About

Physicists are able to model the world with remarkable accuracy: from the largest cosmological structures to human-scale condensed-matter systems, all the way down to subatomic particles. However, in many cases the mathematical description underlying such systems is so involved that it is only possible to make predictions in an approximation where the interactions are weak. That is, one starts from a free theory and then switches interactions on, order by order in a small parameter. Not only does this strategy fail when applied to strongly-interacting systems, but it also prevents us from answering fundamental questions in theoretical physics.

This Action aims at developing a comprehensive approach for studying strongly-interacting systems in classical and quantum physics by exploiting symmetries, dualities, and the internal consistency of the underlying theories.

This calls for the cooperation of researchers from different fields, across Europe and beyond. The Action will bring together theoretical and mathematical physicists with expertise in quantum field theory, string theory, gravity, geometry and information theory, establishing the first network of this kind centred around Europe. Such a critical mass will also boost the visibility and impact of European research in theoretical physics.

In parallel, this Action will strive to bring cutting-edge research in theoretical physics to the general public and to high-school students in particular. Working with teachers and local public bodies, it will combat long-standing prejudices on physics and research that turn away bright young students, and that in the long run may fuel indifference if not distrust towards science.

Official description on the COST website

Working Groups

WG1: Gauge Theories

This WG focusses on the study of gauge theories such as Yang-Mills and Chern-Simons theories in dimensions three and four, as well as in higher dimensions and in supersymmetric models. The challenge here is the study of the phase diagrams of these theories, of their scattering amplitudes, and of their relations e.g. through dualities and dimensional reduction and various embeddings in string theory. This class of theories is of paramount importance in high-energy physics, in condensed-matter physics, and in making contact with various branches of mathematics.

WG2: Gravity and Holography

This WG studies gravitational physics including black-hole physics, supergravity and string theory, as well as the description of gravity through holography and the quantum-information description of such systems. A natural contact point with the WG Gauge theories is the study of holographic gauge theories. Related to this, the WG will also pursue the study of quantum gravity and black holes using CFT bootstrap approaches and the AdS/CFT correspondence.

WG3: Low-dimensional systems

This WG focusses on the study of systems in two dimensions, such as conformal field theories and integrable quantum field theories, and of exactly-solvable lattice models. While these systems are traditionally most important in condensed-matter theory, in statistical mechanics, and in quantum-information theory, they have recently attracted interest from high-energy physics and string theory in particular. Especially through the link to string theory, this WG nicely links with the WG Gravity and Holography.

Sustainability

As members of the hep-th community, it is pivotal to acknowledge our responsibility in minimising the environmental footprint of our scientific endeavours. Research indicates that large academic gatherings, like conferences and workshops, significantly contribute to carbon emissions due to travel, energy use, catering, and waste generation. Embracing sustainable practices in our event organisation is not only necessary to address the climate crisis but also serves as a tangible step toward reducing our collective carbon footprint, crucial for a more environmentally conscious scientific community. Our sustainability guidelines are explained in detail in the file linked below.

Our sustainability guidelines

Action fact sheet

Action number: CA22113

Action acronym: THEORY-CHALLENGES

Action full title: Fundamental Challenges in Theoretical Physics

Action start date: October 2023

Action end date: October 2027

Working Group 1: Gauge Theories

Working Group 2: Gravity and Holography

Working Group 3: Low-dimensional systems

Description on the COST website: www.cost.eu/actions/CA22113/

Memorandum of Understanding: MoU

Main Contacts and Leadership

Action Chair: Alessandro Sfondrini (alessandro.sfondrini@unipd.it)
Action Vice-chair: Piotr Sułkowski

Working Group 1: Diego Rodriguez-Gomez (leader) & Predrag Dominis Prester (co-leader)
Working Group 2: Nicolaos Toumbas (leader) & Martin Cederwall (co-leader)
Working Group 3: Nils Carqueville (leader) & Riccardo Borsato (co-leader)

Grant Awarding Coordinator: Boris Pioline; Co-coordinator: Valentina Giangreco Puletti
Science Communication Coordinator: Fiona Seibold
Sustainability Coordinator: Sibylle Driezen
Inclusiveness Coordinator: Nihal Buyukcizmeci
Training and Schools Coordinator: Saskia Demulder
Cross-diciplinary Activities Coordinator: Paolo Rossi

Management Committee – a list of members

COST Staff – Science Officer: Fatima Bouchama
COST Staff – Administrative Officer: Cassia Azevedo

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