Project description
Clearing the fog: AI-driven cosmic mapping
Current methods struggle to distinguish faint cosmological signals due to strong interference from other celestial objects and instrumental noise. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SERENEt project will develop a new probabilistic machine-learning framework to enhance our understanding of the Epoch of Reionisation. The project will employ generative models and stochastic equations to map the neutral hydrogen distribution. By producing realistic simulations and comparing them with existing telescope data, SERENEt aims to deliver the first uncertainty-aware reconstructions of the early Universe. These sophisticated tools are tailored to assist the Square Kilometre Array Observatory in its goal to detect the first stars and galaxies. Ultimately, SERENEt will offer open-access datasets and methods that support a data-rich approach to astrophysical inference.
Objective
Understanding how the first stars and galaxies transformed the Universe during the Epoch of Reionisation (EoR) is one of the primary science goals of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO). Its low-frequency instrument, SKA-Low, will produce unprecedented 3D maps of neutral hydrogen. Still, these faint cosmological signals are buried under astrophysical foregrounds and instrumental artefacts several orders of magnitude stronger. Current approaches mainly rely on power spectrum analysis and deterministic deep learning methods, both of which face limitations in separating signal from contamination and in propagating uncertainties to astrophysical inference. This project proposes a new probabilistic machine-learning framework for tomographic reconstruction of the 21-cm signal. First, I will generate realistic simulations of interferometric data, combining cosmological models, foregrounds, and instrument effects. Next, I will benchmark existing deterministic pipelines and extend them with Normalising Flow–based generative models combined with stochastic differential equations to capture the full probability distribution of the signal. Finally, the method will be validated on dedicated LOFAR-EoR observations, ensuring robustness to real data challenges. The expected outcomes include: (i) the first uncertainty-aware 21-cm tomographic reconstructions, (ii) open-access codes, datasets and trained models, and (iii) methodologies ready for application to SKA-Low Science Verification data. By advancing statistical tools at the interface of cosmology and AI, the project directly supports SKAO’s objectives, maximises the scientific return of European infrastructures, and contributes broadly to data-intensive science. This project lays the foundations of a machine-learning–driven paradigm that will enable SKA-Low to open an unprecedented observational window onto the cosmic dawn and the Epoch of Reionisation.
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.
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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.
91190 Gif-Sur-Yvette
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.