Project description
AI solutions for string theory and cosmology
In recent years, the rapid advancement of computing and simulation technologies and algorithms has enabled groundbreaking discoveries and insights across many scientific fields. String theory, which offers a unified framework for our understanding of quantum gravity, unfortunately has its predictive power limited by the vast landscape of current four-dimensional effective field theories it has produced, requiring novel innovations and insights to advance. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the StringCosmoAI project will develop a principled method for recovering theories that are both theoretically controlled and compatible with observations. The project will combine innovative, auditable machine learning methods with geometric tools to advance our understanding beyond current constraints.
Objective
String theory offers a unified framework for quantum gravity, yet its predictive power is obscured by the vast “landscape” of four-dimensional effective field theories it produces. StringCosmoAI sets out a principled way to recover those theories that are both theoretically controlled and compatible with observations. I will combine sophisticated geometric tools -drawing in particular on tame geometry - with disciplined, auditable machine-learning methods to move beyond ad hoc searches.
The programme advances along three complementary strands. First, I will construct and openly release large, validated databases of string-derived effective field theories, complete with provenance, machine-readable schema, and example notebooks for reuse. Second, I will establish when key questions in cosmology are statistically learnable or provably hard within string theory effective theories by drawing on statistical learning theory and computational complexity theory. Third, building on these theoretical foundations, I will deploy machine-learning techniques to chart theories compatible with cosmological observations - particularly slow-roll inflation and small vacuum energy - with rigorous uncertainty quantification and interpretability.
The project is anchored in a purposeful collaboration between the University of Bologna and Northeastern University. Northeastern University offers a world-class environment for machine learning in fundamental physics, enabling rapid prototyping, interpretability, and robust evaluation of the AI tools and techniques employed; the University of Bologna brings leading expertise in string phenomenology and cosmology, ensuring theoretical control and meaningful physical interpretation of the results. This partnership will accelerate progress and, in turn, deliver a fresh, groundbreaking perspective on string theory phenomenology.
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)
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)
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
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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-2025-PF
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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.
40126 Bologna
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.