Observing the Quantum Universe
Coordinators: Xi Dong, Austin Joyce, Edgar Shaghoulian, and Eva M Silverstein
Cosmology provides a unique window into the nature of quantum gravity. Not only is cosmology a source of deep mysteries at the intersection between quantum mechanics and gravity, but it provides a rare opportunity to search for observational imprints of the resolution to these puzzles. We are entering a new era of data in cosmology, and these qualitatively new datasets will provide new opportunities to search for quantum cosmological signatures. Examples include nonperturbative effects on the tail of the primordial distribution and novel forms of topology, in addition to increasing precision on primordial gravitational waves, power spectrum features, and traditional forms of non-Gaussianity. This conference will bring together experts from the quantum gravity, theoretical cosmology, and observational cosmology communities, with the intent to leverage recent theoretical insights to envision new probes of the origins of the universe.