Project description
Decoding the origin and mechanisms of cosmic rays
The origins of cosmic rays, particles that travel through space at nearly the speed of light, remain one of astrophysics’ greatest mysteries. While supernova remnants are believed to play a key role in accelerating these particles, the exact processes involved are poorly understood. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the IPLAST project seeks to recreate the extreme astrophysical conditions in the laboratory. Using Europe’s (and worldwide) most powerful lasers, it will generate magnetised shocks and turbulent magnetic fields that mimic those in supernova remnants. Advanced simulations will then link experimental results to cosmic-ray acceleration models. The proposed research is designed to uncover key parameters, including particle injection rates, diffusion coefficients and spectral slopes for astrophysical models, transforming the ability to test cosmic-ray origins.
Objective
Cosmic rays (charged particles that constantly strike Earth) remain one of astrophysics’ greatest mysteries: how are they accelerated to such extreme energies? Supernova remnants (SNRs), where powerful shock waves interact with turbulent magnetic fields, are prime candidates. Yet key processes such as particle injection efficiency, diffusion, and turbulence amplification remain poorly constrained.
The IPLAST project will create the first laboratory–astrophysics bridge to address this challenge. By combining high-power laser experiments with advanced simulations, IPLAST will deliver experimentally validated inputs for models of particle acceleration in SNRs. Its objectives are: (1) generate strong, long-lived magnetized shocks using Europe’s petawatt laser facilities (e.g. Apollon, ELI-NP, and OMEGA-EP); (2) develop a hybrid MHD–PIC code capturing the feedback between shocks, turbulence, and energetic particles, benchmarked against experiments; and (3) pioneer experiments directly coupling SNR-relevant shocks with laser-driven turbulence to probe their role in cosmic-ray acceleration.
The results will provide quantitative parameters (e.g. injection rates, diffusion coefficients, spectral slopes) ready for astrophysical models, transforming our ability to test the diffusive shock acceleration paradigm. Beyond astrophysics, outcomes will advance plasma physics and contribute to fusion energy research.
Hosted at INAF–OAPa under the supervision of Dr. Salvatore Orlando, the project offers Dr. Weipeng Yao access to world-class facilities, HPC resources, and international collaborations. His expertise in kinetic simulations and laser-plasma experiments ensures feasibility and innovation. Through IPLAST, Dr. Yao will gain multidisciplinary skills, expand his European network, and consolidate his path to scientific independence, while strengthening Europe’s leadership in high-energy astrophysics and fostering open science and sustainable practices.
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 astronomy astrophysics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy stellar astronomy supernova
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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)
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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)
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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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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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00136 ROMA
Italy
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