Information for Publicly Offered Research
What is the physical mechanism of the origin of the Universe? - challenges over transcending scales through the integration of theory, observations, and experimentshttps://member.ipmu.jp/Cosmogenesis/index.html
Number of Research Area：A22025
Term of Project：FY2026-2030
Head Investigator：MURAYAMA Hitoshi
Research Institution：The University of Tokyo, Kavli Institute
for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe
Term of Project：FY2026-2030
Head Investigator：MURAYAMA Hitoshi
Research Institution：The University of Tokyo, Kavli Institute
for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe
1 Details of Research Area
The Universe, now 13.8 billion years old, continues to expand, but immediately after its birth it was smaller than 10 −26 cm and existed entirely in a quantum state. Addressing the ultimate question of the origin of the Universe requires the integration of observational astronomy, particle physics, ultra-sensitive quantum measurement technologies, AI for extracting information from big data, and theoretical studies to construct new physical laws. By leveraging Japan’s strengths and past investments, this project aims to achieve a unified understanding of physics across more than 30 orders of magnitude in experimental/observational scales and nearly 60 orders in length scales, including tabletop experiments.
To address the ultimate question – the origin of the Universe – we will transcend disciplinary boundaries and establish a new research field through four approaches: (I) probing signals from the early Universe, (II) simulators using analogue systems of the early Universe, (III) exploring time variation of physical laws, and (IV) theoretical studies of the early Universe. The world-leading observational projects B01 (Subaru PFS) and B02 (CMB) will form the core of this research area by investigating multiple physical phenomena through diverse approaches. In addition, we establish the experimental projects C01 (atomic clocks), C02 (laser interferometers), C03 (microwave quantum measurements), and C04 (superconducting-circuit cosmology) to promote integration with fields that have traditionally had limited connections to astrophysics, while advancing novel experimental technologies and tackling ambitious research challenges. The theoretical groups A01 (cosmology) and A02 (particle physics) will integrate these efforts and play leading roles toward understanding the origin of the Universe.
2 Call for Proposals and Expectations for Publicly Offered Research, etc.
This program aims to establish a new interdisciplinary field by integrating theory, observations, and experiments across diverse areas beyond existing disciplinary boundaries. Because the relevant research fields and topics extend beyond cosmology to include quantum information, quantum measurement, condensed matter physics, and AI/ML, this solicited research projects should include both strategically organized top-down projects and bottom-up projects based on free and original ideas of individual researchers. We encourage participation by early-career researchers with innovative ideas, as well as by researchers from fields outside astrophysics who are pursuing interdisciplinary integration. The following categories are envisaged:
- E01: Theoretical research using methods from particle physics and astrophysics
- The topics include, for example, quantum gravity and string theory; lattice simulations of the early Universe; production mechanisms of primordial gravitational waves over a wide range of frequencies and relic particles such as axions; dynamical dark energy; and AI/ML-based analysis methods.
- E02: Observational and experimental research on the origin and physics of the early Universe
- For example, observations, experiments, and R&D beyond the scope of the above core projects, including new wavelength ranges and methodologies.
- F01: Theoretical research through integration with condensed matter, quantum science, and AMO
- For example, the quantum mechanics of black holes that exhibit similarities to quantum systems during inflation, as well as studies that apply methods from condensed matter, statistical and mathematical physics, and AMO to the physics of the early-Universe.
- F02: Observational and experimental research through integration with condensed matter, quantum science, and AMO physics
- For example, R&D studies on the application of broadly defined quantum technologies to astrophysics beyond the scope of the core projects, research aimed at improving the sensitivity of quantum/precision measurement technologies, and studies based on applications of AMO.
3 Research Group, Upper Limit of Annual Budget and Number of research projects scheduled to be selected
| Research Group Number | Research Group | Upper Limit of Annual Budget (Million yen) | Number of research projects scheduled to be selected |
|---|---|---|---|
| E01 | Theoretical studies using particle physics and astrophysical approaches | 1 | 6 |
| E02 | Observational and experimental studies using particle physics and astrophysical approaches | 5 | 5 |
| F01 | Theoretical studies integrating condensed matter, quantum science, and AMO physics | 1 | 4 |
| F02 | Observational and experimental studies integrating condensed matter, quantum science, and AMO physics | 5 | 3 |
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shinkou/hojyo/boshu/1397884_00014.htm