Cosmological challenges in theories of extra dimensions

Objective

The conjecture that there exist in nature extra (i.e. more than four) dimensions, is well motivated theoretically and promises surprising experimental signatures when the extra dimensions and quot;open up and quot;. Liberating our universe from four dimensions, offers new perspectives to long-standing problems of high-energy physics and cosmology. My research project will focus on three areas of interest in the cosmology of extra dimensions. Firstly, I will study the explanation of the smallness of the vacuum energy of the Universe (i.e. the cosmological constant problem) through extra dimensional theories. Secondly, I will study the cosmology of the moduli fields, corresponding to the sizes and shapes of the extra dimensions, mostly in relation with their stabilization. Thirdly, I will study the extra dimensional models, which predict modifications of gravity at large distances, as an alternative to the dark energy paradigm. In the above studies I will work on the theoretical consistency of the theories and propose possible observational signals.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › physical sciences › astronomy › astrophysics › dark matter
• natural sciences › physical sciences › astronomy › physical cosmology
• natural sciences › physical sciences › theoretical physics

Programme(s)

• FP6-MOBILITY - Human resources and Mobility in the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration "Structuring the European Research Area" under the Sixth Framework Programme 2002-2006

Topic(s)

• MOBILITY-2.1 - Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowships (EIF)

Call for proposal

FP6-2005-MOBILITY-5
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

EIF - Marie Curie actions-Intra-European Fellowships

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH

Address

Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
United Kingdom