Project description
New research aims to solve big questions about primes
Prime numbers are one of the most basic topics of study in the branch of mathematics called number theory. Several unresolved questions about prime numbers make up some of the oldest and most important open problems in mathematics. The EU-funded PRIMES project aims to shed further insight into several different questions related to prime distribution. To do so, it will first identify and classify potential obstructions to traditional methods. It will then seek connections with other areas of mathematics such as combinatorics, geometry, probability, automorphic forms and harmonic analysis.
Objective
Questions about prime numbers make up several of the oldest and most important open problems in mathematics. Unfortunately our techniques for solving these problems are very limited; even some of the most basic and simple to state questions about primes are well beyond current techniques.
This project studies several different questions related to the distribution of the primes, with the aim of developing new flexible techniques for studying the primes in general. Such new techniques would then give insight to the fundamental problems at the heart of the subject.
The only general approach we have to counting primes is via variants of ‘Type I’ and ‘Type II’ arithmetic information. There have been several remarkable developments in sieve methods in recent years, which have greatly enhanced the utility of Type I information. Without establishing some sort of Type II information, however, it seems unlikely that one can fully solve the most important problems in the subject. This proposal seeks to develop both our Type I techniques and our Type II techniques, as well as the interactions between them.
A common theme throughout the proposal is to identify and classify potential obstructions to traditional methods, and then overcome these obstructions using a combinations of new ideas. Often these new ideas will come from other areas of mathematics, such as combinatorics, geometry, probability, automorphic forms or harmonic analysis. This approach has already led to significant advances in our understanding of primes in recent years, most notably in the gaps between primes. The proposal is based around several intermediate problems for developing these connections further, giving opportunities for proof-of-concept results of such new ideas overcoming old barriers.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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.
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.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2019-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
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.