COST action to trace the evolution of the Universe
A new European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) network is to focus on the evolution of the cosmos through the chemical fingerprints left by nuclear reactions in stars.
Dr Raphael Hirschi, associate professor in Astrophysics at Keele University, UK, will be leading the ‘Chemical Elements as Tracers of the Evolution of the Cosmos’ Action, supported by 37 other researchers throughout 27 European countries.
The proposal highlights that current research in astronomy, astrophysics and nuclear physics is disjointed. The aim of the project is to therefore bring those research communities together, to build interdisciplinary bridges across Europe, and to link research with businesses that can provide the technological tools required to exploit the research outputs.
Hirschi said: “Our overall goal is to answer open questions we still have about the early stages of the Universe, and to do this we must take a multidisciplinary approach and work together, specifically in nuclear physics and astrophysics, in a co-ordinated effort.”
Approved by the COST Committee of Senior Officials on 24 October 2016, the Action is one of 25 approved out of 478 eligible proposals collected earlier this year, and one of only four Actions from the UK to be selected.
The COST Action will provide funding for networking activities, including workshops, training schools and short-term scientific missions for four years, and will also train a new generation of European scientists.
Hirschi added: “I am really excited about working with other academics but also businesses – this Action will open big opportunities for SMEs.
“It’s exciting to help spread knowledge across European countries that may not have access to this type of research – it is a great chance to build bridges between the academic world and industry leaders.”
