory—might be extended to incorporate gravitational interactions. By considering the SL(2N,C) group, we attempt to unify spacetime symmetries with the internal symmetries of particle physics. My interest in quantum field theory began during my studies of gauge symmetries in the Standard Model, a key component in the 20th-century revival of this field. 

Practical implications could eventually include deeper insights into the quantum structure of spacetime, potentially contributing to technological breakthroughs such as quantum computing or even new energy sources. These are long-term goals, but every theoretical advance lays the foundation for practical applications.

Nina: Physics is undergoing a renaissance today. What are the most relevant avenues of inquiry, and where might they lead us?

Jon: This renaissance stems from questions that challenge our fundamental understanding of the universe. Among these avenues, unifying quantum mechanics and gravity remains a critical puzzle, as does understanding the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Advances in quantum computing and materials science are redefining technology, while interdisciplinary research—merging physics with biology and information theory—is transforming how we approach problems.

Globally, these inquiries could lead to revolutions in energy, computation, and even our philosophical understanding of existence. As we push the boundaries of knowledge, we contribute to a more integrated scientific worldview, fostering innovation and collaboration.

I remember how you, as a schoolgirl, attended various seminars on particle physics and gravitation, including mine in Vienna, Trieste, and other places. You must have felt the unique atmosphere that permeates this science.

Castello de Miramare, Trieste.

Nina: Physics and literature in the Soviet Union had a special cultural resonance. Was this replicated elsewhere?

Jon: Unexpectedly interesting question, by the way... In the Soviet Union, physics symbolized intellectual rigor and modernity, often paired with literature’s capacity for philosophical reflection. This blend of scientific and cultural prestige was unique, driven by ideological and practical needs—such as the space race and Cold War-era advancements.

Although you were very young then, you might remember the remarkable people who visited our home—Alexey Anselm from Leningrad, Karen Ter-Martirosyan from Moscow, and many others. Your brother George was a student at the time and, of course, remembers this better. Moreover, he participated in national conferences on particle physics and cosmology that we held annually in the mountain resort of Bakuriani, here in Georgia. We discussed not only aspects of science but also life in general. It truly felt like an alternate reality compared to the one officially dominating the country.

While similar intellectual movements existed globally, the Soviet emphasis on physics as a cultural pillar wasn’t fully replicated. In the West, for instance, innovation was more market-driven, though figures like Einstein became cultural icons. Today, we see a resurgence of this interdisciplinary spirit, though expressed in a more globalized and less ideologically charged context.

Protests in Tbilisi, December 2024.

Nina: What are your thoughts on the ongoing political protests in Georgia?

Jon: Georgia’s history of resilience and aspiration for democratic values shines through in the protests. These events reflect a society in transformation—asserting its voice against perceived injustices and advocating for transparent governance. While a revolution might not be inevitable, these movements highlight the collective will to protect freedoms and shape a future aligned with democratic ideals.

There are many of my students among the protesters, and I am very much afraid that the situation may become uncontrollable if the government does not change its position. As an academic, I see the potential for such moments to inspire critical thinking and civic engagement among the youth, which could foster long-term societal growth. The outcome depends on how effectively we can channel these energies toward constructive and sustainable change.

On a more personal note: Thank you indeed for this talk.

Thank you too for the interesting questions. Asking the right questions is very important. As Niels Bohr, the greatest physicist of the 20th century, said – in truly correct questions, the only possible answer is already hinted at. I believe your questions have come remarkably close to this standard, and, as your father, this has given me great satisfaction—good luck!