Project description
Advancing geometry through generic regularity
In mathematics, a way to understand the geometry of a space is to study the 'optimal' surfaces it contains. However, it turns out that in higher dimensions these surfaces can develop singularities where the ‘usual’ mathematical description breaks down. This has long blocked progress in solving some of the field’s biggest problems, from understanding curvature to proving key theorems about space and mass. The ERC-funded GENREG project tackles this challenge through the concept of generic regularity: the idea that, under small perturbations, geometric structures can become smoother or even entirely free of singularities. GENREG aims to extend this principle across multiple areas of geometry and topology (from area-minimising hypersurfaces to mean curvature flows) paving the way for major advances in mathematics and theoretical physics.
Objective
Major advances in geometry and topology have been achieved by studying critical points and gradient flows for natural energies, but these analytic methods are hindered when singularities occur. In fact, singularities are the main obstacle in the use of area minimisation in the proof of the positive mass theorem up to dimension 7 and the use of Ricci flow with surgery in the proof of the 3-dimensional Poincaré conjecture. A key observation in geometry and physics is that generic solutions, obtained by small perturbations, can exhibit simpler singularities or even none at all. This phenomenon, called generic regularity, can yield outstanding results. The recent generic regularity breakthroughs by the PI-led group will allow to address fundamental open problems in three areas:
For area-minimising hypersurfaces, we aim to extend generic regularity to all dimensions, building on the PI's work in up to 10 dimensions. This would establish the positive mass theorem in all dimensions, bypassing technical analysis of the singular set of minimisers. It would also allow the resolution of other well-known problems related to scalar curvature.
For mean curvature flow singularities, which are unavoidable, generic flows are expected to encounter only the simplest types. Work of the PI has proven this in 3 and 4 dimensions up to the problem of “multiplicity”. Bamler–Kleiner recently excluded multiplicity in 3 dimensions. Our goal is to prove that multiplicity generically cannot occur in higher dimensions. This would mark major progress towards the Schoenflies conjecture, a main open problem in 4-dimensional topology.
For special Lagrangian submanifolds, fundamental objects in symplectic geometry, we would geometrise Lagrangians in Calabi-Yau manifolds by establishing generic Lagrangian mean curvature flows through singularities. The anticipated contributions to mirror symmetry are expected to impact fields spanning algebra, geometry, topology, and theoretical physics.
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
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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
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-ADG
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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.
CV4 8UW COVENTRY
United Kingdom
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