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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Gravity, Fundamental Physics and Astrophysics: The Missing Link

Objective

New precision observations of compact objects and the imminent advent of gravitational-wave (GW) astronomy provide us with the unique opportunity to test fundamental physics with astrophysical observations to unprecedented level. Neutron stars (NSs) and black holes (BHs) can be used as cosmic labs where matter in extreme conditions, particle physics, and even the very foundations of Einstein's theory can be put to the test. Triggered by recent breakthroughs at various levels, the area of strong gravity is experiencing a second Golden Age. In parallel with novel electromagnetic observations, advanced GW observatories in Europe and USA will open new windows to the unexplored strong-gravity regime and will finally shed light on the properties of ultradense matter in NS cores. The potential of GW astrophysics is enormous and far to be fully explored. Counterintuitive effects taking place near isolated compact objects have been recently discovered, but their GW signatures in realistic environment remain to be investigated. We are now in the exciting position of using observations to make contact between relativistic astrophysics and fundamental questions. The goal of our innovative project is to connect this missing link. We propose to investigate strong-gravity effects via precision GW phenomenology. In particular we aim to: 1) Develop semianalytical methods to study NS-NS binaries and spinning isolated NSs, and to constrain the behavior of matter at nuclear density using GW observations; 2) Develop a model-independent framework to study GW signatures of accretion onto massive BHs; 3) Investigate the interplay between “BH bomb” instabilities and accretion in the context of puzzling phenomena, such as jet emission or gamma-ray bursts; 4) Constrain dark matter candidates by studying their interaction with BHs and NSs in realistic scenarios. Our proposal is located at the interface between astrophysics and fundamental physics and can have a profound impact for both.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF
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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA
EU contribution
€ 179 739,60
Address
Piazzale Aldo Moro 5
00185 Roma
Italy

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Region
Centro (IT) Lazio Roma
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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