Project description
Improved models accurately guide investigations of new physics
Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) lattice simulations are essential for accurate theoretical predictions guiding experiments probing gaps in the Standard Model. However, these simulations are computationally heavy and lack precision. The ERC-funded FoundLatt project aims to address this by developing the first machine learning (ML) foundation model for lattice QCD. The ML model will combine components of large, general-purpose models with existing specialised ML methods that accelerate specific tasks in lattice QCD simulations. The result is expected to be a ‘train once, use forever’ model superior to those currently requiring tremendous, continuous, and thus impractical, training, unleashing highly accurate predictions to guide new physics experiments.
Objective
"Despite describing fundamental physics with spectacular accuracy, the Standard Model of particle physics is known to be incomplete. As experimental programmes probe its boundaries at higher energies and with better precision, it is critical that measurements are faced with fully controlled theory predictions. Lattice simulations of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) form a major pillar of this effort. However, even with increasing computing capacity, many lattice QCD calculations will not be possible without new techniques.
FoundLatt aims to solve this challenge by developing the first machine learning (ML) foundation model for lattice QCD. As exemplified by the highly successful ChatGPT, these large, general-purpose models have recently shown great promise in other contexts. Combining methods from these contexts with specialised ML methods that already accelerate specific lattice QCD tasks, I will create a lattice QCD foundation model that performs multiple challenging tasks over a range of physical parameters. The main innovation of this programme is a ""train once, use forever"" methodology, which will involve a centralised investment of effort that supersedes impractical training of non-reusable models.
This objective will be achieved via three complementary work packages (WPs). My team and I will develop and train a foundation model capable of two critical tasks, importance sampling and precise estimation of observables, first for a reduced model of QCD (WP1) and then the full theory of QCD (WP2). We will also develop a method to learn a ""quantum perfect"" action for QCD, then fine-tune the foundation model to accomplish this (WP3). Such an action has zero lattice discretisation artefacts, thereby removing one of the largest sources of systematic uncertainty. The main output of FoundLatt will be an ML model that is shared openly with the lattice QCD community, unlocking state-of-the-art theory predictions for the next generation of new physics searches.
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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.
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics statistics and probability
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computational science multiphysics
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning
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-2025-STG
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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.
EH8 9YL Edinburgh
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.