Objective
Hydrogen, owing to its exceptionally low mass, is ruled by quantum effects: zero-point fluctuations, tunnelling, and rapid diffusion make its behaviour unlike any other element. Under extreme pressure these effects intensify, producing exotic states such as plastic and superionic ices, quantum rotor and nematic phases in hydrates, anomalous fluid transport, and superconductivity in dense hydrides. Yet the microscopic self-dynamics of hydrogen—diffusion, tunnelling, rotations, hopping—remain unexplored at the multi-GPa to megabar conditions relevant to planetary interiors and quantum materials.
HYDRA introduces a breakthrough: extending quasi-elastic and inelastic neutron scattering to 100 GPa by combining nano-polycrystalline diamond anvil cells with the unprecedented flux of the European Spallation Source. This will open a new frontier — the direct measurement of hydrogen dynamics under extreme compression.
HYDRA will explore four classes of systems where hydrogen dynamics control macroscopic behaviour: (i) Quantum ices — probing tunnelling, plastic and superionic regimes, and mapping transport coefficients for planetary modelling; (ii) Dense hydrates — host–guest quantum entanglement and validated H2–H2O potentials for dense hydrogen storage; (iii) Planetary fluids — diffusion in H2–H2O–CH₄–NH₃ mixtures to extend hydrodynamic models and constrain convection and magnetic fields in Uranus, Neptune, and exoplanets; (iv) Superconducting hydrides — disentangling anharmonic and diffusive proton dynamics from phonons to test their role in high-Tc pairing.
Mapping these fingerprints will deliver benchmark datasets, constrain condensed-matter and planetary models, and provide stringent tests for machine-learned ab initio potentials. Beyond scientific discovery, HYDRA will establish a paradigm shift: extending neutron spectroscopy into the extreme-pressure domain and opening new frontiers in physics, chemistry, planetary, and materials science.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-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-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.
75794 Paris
France
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.