Project description
Quantum gravity across scales to understand dark matter
Comparing quantum gravity theories with experimental data is crucial for uncovering the quantum structure of spacetime. However, testing these theories is challenging, as relevant effects occur at the Planck length – far beyond current experimental capabilities. The ERC-funded ProbeQG project will investigate quantum gravity across multiple scales, integrating insights from particle physics, black holes, and cosmology. By translating Planck-scale predictions into testable phenomena within the Standard Model and dark matter research, the project will develop innovative approaches. It will also leverage black hole spin to detect effects at the horizon scale and explore potential links between dark energy and the universe’s accelerated expansion. Overall, it will offer fresh perspectives on fundamental questions in physics.
Objective
To understand the quantum structure of spacetime, we must confront proposed theories of quantum gravity with experimental data. This is a challenge, because quantum-gravity effects are generally assumed to manifest at the Planck length, which lies far beyond current experimental reach.
I challenge this assumption by probing quantum gravity at different scales. To achieve this, I propose to use lever arms that translate predictions of quantum gravity at the Planck scale into predictions at larger distances, where we can compare them to experimental data. I have identified such lever arms in particle physics, black holes and cosmology. The proposals first testing ground for quantum gravity is particle physics, where the scale dependence of couplings is a lever arm that translates Planck-scale predictions into testable predictions at larger distances. Using this lever arm, I will predict the values of couplings in the Standard Model and models of dark matter. The second testing ground is black holes, where the spin can act as a lever arm that translates Planckian physics into horizon-scale effects. To use this lever arm, I will derive spinning black-hole spacetimes and explore their image features. The third testing ground is late-time cosmology, where the dark energy is a lever arm that translates a microscopic interplay of scalar fields with gravity into an accelerated expansion of the universe. To use this lever arm, I will predict the properties of dark energy.
The proposals main objective to confront quantum gravity theory with observational data will thus be achieved by forging new connections between quantum gravity and other research fields. These novel connections also provide a fresh perspective on long-standing questions in these other fields, for example on the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
To demonstrate the power of these lever arms, I will work in the framework of asymptotic safety, a compelling framework for a quantum theory of gravity.
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.
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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.
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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-2024-COG
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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.
69117 Heidelberg
Germany
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