The INTERACTIONS program opened with the full spectrum of topics outlined in the original contract, enhanced by the strategically significant addition of “Quantum Information and Quantum Mathematics”. While this area could fall under “Condensed Matter Physics and Quantum Devices,” it was treated separately in recognition of the growing momentum in quantum computing - reflected, for instance, in substantial EU funding.
A major scientific outcome came from Hjalte Frellesvig, who developed a novel method for computing scattering amplitudes relevant to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the brilliant combination of recent developments in mathematics (the subject of intersection numbers). Integration techniques for the same type of scattering amplitudes pursued by fellow Matt von Hippel led to a new research direction dubbed “Elliptics,” due to the association with elliptic integrals in mathematics.These computational approaches are now central to international collaborations.
In biophysics, INTERACTIONS fellows helped shape the new research area called "Active Matter" which analyzes the physical origin of life processes that previously had only been described in terms of biochemical processes, without understanding of detailed forces and motion in living matter. Amin Doostmohammadi notably secured multiple major grants (including an ERC Starting Grant), received prizes, and was appointed Associate Professor (with tenure) at the Niels Bohr Institute.
In astrophysics, Bin Liu co-authored a high-profile Nature paper on eccentric black hole mergers in supermassive black hole disks, later earning a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship and a permanent academic position.
The program was ideally placed to support rapid developments in quantum computing, information theory, and condensed matter physics, with fellows active in both experimental and theoretical advances. Similarly, gravitational wave physics surged during the project, with fellows like José María Ezquiaga receiving prestigious junior leader grants and Gregorio Carullo accepting a faculty post at the University of Birmingham.
Results were widely disseminated: fellows published in top-tier journals, gave invited talks at leading conferences, and organized workshops and thematic schools. Outreach activities -public lectures, media engagement, and curriculum development - helped broaden the project’s societal and educational impact. Many fellows leveraged their work into long-term academic careers and leadership roles, contributing to durable knowledge transfer beyond the consortium.
