Project description
Innovative mathematics provide new insight into all things great and small
String theory attempts to bridge the world of the very small – quantum mechanics – and the world of the very large – described by general relativity. It is a theory of quantum gravity that models the point-like particles of our particle world as one-dimensional string-like entities. String compactifications are the mathematical processes that create bridges between higher-dimensional string theories and our four-dimensional world, making it possible to unify quantum theories with observations. The EU-funded StringyGeometry project is deepening our understanding of quantum corrections in string theory through the innovative application of newly developed techniques in differential geometry.
Objective
This project uses newly developed geometric structures to understand quantum corrections in string theory from both a worldsheet and spacetime perspective.
The major goal is to prove that supergravity solutions with flux can be quantum corrected to give consistent string compactifications. I will also investigate whether these new geometric structures can shed light on strongly coupled heterotic worldsheet models. I will do this by combining my experience with the mathematics that underlies flux compactifications with insights from supergravity and worldsheet methods. This will greatly expand my knowledge in both physics and mathematics and bring me into close working relationships with researchers at the University of Chicago and Sorbonne Universite.
The key difference between my approach and existing work is the use of newly developed techniques in differential geometry that provide a unified framework for analysing flux compactifications - in particular, generalisations of G-structures within generalised geometry.
The proposed research tackles a fundamental problem: we do not know whether the many supergravity solutions used in phenomenology or AdS/CFT define honest string theory solutions. One output of this project will be a natural language for stringy corrections - this has applications in formal aspects of string theory and phenomenology, including moduli stabilisation, finding new non-Kahler heterotic solutions and the existence of de Sitter vacua. Progress on any one of these would be an valuable contribution to the most important problems in the field, ensuring the ongoing international competitiveness of theoretical physics in the EU.
The proposed research is interdisciplinary due to considerable overlap with differential geometry and conformal field theory. The proposal includes plans for transfer of knowledge between the applicant and the host institutions, acquisition of new knowledge areas, professional development and outreach.
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.
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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-2018
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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.
75006 Paris
France
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.