Project description
Exploring hidden consistency conditions in quantum gravity
Quantum gravity remains the missing corner of theoretical physics, primarily because standard mathematical tools fail to explain phenomena such as black holes and quark confinement. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SUBRA project focuses on supergravity, a theoretical framework combining Einstein’s general relativity with symmetry principles inspired by particle physics. It aims to uncover aspects of this framework that standard approximation methods cannot reveal. Researchers will search for consistency conditions in four-dimensional models and new extended objects in eleven-dimensional models. Using mathematical tools, they will classify when a theory is consistent and when it requires physical objects. The results will clarify supergravity’s structure and its role as a bridge between general relativity, string theory and quantum gravity.
Objective
Non-perturbative phenomena are magnificent in the mechanisms they conceal, from quark confinement to the interior of black holes, and terrible in their resistance to standard approaches such as perturbation theory. Among the fundamental interactions, gravity is the most terrible of all: formulating a consistent microscopic, non-perturbative description remains the central open problem of modern theoretical physics.
This project will advance this frontier by focusing on two key phenomena: anomalies and branes. Non-perturbative anomalies are quantum inconsistencies invisible to perturbative methods, while branes are extended objects, higher-dimensional analogues of particles and strings, that populate string and M-theory. Both play a fundamental role in the structure of quantum gravity.
The project will uncover new non-perturbative anomalies and new non-supersymmetric branes in supergravity, that is, general relativity coupled to matter in a supersymmetric framework, in four and eleven spacetime dimensions. Supergravity provides a unique window into quantum gravity, capturing both the low-energy limit of string and M-theory and strongly coupled quantum field theories through the holographic correspondence. As such, it offers a powerful vantage point to probe non-perturbative phenomena in physics.
The non-perturbative sector of supergravity has so far remained largely unexplored due to the lack of adequate tools. Recent progress, however, has shown that advanced methods from algebraic topology can be successfully applied in this context. This project will exploit these tools to detect anomalous four-dimensional supergravity theories and to identify new non-supersymmetric branes in eleven dimensions. In parallel, it will strengthen the applicant’s experience in teaching, mentoring, and outreach, thanks to the excellence of the host institution in these areas.
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 mathematics pure mathematics topology
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics quarks
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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-2025-PF
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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.
3000 Leuven
Belgium
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.