The unification of the four fundamental forces remains one of the most important issues in theoretical particle physics.

In this talk, she will give a short introduction to Non-Commutative Spectral Geometry, a bottom-up approach that unifies the (successful) Standard Model of high energy physics with Einstein's General theory of Relativity. The model is built upon almost-commutative spaces and she will discuss the physical implications of the choice of such manifolds. She will show that even though the unification has been obtained only at the classical level, the doubling of the algebra may incorporate the seeds of quantization. She will then briefly review the particle physics phenomenology and highlight open issues and current proposals.

In the last part of her talk, she will explore consequences of the Gravitational-Higgs part of the spectral action formulated within such almost-commutative manifolds. In particular, she will study modifications of the Friedmann equation, propagation of gravitational waves and the onset of inflation. She will show how current measurements (Gravity Probe, pulsars, and torsion balance) can constrain free parameters of the model. She will conclude with a short discussion on open questions.

The event will be held at 4:00pm in Skiles, room 006