Project description
New approaches to study leading dark matter candidates and fundamental physical laws
The universe holds many mysteries, including the nature of dark matter and whether the fundamental laws of physics, like the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) (which questions the constancy of physical laws), are truly universal. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GammaRays4LIV-DM project will use cutting-edge gamma ray observatories to search for axion-like particles (ALPs) that are leading dark matter candidates, and it will test for LIV, which could reveal new physics beyond Einstein’s theories. Researchers will study gamma-ray emissions from blazars and gamma-ray bursts to investigate previously unexplored ALP properties and test LIV with unmatched sensitivity. The team will also use a statistical method called simulation-based inference to enable more accurate data analysis.
Objective
The proposed research project aims to explore two fundamental questions in modern physics: the nature of Dark Matter (DM) and Lorentz Invariance Violation (LIV). DM remains one of the biggest mysteries in science, and Axion-like Particles (ALPs) are a promising candidate for this elusive matter. LIV, on the other hand, challenges one of the foundational principles of physics and could provide insights into quantum gravity.
This project leverages the synergy between current and next-generation gamma-ray observatories, including MAGIC and the LST-1 telescope of the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO), to explore these questions. It will use data from these observatories to conduct a search for ALPs, focusing on the gamma-ray emissions of blazars, which are ideal sources for such studies. This project will extend the exploration of the ALP parameter space, targeting regions that were previously unexplored. In addition, the low-energy sensitivity of LST-1 will enable unprecedented tests of LIV, using gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) to look for deviations in the speed of light at high energies.
A key innovation in this project is the application of advanced statistical tools, particularly the Simulation-Based Inference (SBI) method, which will allow for more accurate and robust analysis of the data. Even if no signals are detected, the exclusion of key theoretical parameter values for ALPs and LIV will provide crucial insights, helping to refine or exclude existing models.
This project also has broader implications beyond astrophysics. The methodologies developed, such as the application of machine learning techniques, have applications in other scientific fields, including climate modeling, and finance.
Finally, the project offers valuable career development opportunities. Working closely with international collaborations such as MAGIC and CTAO will strengthen the researcher’s academic profile and open doors for future funding opportunities.
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.
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics dark matter
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics
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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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
35122 Padova
Italy
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.