Objective
Compact white dwarf binaries and their final outcome, the merger of the two white dwarfs, represent one of the most phenomenologically rich phases of binary evolution. They give rise to some of the most magnetic stars in the Galaxy and are leading candidates for the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae and low-frequency gravitational-wave sources. Until about a decade ago, however, only a handful of highly magnetized and rapidly rotating white dwarfs were known to be the remnants of such mergers. The advent of Gaia and modern wide-field time-domain surveys has radically transformed this picture, revealing dozens of merger candidates with extraordinary properties. The unprecedented wealth of new observations now makes it possible to move beyond individual discoveries toward the first systematic, population-level study of white dwarf merger remnants.
The MERGERS project will create the first comprehensive census of merger remnants in the Galaxy. We will combine searches in current and upcoming time-domain surveys with detailed follow-up to identify and characterize hundreds of systems. Their physical parameters and magnetic field topologies will be modeled using state-of-the-art atmosphere codes and 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations, linking the observed diversity of remnants to their binary progenitors. From their space density, we will derive the Galactic rate of double white dwarf mergers, constraining their contribution to the Type Ia supernova rate and the population of compact binaries soon to be detected by LISA. Beyond population studies, MERGERS will use merger remnants as laboratories to study the amplification and evolution of magnetic fields, the late stages of binary interaction, and the physics of common-envelope ejection. MERGERS is uniquely timed to exploit the convergence of powerful new surveys and mature theoretical tools, transforming an emerging field into a coherent understanding of the role white dwarf mergers play in stellar and binary evolution.
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 stellar astronomy white dwarfs
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics topology
- social sciences sociology demography census
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics magnetism
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy stellar astronomy supernova
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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-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.
3400 Klosterneuburg
Austria
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.