Emergent quantum phenomena arise from the collective many-body interactions of electrons and nuclei in high-pressure conditions. Among the most profound are potentially new states of electron order and enhanced coupling of electrons and nuclei, leading to unprecedented superconductivity in the vicinity of room temperature in hydrogen-rich materials. First envisioned for the ‘simple’ many-body system of protons and electrons, the unveiling of this remarkable superconductivity in hydrides is now well established experimentally at ever-increasing temperatures in a growing variety of chemical environments under pressure. Made possible by important advances in experimental techniques, these developments are leading to the prospects of ‘hot’ superconducting hydrides approaching ambient conditions as well as evidence for the highest critical temperatures to date in cuprates under pressure.

This lecture was made possible by the William C. Ferguson Fund.