Exploring the Structure of Stable String Vacua

The framework of string compactifications is of undisputed importance to connect string theory to the physics of our world, and has promoted progress in fields ranging from quantum gravity and cosmology, through black holes, to condensed matter physics.The key objectives of this proposal is to chart the mathematical structure and physical properties of the ground states of string theory.

The project relies on a systematic exploration of diverse classes of string vacua, including settings that have previously been out of reach due to technical limitations.

Novel tools developed by the applicant will be applied to construct these new types of compactifications, and determine their geometrical features.

Next, algebraic geometry and machine learning will be used to determine the particle physics and cosmology of different classes of string models.

In parallel, formal studies will test dualities and interconnections between vacua.The research program will open up new arenas for formal and phenomenological studies of string theory.

This has great potential to identify realistic string vacua, a clear step beyond the state of the art, which would prove that string theory is key to understanding our universe.

The project will also allow to test recent conjectures for the high-energy consistency of leading models for cosmology and particle physics.

Furthermore, progress in mathematical fields such as differential and generalised geometry is expected to follow from these studies.