- Magdalena Kędziorek (Mathematics) is the PI of the project 'Symmetry on the interface of topology and higher algebra'. Steffen Sagave (Mathematics) is one of the five co-applicants on this grant.
In the mathematical area of topology one studies geometric shapes by allowing them to be transformed into each other without cutting or gluing them. This idea of a continuous transformation can also be used to set up a higher form of algebra where it replaces the stricter notion of equality. This project studies symmetries in higher algebra in order to obtain new powerful structures in higher algebra, topology, and their applications to geometry and physics.
- Pamela Ferrari (professor by special appointment of High Energy Physics) is the PI of the project 'The potential of the Higgs Boson'. Sascha Caron, Nicolo de Groot and Frank Filthaut ( all High Energy Physics) are co-applicants on this grant.
The Higgs field, which fills the universe, gives elementary particles their mass through a unique quantum property called the Higgs potential. The shape of this potential, similar to the bottom of a wine bottle, is critically linked to how two Higgs bosons interact with each other. By making significant improvements to the efficiency of identifying Higgs bosons in the ATLAS detector at CERN and fully exploiting novel advanced machine learning and and AI techniques, we can provide evidence of this incredibly rare process, which will allow us to better understand not only the Higgs field, but also the formation and ultimate fate of our Universe.
- Marieke Postma (professor by special appointment High Energy Physics) is a co-applicant on the project 'The Magnetic Universe'.
Our Universe is one giant magnet. Invisible lines traverse it across tremendously big distances. Where did they come from? And what story do they tell about the beginnings and the nature of our Universe? Our project, which combines theoretical and numerical methodologies to compare predictions with state-of-the-art astrophysical data, aims to explore and distinguish between possible mechanisms for their appearance. This knowledge will help us advance our understanding not only of our Universe, but also of the laws of physics.
We congratulate the researchers on their achievement and wish them success in carrying out their projects.
