Objective
The nature of dark matter (DM) is one of the greatest mysteries in modern physics. It is well established to constitute 26% of the total energy-matter of the universe, to drive the motion of stars and galaxies, and to have shaped the universe as we observe it today. We know how DM interacts gravitationally with standard matter, but what we do not yet understand are its nature and particle properties.
A general prediction of theoretical DM models is that dark matter particles self-interact producing high-energy photons and charged particles at rates detectable by current ground- and space-based telescopes. Discovering such a signal would allow us to study the particle properties of DM for the very first time.
In a recent exciting development, an anomalous emission in the gamma rays coming from the centre of our Galaxy has been measured, the so-called Galactic centre GeV excess: this could be the very first signature of the presence of DM there.
My project will carry out definitive tests of this putative first non-gravitational signature of the DM particle nature by studying the gamma-ray sky. Firstly, I will improve the sensitivity and reliability of searches for DM in the inner region of the Galaxy - one of the most promising targets - thanks to novel analysis methods. The unprecedented accuracy of the data available requires theory to provide robust predictions for the DM distribution in the Galaxy, which are currently missing. I will remedy this by using the most recent simulations of galaxy formation to predict the DM induced signal.
My project will considerably boost astroparticle physics research towards the identification of the much-sought after DM by developing new methods for gamma-ray data analysis and for DM models testing. Owing to the designed program, I will bring new expertise to the Imperial College Astrophysics Group and use this experience to grow into a senior researcher.
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 computer and information sciences data science
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics dark matter
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy physical cosmology galaxy evolution
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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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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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
SW7 2AZ London
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.