Project description
Redefining symmetry in the quantum universe
From the structure of crystals to the laws governing the universe, there is symmetry. It also forms the backbone of quantum field theory, the framework that describes particles and forces. Yet recent discoveries have revealed an entirely new kind of symmetry rooted in higher mathematics: categorical symmetry. The ERC-funded SYMSPEC project aims to build the mathematical foundations for this emerging field. It will develop a new framework called the categorical spectrum. It will then unify topological quantum field theories across dimensions. This could pave the way for powerful computational tools and deepen our understanding of quantum matter. It will also shape how we describe the symmetries of the universe.
Objective
"Symmetry is ubiquitous in nature. It is a fundamental concept and organising principle in quantum field theory, the common language of modern theoretical physics. The past few years have witnessed a radical evolution in the notion of symmetry that transcends the paradigm of groups and representation theory and marches into the realm of higher mathematics. This is known as categorical symmetry.
The field has experienced a period of rapid discovery and exploration but the underlying mathematical structure remains poorly understood and this hinders progress on the most pressing open problems. Now is the time to take stock of recent developments and establish new mathematical foundations and computational tools in order to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to explore novel symmetries and gain new insights into physical systems described by quantum field theory.
The purpose of this research programme is to establish a coherent mathematical framework for categorical symmetry. The research programme introduces and explores the notion of ``categorical spectrum"", which compiles topological quantum field theories of all dimensions into a mathematical structure that opens up powerful conceptual and computational advances. This is applied to the exploration of categorical symmetries, 't Hooft anomalies and gapped phases of matter, catalysing a step change in the discovery of new examples and applications."
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 human-validated.
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 human-validated.
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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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
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
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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-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.
DH1 3LE DURHAM
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.