Project description
Expanding our understanding of light new particles with astrophysical observations
The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics has advanced remarkably, but phenomena like neutrino masses and dark matter remain unexplained. Extensions of the SM, such as Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) theories, incorporate feebly interacting particles (FIPs), including axions and dark photons. This enhances our understanding of phenomena that might leave detectable imprints in astrophysical environments, even if they cannot be observed in the lab. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ASTROFIP project will develop a framework that combines stellar population synthesis with detailed stellar evolution models and conduct multi-wavelength searches for FIP signatures. Overall, the project’s goal is to expand our exploration and understanding of FIPs.
Objective
The Standard Model (SM) of particle physics, despite its remarkable successes, cannot explain several key phenomena, including for instance neutrino masses and dark matter. A compelling class of extensions of the SM (BSM) involves Feebly Interacting Particles (FIPs) - such as axions, axion-like particles, dark photons, and sterile neutrinos - whose extremely weak couplings evade laboratory detection but may leave imprints in astrophysical environments. Ordinary stars, supernovae, and galaxies act as natural laboratories where FIPs can be produced, potentially generating observable multi-wavelength signals.
This project aims to advance the exploration of BSM particles through a novel, interdisciplinary strategy. First, I will develop a systematic framework combining stellar population synthesis with detailed stellar evolution models to reduce astrophysical uncertainties in FIP production. Second, I will perform targeted multi-wavelength searches for FIP signatures in archival datasets, from radio to X-ray and gamma-ray observations of star-forming galaxies and the Galactic center. Stacked analyses across diverse environments will provide robust constraints while improving astrophysical background modeling. Third, I will deliver realistic predictions and observational strategies for next-generation missions, which aim to enhance sensitivity to FIP-induced signals.
By integrating astrophysical modeling with particle physics phenomenology, this project will strengthen synergies between astrophysics and particle physics and will deliver the most stringent constraints on FIPs to date, based on multi-wavelength observations, while directly informing the design and strategy of upcoming observatories.
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 theoretical physics particle physics neutrinos
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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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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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
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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-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.
75794 Paris
France
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