Objective
The Planck survey satellite will constrain the statistics of the primordial density perturbation more stringently than ever before. Present observations require these statistics to be accurately Gaussian to one part in 10^3, but hint at a departure from Gaussianity slightly below this level. Analysis of Planck data will certainly dominate cosmology in the forthcoming decade, but at present we lack the technology to fully exploit information encoded in the nongaussian fraction. Moreover, if Planck confirms the presence of a microwave background bispectrum with amplitude at the level suggested by both WMAP data and probes of the three-dimensional density field, this will be sufficient to rule out the simplest and theoretically-favoured model of inflation. But there is no consensus concerning what should take its place. Instead, we should seek guidance from experiment. In this proposal I outline a tightly focused, coherent and ambitious five-year programme of research aimed at maximizing our understanding of experimental data.
In partnership with two ERC-funded postdoctoral researchers, the programme outlined in this proposal will yield four key science outcomes: first, a robust method, based on partial-wave expansions, with which to rule out microphysical models which are incompatible with observational data. Second, delivery of a precision numerical toolkit enabling the space of inflationary models and their initial conditions to be constrained by observation at an accuracy commensurate with the high-precision Planck data. Third, the ability to extract accurate predictions for observables in the case of multiple-field, non-canonical models. These are of great interest because of their status as effective field theories of ultraviolet-complete unifications of gravity with the Standard Model. Fourth, an understanding of the process by which inflationary nongaussianities can be generated, and a clear analysis of the conclusions which can be drawn from experiment.
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 theoretical physics particle physics
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy physical cosmology
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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.
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.
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.
ERC-2012-StG_20111012
See other projects for this call
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.
Host institution
BN1 9RH BRIGHTON
United Kingdom
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.