Project description
Shedding light on dark matter
Space exploration and research, particularly into the physics of our galaxy and its operation, are growing. However, dark matter (DM), whose existence has been confirmed through extensive evidence and measurements, remains a mystery. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DLEAD project will explore novel parameter spaces to uncover the particle nature of DM and expand our understanding of it. The project will investigate three scenarios that current WIMP and FIMP models cannot fully address, due to difficulties in detection or significant constraints. It will apply a range of solutions and methodologies to generate new insights. Together, these efforts are expected to reveal new insights into the fundamental composition of the universe.
Objective
The initial hint of DM came from F. Zwicky in 1933 while studying the Coma cluster. Since then, extensive evidence has confirmed DM's existence and its relic density has been precisely measured. However, the particle nature of DM remains unknown. Despite numerous experiments -direct, indirect, and collider searches, no signal has been detected. Recent limits from LUX-ZEPLIN 2024 have tightly constrained the DM parameter space, nearing the neutrino floor. This proposal addresses DM non-detection by opening up new parameter spaces that have not been fully explored. We will investigate three scenarios beyond the standard WIMP and FIMP models which have either faced significant constraints or are challenging to detect. First, we will explore baryon asymmetry through new diagrams contributing to lepton asymmetry and FIMP DM production from WIMPs in a non-standard cosmology. Additionally, lepton flavour violation, neutrino mass, and gauge coupling unification will be investigated. We will consider a super-WIMP-like mechanism for FIMP-type DM, with potential long-lived particle signals detectable at FASER/MATHUSLA and contributions to relativistic degrees of freedom observable at CMB-S4. Second, we will analyse inflationary models resulting in a low reheat temperature. By setting the mother particle mass higher than the reheat temperature, we can achieve FIMP DM production at stronger couplings due to the Boltzmann-suppressed number density, potentially explaining the lack of DM detection so far. Third, we will explore a multi-component DM model where one component annihilates into another which then annihilates into Standard Model particles. By adjusting the second component’s fraction, we can evade current bounds and offer future detection prospects. The first, inert component helps account for the total DM density. The proposal is timely in the context of DM non-detection and suggesting new detection avenues across various methods.
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 theoretical physics particle physics neutrinos
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics leptons
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics particle accelerator
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy physical cosmology
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
35122 PADOVA
Italy
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.