The origin of our universe:
Seeking links between fundamental physics and cosmology
This network will bring together the major European theoretical
physics groups investigating the fundamental physics which shaped our
Universe. They have made important contributions across the whole
spectrum of research in particle cosmology and astroparticle physics,
from phenomenological issues concerning the genesis of matter and
radiation, dark matter and dark energy, to fundamental questions about
the nature of space-time and of the Big Bang itself. This is an
opportune time for such studies, given both the explosion of
observational results on the cosmological and astrophysical front, as
well as the key tests of theories of new physics beyond the Standard
Model which will be performed in forthcoming experiments within the
lifetime of the network.
The key research tasks are to investigate: 1) the origin of baryons,
2) the origin of dark matter, 3) the origin of cosmic radiation, 4)
the origin of cosmic structure, 5) the origin of dark energy, and 6)
the origin of space-time.
The Participants have collaborated successfully in the past and
trained many young researchers, and the present proposal is intended
to continue and broaden these activities. The research to be performed
is interdisciplinary and their expertise is complementary in this
regard, spanning the whole spectrum of the physics involved, from
mathematical investigations of string/M-theory and quantum gravity to
analyses of relevant observational and experimental data. The main
emphasis will be on phenomenological models for dark matter and dark
energy and cosmological processes such as baryogenesis, hot phase
transitions, and inflation.
The main goal is to offer training and transfer of knowledge
opportunities to young researchers in this rapidly progressing
field. The Partners will appoint 552 person-months of early-stage and
experienced researchers, and provide a focussed training programme
based on existing programmes in the participating institutions,
supplemented by annual schools & meetings.
