Objective
The origin of the heaviest elements beyond iron in the Universe remains an open problem in astrophysics. While binary neutron star mergers are confirmed to produce heavy elements via r-process nucleosynthesis, their long delay times and uncertain yields hint towards the existence of an alternative production. A promising candidate is the collapsar. Here, the collapse of a rapidly rotating massive star forms an accretion disk around a compact remnant, where the r-process can occur. Collapsars produce UVOIR transients: Type Ic-BL supernovae from progenitors of masses 10Msun or higher and super-kilonovae from progenitors above 130Msun. These transients carry r-process signatures in their light curves and spectra, particularly discernible in the late-time infrared signal. With current and upcoming facilities such as JWST, Rubin, and Roman, it is now possible to test their role as r-process sites. However, robust theoretical models of nebular spectra from collapsar transients are needed for that purpose, which is still lacking.
The light curves and spectra of these events are governed by the atomic properties of the heavy elements, yet key atomic data are missing. As an MSCA fellow, I will develop the first comprehensive framework for probing heavy-element production in collapsars through nebular spectra. I will generate atomic data with HULLAC and use them in non-local thermal equilibrium radiative transfer simulations with SUMO, computing spectra of Type Ic-BL supernovae and super-kilonovae across a range of progenitor properties, ejecta masses, and compositions. I will use these models to understand observational data and design search and follow-up strategies with Rubin, JWST, and Roman, in collaboration with Prof. Stephen Smartt’s group at Oxford. Hence, this project will significantly advance our understanding of collapsars as a site of heavy elements, leading us towards understanding the origin of the heaviest elements.
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.
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
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.