This episode of The Random Sample gives you a glimpse into some of the mathematics and physics that is used to understand the building blocks of the universe. A research program at the MATRIX mathematical research institute earlier this year explored the deep connections between mathematics, quantum field theory, and string theory. One of the organisers of that research program was Professor Alessandro Sfondrini from the University of Padua in Italy. In this episode, he gives us a taste of the theoretical and highly advanced mathematics work that he does. Plus, he tells us what he does to communicate it to broader audiences. We have a special guest host. Dr Gabriele Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli is an ARC Future Fellow and Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland. He was also one of the organisers for the MATRIX research program featured in this episode. https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/building-blocks-of-universe/