Project description
Understanding the physics behind gravitational waves
Gravitational waves, first detected in 2015, have opened a new window into the universe. Future detectors like the Einstein Telescope and space-based missions such as LISA promise to discover many more, from events as far back as the early universe. However, understanding the physics behind these waves is a huge challenge, especially when quantum matter interacts with gravity. Traditional approaches struggle with these complex, out-of-equilibrium conditions. In this context, the ERC-funded HoloGW project aims to tackle this by using holography, a powerful theoretical tool, to study phenomena like neutron star mergers, phase transitions, and spacetime singularities. This work will help bridge the gap between theory and the upcoming wave of gravitational discoveries.
Objective
The revolution unleashed by the discovery of gravitational waves will gradually unfold over the coming decades. The detection of a neutron star merger by LIGO and Virgo opened a new era in multi-messenger astronomy. Future ground-based interferometers, such as the Cosmic Explorer and the Einstein Telescope, will extend the range of detection to the entire Universe, and the frequency to millions of detections per year. Space-based missions like LISA may discover gravitational waves from phase transitions in the early Universe.
Reaping the benefits of this experimental revolution requires a theoretical understanding of quantum matter coupled to dynamical classical gravity. The fact that the relevant physics is often out-of-equilibrium and/or strongly coupled makes this a challenging regime for conventional approaches. The purpose of this project is to use holography, also known as gauge/string duality, to make essential contributions in this direction. I have recently pioneered and provided proof of concept that this line of research is both powerful and feasible. In the next five years I will turn these initial investigations into a fully-fledged research program to improve our understanding of: (i) Cosmological phase transitions, in particular of bubble dynamics and baryogenesis; (ii) Neutron stars, with a focus on out-of-equilibrium physics in binary mergers; (iii) Spacetime singularities, specifically in the presence of quantum matter effects.
These three main objectives are interconnected by two horizontal lines: (i) Identification of universal observables, which hold the best potential to make contact with experiment; (ii) Communication with other fields, which is crucial for the success of an interdisciplinary proposal.
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.
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy observational astronomy gravitational waves
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy stellar astronomy neutron stars
- social sciences political sciences political transitions revolutions
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics black holes
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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.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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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
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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
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-ADG
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08007 Barcelona
Spain
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