EPJ Plus Focus Point Issue: Higher Derivatives in Quantum Gravity: Theory, Tests, Phenomenology

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Published on 29 August 2025

Guest Editors: Luca Buoninfante, Andrea Giusti, Aaron Held, Benjamin Knorr & Alessia Platania

Quantizing General Relativity using standard perturbative quantum field theory results in a perturbatively non-renormalizable theory. This has led to a variety of alternative approaches to quantum gravity, each based on different assumptions, ideas, and quantization techniques. A common feature in many of these approaches is the appearance of higher-derivative operators, alongside the Einstein-Hilbert action, which play a crucial role in classifying quantum-gravitational effects in an effective field theory fashion. This focus point issue brings together different perspectives on the role of higher derivatives in quantum gravity. It explores their theoretical role and implications in different approaches as well as their impact on phenomenology. The issue collects perspectives on how higher-derivative terms appear in quantum gravity theories and what insights they may offer into the fundamental nature of spacetime.

All articles are available here and are freely accessible until 31 October 2025. For further information, read the Editorial.