inspired by professor linde's (at stanford university) work on
inflationary universes, i would like to ask what conditions ought one
to create in order to induce universe formation? presumably the
correct triggering factor if reintroduced would ignite another big
bang. please describe as part of your answer the particle physics as
theorised at the very beginning of the universe.

This is probably unanswerable, since the mechanism for the initiation
of the known universe is not itself known. It's only speculative.

Since it is by definition, impossible to know the state of the
universe (which didn?t exist yet)even one second before the big bang
(there was no time), there is no way to determine what triggered the
creation of this universe.

There are various theories about how to create another universe but,
until someone does so, that's just guess work also.

First, be a deity. 
Next, mix 1 part void with 6 parts creativity. 
Stir welll. 
Allow to simmer and rest 24 hours. 
Allow to cool. Recipe serves 6 billion.

Whew!  
"How to create a universe"?

I think this one is too big for even the combined efforts of G-A Researchers.

But, then again, Tutuzdad has made a good start, might even be a valid
answer if he can support it with some good websites.

There are 2 problems with your question.

1. Stanford.  Yuck.  ;)

2. Only God can create a universe - and I know you (or any other
humans on earth right now) aren't God.  Big Bang is bunk.  Want to
know what really happened?  Read Genesis and have some faith!  :)

Gee, a bible thunmper, who could have guessed

Or a troll.  

Ian G.

"Want to know what really happened?  Read Genesis and have some faith!"

   Uh-huh. You know, research indicates that people who sincerely
believe in God enjoy increased benefits to their health. In response
some people say, "So all you have to do is believe, and you'll live
healthier." Problem is... that it takes more than the promise of good
health to make the existence of God obvious.

   So telling me to read Genesis -and have faith- in order to really
know how the Universe came into being is exactly like suggesting that
I read a scientific paper on Big Bang cosmology and have faith that
*it* is the truth. Uh- nope.

   A scientific paper is an author's assertion that the thesis
presented within it is true, or at least plausible. It's up to the
reader to decide if the author's argument is convincing. Same goes for
religious scripture. The Christian Bible presents within it assertions
offered up as truth. The fact that it does so in no way makes it
obviously the thruth. Each individual reader will, as with scientific
research articles, decide if the Bible makes any sense. Instructing
readers to turn their faith switches to "on" is shear moronics.

I've read the bible, and, unlike some, I've also read many, many other
religious texts just to be fair to everyone else who thinks their
version of god is the only correct one.

But, when it comes to science, I just prefer to discuss things which
have been discovered less than 2000-6000 years ago by shepherds. When
discussing religion or faith, then that is fine, shepherds have a lot
of time to think and are nice people.

Nothing against shepherds, I happen to have a flock of St. Jacob Sheep
myself, I just like to keep the bible out of scientific questions
since I know the difference between faith and science. Religion relies
on faith and doesn't require proof, science requires proof. If some
want to apply faith to science then they shouldn't be upset when
others try to apply logic and proof to faith - but they seem to get
REAL upset when someone does. Anybody know why that is? I can't for
the life of me understand it...

Oh yes, and concerning Genesis, just who were those wives Cain and
Able married? And, how long WAS a day? And, just how big a ship would
you need to carry two of EVERY species? And, how much water would it
take to submerge the entire planet?

Yes, I know, most believe some of the Bible is alegory and some is
strictly true, but just which is which and why is that categorization
different in every church? And, remind me again, why are there so many
versions of the Bible? And, why are they all different?

Well, everyone to their own universe, just try to avoid stepping on
mine, I'm in here.