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Quantum Effects in Early Universe Cosmology

Objective

Ultimately, every question in cosmology leads back to the question of initial conditions. Classical physics, even in the context of an inflationary phase, cannot address this question – this is the domain of quantum cosmology. The best known theories of initial conditions are the no-boundary and tunnelling proposals. Both were formulated somewhat heuristically, in the path integral approach to quantising gravity. And due to a lack of adequate means, progress has been relatively modest in this subject.

Qosmology will apply new mathematical methods, based on Picard-Lefschetz theory, to define gravitational path integrals rigorously for the first time. Generalised theoretical concepts, in particular tunnelling in complex time, will lead to new types of solutions describing quantum transitions between contracting and expanding universes, effectively providing quantum resolutions of the big bang. These solutions will not only extend the scope of the existing theories of initial conditions, but may suggest entirely novel approaches. In addition Qosmology will continuously improve existing numerical methods, allowing for extensive studies of the big-bang-resolving solutions as well as of quantum tunnelling effects generally.

Moving beyond a description of the background, the fluctuations in the universe and an observational verification of their quantum origin are of fundamental interest. Are there remnants of quantum correlations in the distribution of galaxies in our universe? Qosmology will forge new paths by exploring quantum gravitational effects, exploiting novel measures of quantumness, and focussing on the interconnectedness between background and fluctuations, dynamics and initial conditions.

Qosmology will, for the first time since the 1980s, reach a significant advance in our understanding of quantum theory applied to the universe as a whole.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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)

Programme(s)

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.

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.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2017-COG

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Host institution

MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 1 239 843,75
Address
HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany

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Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 1 239 843,75

Beneficiaries (1)

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