Project Details
Projekt
GRK 1620: Models of Gravity
Subject Area
Particles, Nuclei and Fields
Term
from 2012 to 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 127671352
As envisaged in the original proposal, we retain the principal theme of the research training group (RTG): the study of models of gravity, which emerge as effective theories from established or novel approaches to quantum gravity. On the one hand, such quantum gravity models can address very basic questions of spacetime physics such as the nature of singularities, arising in black holes or in standard cosmology at the Big Bang. On the other hand, such quantum gravity models predict, for instance, the existence of high-er dimensions, which, after compactification, give rise to additional fields. Then, potentially observable features of such generalized theories include violations of the Einstein Equivalence Principle (EEP), viola-tions of cherished symmetries or modifications of the Newtonian potential. It is the central aim of this RTG to derive and study the properties of such generalized models of gravity to deepen our understanding of gravity. This is primarily done by constructing analytical or numerical solutions of the generalized Einstein equations in four and higher dimensions under various conditions, and by characterizing the properties of these solutions, in particular, by studying the motion of test particles. The test particles may be classical point particles, particles with structure or quantum fields. The theoretical investigations can be applied in astrophysics, where we consider compact objects like black holes and neutron stars, or in cosmology, where the current concordance model is based on the existence of dark matter and dark energy, whose constitution is still elusive. The obtained results will also be of importance for various experimental projects carried out at the participating institutes. The RTG is formed by a consortium of research groups, located at several universities, with Bremen and Oldenburg representing its core area, and Bielefeld, Hannover, and Copenhagen adding further expertise in cosmology and quantum gravity. The structure of the research pro-gramme demonstrates the synergies obtainable from the complementary expertises of the participating groups. The different expertises and locations also allow for an innovative and unique qualification pro-gramme in the area of gravitational physics with a superb variety of courses for the doctoral researchers, and a supervision scheme involving researchers from different universities with a joint control of success and ample contact between the groups. Therefore, the four main features characterizing this RTG remain: (i) an active and internationally well recognized research topic, (ii) a synergetic cooperation between the mem-bers, (iii) a unique offer of courses and a well balanced educational scheme, (iv) an enhancement of the role of women in this area of physics. The latter is reflected, in particular, in our workshops, conferences, and recruitment.
DFG Programme
Research Training Groups
Applicant Institution
Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
Co-Applicant Institution
Universität Bremen
