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Bootstrapping Inflationary Cosmology

Objective

Cosmic inflation is one of the most promising explanations for the origin of the structure in the observed universe. However, while quantum-mechanical fluctuations during an early epoch of inflationary expansion provides a remarkably good description of the data, establishing the precise field content during inflation is a fundamental challenge for primordial cosmology. Since it is almost certain that the inflationary era involved physics beyond the Standard Model, this is also an incredible opportunity to learn about physics at the highest energy scales from current and future cosmological observations.

On the theoretical side, it is important to classify the signatures of new degrees of freedom in primordial correlation functions to compare with observations. However, progress has been hindered due to the lack of tools to go beyond the simplest of cases. I propose a research and training programme to develop new systematic tools at the interface between scattering methods in de Sitter (dS) space, and, via holography, the conformal bootstrap in the dual CFT picture, to carve out the non-Gaussianities associated to: (1) Regge trajectories of higher-spin fields predicted by string theory/other UV complete theories of gravity (2) partially massless higher-spin fields, both at tree and 1-loop level.

This proposal combines my expertise on higher-spin theories, scattering methods on anti-dS and holography with extensive training on various aspects of inflation and CMB physics from world-leading experts at IAS Princeton. The project will be completed at ULB, whose complementary expertise on higher-spins and holography will provide fertile ground to transfer my knowledge gained from the outgoing phase and continue the directions generated by the project. The importance of the project outcomes to cosmology and high-energy physics, as well as the experience gained, will facilitate me in obtaining a junior researcher position in Europe – the natural next step in my career.

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)

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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.

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.

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.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
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.

€ 240 530,40
Address
AVENUE FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT 50
1050 Bruxelles / Brussel
Belgium

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Region
Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/ Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Arr. de Bruxelles-Capitale/Arr. Brussel-Hoofdstad
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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.

€ 240 530,40

Partners (1)

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