Objective
Lorentz-invariant Quantum Field Theories (QFTs) are central in physics. At any energy scale, Effective Field Theories (EFTs) systematically describe the relevant degrees of freedom, merging quantum mechanics with special relativity.
Recent advances have shown that not all EFTs admit a healthy UV completion. By combining unitarity and analyticity—rooted in relativistic causality—strong constraints have been derived, successfully carving out the space of consistent Lorentz-invariant EFTs.
However, in many areas of physics one is interested in excitations around a state that is not the Lorentz invariant vacuum, so that Lorentz invariance is spontaneously broken. Many aspects of QFT in this setup are yet to be understood. In particular, little is known about which EFTs are consistent.
BestLobe aims to achieve transformative advances in understanding QFT with spontaneous Lorentz breaking, while establishing rigorous bounds on key physical observables.
In this context, the S-matrix does not enjoy the nice analytic properties of the Lorentz-invariant case. One needs radically novel approaches.
To pursue this overarching goal, BestLobe will investigate 3 different classes of systems:
(1) Condensed-matter-like systems, where there is a preferred frame. In this context what are the constraints on the EFT of Goldstone bosons and hydrodynamics?
(2) Astrophysical compact objects, targets of gravitational wave observations. What are the constraints on the Love numbers that characterize their tidal deformability?
(3) Cosmology. What are the bounds on the EFTs that describe Inflation and Dark Energy? And on the propagation of gravitational waves across the universe?
The resulting bounds will provide theoretical guidance to ongoing and future experiments. If a violation is observed, it would require a true paradigm shift. More broadly, I aim to achieve a level of understanding of QFT in Lorentz-breaking scenarios comparable to that attained in the Lorentz-invariant case.
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 astronomy observational astronomy gravitational waves
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics quantum field theory
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics dark matter
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy physical cosmology
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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) ERC-2025-ADG
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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.
75007 Paris
France
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.