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Properties of quantum gravity from effective field theories

Project description

Bridging the gap between general relativity and quantum physics

Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime predicted by Einstein’s general relativity that have opened a new window into the universe. Despite this success, general relativity cannot explain gravity at the quantum scale. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PROFIT project will seek to extend general relativity using effective field theories. Such theories allow gravity modifications at high energy scales. Researchers will introduce new constraints to refine these theories, predict their effects on gravitational wave signals and uncover new solutions that link gravity to quantum physics.

Objective

General relativity (GR) has led to remarkable scientific progress, most notably with the recent detection of gravitational waves (GW). This success has prompted efforts to build new GW experiments (e.g. Einstein Telescope, Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) and as a result, it is now time to refine theoretical models and implement precision tests of gravity. However, despite these advances, GR falls short as it fails to provide a complete description of a quantum theory of gravity. To probe new physics, at higher energy scales as quantum gravity dictates, it is essential to work beyond GR. This is achieved by introducing certain types of modifications, in the formalism of effective field theories (EFT). A complete scheme to constrain the EFT is not known and in turn, the physical consequences of a given EFT is limited. Moreover, modified theories of gravity become increasingly challenging to study from a computational perspective. As a result, there is limited access of solutions in EFT extensions of gravity, highlighting the need to develop new technical and mathematical methods to learn about these theories and their solutions. Therefore, the objective of this action is twofold. First, I will investigate modified theories of gravity, implementing a unique physical constraint, understanding how this constraint dictates a unique form of the EFT and as a result, compute the observations consequences, relevant to GW. Second, having comprehensively studied such EFTs and identified their key features, I intend to search for novel solutions of these theories. I will compute the quantum signatures of these solutions, connecting them to quantum gravity. As a fellow, this action allows me to conduct research on current challenges at the forefront of theoretical physics, enhancing my scientific expertise. As a result, I will increase my visibility in the field, fostering my independence and setting the stage to lead my own research team.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

ORGANISATION EUROPEENNE POUR LA RECHERCHE NUCLEAIRE
Net EU contribution
€ 292 118,88
Address
ESPLANADE DES PARTICULES 1 PARCELLE 11482 DE MEYRIN BATIMENT CADASTRAL 1046
1211 GENEVE 23
Switzerland
Region
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Genève
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
No data