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Modified Gravity on Trial

Objective

The main goal of this project is to study the fundamental properties of field theories of space-time, their cosmological consequences and observational signatures. My approach aims to use the next generation of cosmological and astrophysical observations to test the validity of General Relativity on scales where it has not been fully tested yet and its resilience against alternative theories with modifications on cosmological scales.

I will first study the implications of the quantum aspects of modified gravity theories beyond the tree level analyses for their viability, consistency and predictability. This will reduce the allowed alternative theories significantly. I will then investigate the physical consequences of these theoretically promising theories for cosmological and astrophysical scenarios. As part of my approach, I will use large galaxy surveys to constrain effects on the dynamics of cosmic structure formation from these modifications of gravity. In addition, I will confront modified theoretical predictions with Planck measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background, type-Ia supernova data, measurements of the Baryon Acoustic Oscillations and gravitational lensing. Along the way, my group and I will crucially contribute to the development of the necessary analytical and numerical tools to exhaustively analyse such data in the search for modifications of gravity.

In addition, the recent detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO team has paved an exciting new avenue for testing gravitational theories. These new observations will put even more stringent constraints on alternative theories. As part of the proposed research, I will also extensively exploit this new observational channel to test the validity of General Relativity and put new effects of modified gravity on trial. In particular, the propagation speed of tensor perturbations in modified gravity theories will be severely restricted by observations of gravitational waves.

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-STG - Starting 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-2018-STG

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Host institution

RUPRECHT-KARLS-UNIVERSITAET HEIDELBERG
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.

€ 1 268 075,76
Address
SEMINARSTRASSE 2
69117 Heidelberg
Germany

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Region
Baden-Württemberg Karlsruhe Heidelberg, Stadtkreis
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.

€ 1 268 075,76

Beneficiaries (2)

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