Objective
Dark matter is one of the biggest mysteries of the universe, yet its particle identity is unknown. This proposal focuses on light dark matter (LDM), with mass below a GeV. In Light-Dark, I will pursue two intrinsically complementary directions: (I) I will explore novel theoretical frameworks for LDM; and (II) I will develop new theoretical concepts to directly detect it in the laboratory. This pioneering theory work will lay the foundation for future experimental realizations and is crucial in the quest to unearth the identity of dark matter. I will carry out a comprehensive research program designed to tackle these challenges, and I believe that I am uniquely positioned to do so. Regarding (I), the wealth of annihilation channels, scattering processes, self-interactions, decay modes and mass splittings opens up a host of possible frameworks to set the LDM abundance, which I will explore. I have already proposed a paradigm-shifting idea in the form of the Strongly Interacting Massive Particle (SIMP) mechanism, which, along with other new ideas for LDM, will be thoroughly studied. Regarding (II), the study of novel target materials for LDM, sensitive sensors, collective excitations, detection philosophies and the interplay between them is crucially still in its infancy. I will explore new theoretical concepts and synergies in these experimental aspects, including the use of superconducting nanowires, microwave kinetic inductance devices, 2D layered materials, ferroelectrics and directionality, with prospects to detect LDM orders of magnitude beyond current abilities, down to the meV scale. Proof-of-principle has already been established for nanowires, where, using data from a tiny prototype device, I have already broken new ground in LDM parameter space. The innovative theoretical approaches presented here open up an exciting and groundbreaking ?eld of research. The proposed investigations are both timely and essential, paving the way towards a dark matter discovery.
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.
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.
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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-2021-STG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
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.
91904 JERUSALEM
Israel
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.