Objective
One of the central challenges in astrophysics is to understand how galaxies formed in the first billion years after the Big Bang and then evolved to the present day. The key physical drivers—star formation, supernova explosions, chemical enrichment, and black hole growth—are inherently small-scale, yet they shape the observable Universe on larger scales. Current galaxy simulations struggle to capture these processes, relying on simplified prescriptions that limit predictive power.
Dwarf galaxies pose a timely and compelling link. Every galaxy began its life as a dwarf, making them the natural “sprouts” of cosmic structure. They are the first sites of star formation and the most computationally accessible laboratories for testing galaxy formation physics today.
SPROUT will revolutionize our theoretical understanding by developing ultra-high-resolution cosmological simulations that model, from basic principles, the processes that regulate galaxy growth: gas cooling, stellar feedback, radiation, cosmic rays, and the seeding of the first black holes. By tracing how the smallest galaxies at cosmic dawn evolve into the dwarf populations we observe today, SPROUT will unify high- and low-redshift observations into a single theoretical framework.
Predictions will be directly tested against JWST and ALMA detections of early galaxies, and against Euclid, DESI, MeerKAT and LSST surveys of nearby dwarfs. By linking the first galaxies to their modern descendants, SPROUT will provide essential context for observations, establishing dwarf galaxies as the key to unlocking the origins and physics of galaxy formation.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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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.1.1 - 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-2026-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.
00136 ROMA
Italy
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.