Project description
Unlocking the secrets of dark matter
The mass–energy content of the universe is 5 % ordinary matter, 26.8 % dark matter and 68.2 % a form of energy known as dark energy. Even though a quarter of the universe is made up of dark matter, it remains one of the greatest mysteries in physics. To solve it, scientists need detectors of unprecedented sensitivity. Underground laboratories offer unique conditions that expand the frontiers of knowledge. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the NEXUS project brings together European laboratories with those from Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United States to create a global network dedicated to dark matter research. Their work aims to advance ultra-sensitive detectors, refine low-radiation techniques and foster international collaboration. NEXUS will accelerate the hunt for dark matter while driving technological breakthroughs, paving the way for applications that benefit both science and industry.
Objective
The nature of invisible dark matter (DM), which constitutes ~26% of the mass-energy balance of the Universe, remains a major puzzle in physics. Despite extensive searches, DM constituents remain undetected, though experiments have significantly constrained the allowed parameter space. The NEXUS project aims to advance this research by enhancing detector performance, refining instrumentation, and expanding theoretical insights through a sustainable expert network. Partnering with world-class laboratories in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, NEXUS will tackle extraordinary experimental and theoretical challenges. This research relies on Underground Laboratories (ULs), where cosmic rays are suppressed by ~1000 meters of rock, minimizing the cosmogenic backgrounds. The proposed NEXUS initiative aims to establish a global network of ULs dedicated to ground-breaking advancements in the field. The collaborative approach undertaken in NEXUS is designed to provide a dynamic environment for advances in ultra-sensitive detectors and ultra-low radiation techniques, ready to lead innovation in both the global search for rare events and cutting-edge technological development ultimately benefiting society and industry. ULs’ support for research will provide: (i) effective radiation shielding; (ii) above-ground and underground support facilities, such as clean (radon-free) rooms, radio-purity assay equipment, and cryogenic equipment; (iii) material production and purification facilities; (iv) tools and methods to characterize underground facilities and related instrumentation; and (v) a unique environment for multidisciplinary research. In addition, efforts are being made to further increase instrument sensitivity to meet new challenges in rare-event research. NEXUS will pave the way for ground-breaking discoveries, fostering a deeper understanding of the universe while driving technological advancements with broad societal and industrial benefits.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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-SE - HORIZON TMA MSCA Staff Exchanges
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-SE-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.
75794 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.