De Sitter spacetime is the maximally symmetric solution of the field equations of General Relativity when a positive cosmological constant is present. It has been studied extensively for many decades from many viewpoints: as a classical geometry, as a possessor of a large symmetry group, as a background geometry which may or may not be stable under quantum corrections, as a paradigm for inflationary evolution, etc.

While these studies have led to important insights concerning the structure and physical implications of de Sitter, they have also led to some controversies most of which still persist.

The workshop on the “Physics of de Sitter Spacetime” will take place in the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute), Hannover, Germany from September 11, 2012 until September 14, 2012. The purpose of the workshop is to provide a venue for young outstanding researchers in the field to present their work and participate in extensive discussions.