Objective
Thermalization of closed quantum systems is central to the modern understanding of matter, from ultracold to ultrahot. High-TheQ studies thermalization of quantum fields excited by nuclear collisions at RHIC and LHC to energy densities equivalent to trillions of Kelvins. In such extreme environments hadrons melt and the equilibrium state is the quark-gluon plasma. Theoretical control over thermalization at high energies is crucially needed for understanding when and how this equilibrium phase emerges in the experiments.
The current theoretical paradigm for thermalization in quantum chromodynamics is based on hydrodynamic and non-thermal attractors (fixed points). They are novel examples of universal dynamics of non-equilibrium quantum fields. Both were found in idealized settings of nuclear collisions with high degree of symmetries and in particular corners of a microscopic parameter space. The goal of High-TheQ is to understand thermalization in quantum field theory beyond these idealizations. Do hydrodynamic attractors appear for off-central nuclear collisions? Is there a gravity dual to a non-thermal attractor? Do non-thermal and hydrodynamic attractors have a common origin, such as spontaneous symmetry breaking?
To answer these questions, High-TheQ will adopt an interdisciplinary methodology, including data-driven approaches, mathematics of transseries and higher-curvature gravity. High-TheQ is firmly rooted in my long-term efforts on ab initio modelling of thermalization at strong coupling, pioneering the use of transseries in non-equilibrium dynamics of relativistic systems and introducing hydrodynamic attractors. This gives me a unique opportunity to decisively advance the field with High-TheQ.
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-2022-COG
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.
9000 Gent
Belgium
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.