Project description
Exploring spin dynamics in extreme quantum matter
The quark-gluon plasma (QGP) is a state of matter where quarks and gluons, normally confined in protons and neutrons, exist freely in a hot, dense medium. This state is created in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC, allowing the study of the strong interaction described by quantum chromodynamics (QCD). While QCD explains how quarks and gluons bind into hadrons, the spin’s role in QGP remains unexplored. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SPIN-QGP project will study Λ hyperons, particles uniquely suited for spin studies as they help reveal spin orientation. By analysing Λ–Λ spin correlations and developing spin-dependent femtoscopy, SPIN-QGP will investigate whether spin correlations persist during hadronisation. Project results will advance understanding of the strong force and its quantum properties.
Objective
Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) is the theory of the strong interaction, yet its non-perturbative regime, where quarks and gluons bind into hadrons, remains incompletely understood. Heavy-ion collisions at the LHC create a strongly interacting medium, the quark–gluon plasma (QGP). The role of spin in this quantum fluid, and its relation to quantum correlations and spin-dependent forces, is still largely unexplored beyond single-particle polarization measurements. This project pioneers spin-dependent studies using Λ hyperons, whose parity-violating weak decay self-analyzes spin by its decay particle momentum. Two objectives are proposed: (1) measure Λ–Λ two-particle spin correlations to access singlet and triplet components via the relative angle of decay protons 〈cosΔθ〉) in the rest frame of Λs and to study spin dynamics of QGP (2) develop spin-dependent femtoscopy to separate spin channels in the Λ–Λ correlation function and extract spin-dependent scattering parameters and interaction potential. These observables probe whether hadronization preserves quark-spin correlations, whether initial-state spin fluctuations survive the QGP, and the spin structure of hyperon–hyperon forces, providing complementary constraints to lattice QCD and hypernuclear data. The analysis exploits ALICE Run-3 Pb–Pb data (over 20 billion events), improved vertex precision with detector upgrades, and ML-based selection to secure statistical power and control systematics (feed-down, acceptance, backgrounds). By establishing spin correlations as new QCD observables, the project integrates quantum information ideas into heavy-ion physics, delivers unprecedented constraints on baryon interactions, and trains a researcher at the interface of experiment, theory, and data science.
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
00-661 Warszawa
Poland
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.