Project acronym ALIGN
Project Ab-initio computational modelling of photovoltaic interfaces
Researcher (PI) Feliciano Giustino
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The aim of the ALIGN project is to understand, predict, and optimize the photovoltaic energy conversion in third-generation solar cells, starting from an atomic-scale quantum-mechanical modelling of the photovoltaic interface. The quest for photovoltaic materials suitable for low-cost synthesis, large-area production, and functional architecture has driven substantial research efforts towards third-generation photovoltaic devices such as plastic solar cells, organic-inorganic cells, and photo-electrochemical cells. The physical and chemical processes involved in the harvesting of sunlight, the transport of electrical charge, and the build-up of the photo-voltage in these devices are fundamentally different from those encountered in traditional semiconductor heterojunction solar cells. A detailed atomic-scale quantum-mechanical description of such processes will lay down the basis for a rational approach to the modelling, optimization, and design of new photovoltaic materials. The short name of the proposal hints at one of the key materials parameters in the area of photovoltaic interfaces: the alignment of the quantum energy levels between the light-absorbing material and the electron acceptor. The level alignment drives the separation of the electron-hole pairs formed upon absorption of sunlight, and determines the open circuit voltage of the solar cell. The energy level alignment not only represents a key parameter for the design of photovoltaic devices, but also constitutes one of the grand challenges of modern computational materials science. Within this project we will develop and apply new ground-breaking computational methods to understand, predict, and optimize the energy level alignment and other design parameters of third-generation photovoltaic devices.
Summary
The aim of the ALIGN project is to understand, predict, and optimize the photovoltaic energy conversion in third-generation solar cells, starting from an atomic-scale quantum-mechanical modelling of the photovoltaic interface. The quest for photovoltaic materials suitable for low-cost synthesis, large-area production, and functional architecture has driven substantial research efforts towards third-generation photovoltaic devices such as plastic solar cells, organic-inorganic cells, and photo-electrochemical cells. The physical and chemical processes involved in the harvesting of sunlight, the transport of electrical charge, and the build-up of the photo-voltage in these devices are fundamentally different from those encountered in traditional semiconductor heterojunction solar cells. A detailed atomic-scale quantum-mechanical description of such processes will lay down the basis for a rational approach to the modelling, optimization, and design of new photovoltaic materials. The short name of the proposal hints at one of the key materials parameters in the area of photovoltaic interfaces: the alignment of the quantum energy levels between the light-absorbing material and the electron acceptor. The level alignment drives the separation of the electron-hole pairs formed upon absorption of sunlight, and determines the open circuit voltage of the solar cell. The energy level alignment not only represents a key parameter for the design of photovoltaic devices, but also constitutes one of the grand challenges of modern computational materials science. Within this project we will develop and apply new ground-breaking computational methods to understand, predict, and optimize the energy level alignment and other design parameters of third-generation photovoltaic devices.
Max ERC Funding
1 000 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-03-01, End date: 2016-02-29
Project acronym ASPIRE
Project Aqueous Supramolecular Polymers and Peptide Conjugates in Reversible Systems
Researcher (PI) Oren Alexander Scherman
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Supramolecular polymers are of major interest in the field of self assembly with a promising outlook in areas of viscosity modification, compartmentalized architectures, bio-conjugates and drug-delivery applications. They are dynamic macromolecular materials prepared by simple mixing of relatively small components bearing complementary or self-complementary recognition motifs. A major limitation in the field, however, has been access to synthetic systems capable of undergoing self assembly in an aqueous environment. This research proposal develops well-defined, self-organizing macromolecular structures that will overcome this limitation by focusing on systems that rely on several non-covalent interactions occurring in concert rather than on single interactions alone. The envisioned supramolecular polymers and bio-conjugates are designed as dynamic water-soluble smart materials, whose architectures can be controlled and exhibit reversibility upon exposure to external stimuli such as electrochemical, temperature or pH changes. Molecular recognition events occurring between functional handles on both synthetic and bio-polymers will be investigated in order to control the formation of desired functional architectures through stoichiometrically controlled complexation. Preparation of synthetic core motifs to assemble discrete peptide aggregates such as the dimeric through hexameric oligomers of amyloid-beta(40/42) will lead to structural elucidation and insight into several peptide misfolding pathologies like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Summary
Supramolecular polymers are of major interest in the field of self assembly with a promising outlook in areas of viscosity modification, compartmentalized architectures, bio-conjugates and drug-delivery applications. They are dynamic macromolecular materials prepared by simple mixing of relatively small components bearing complementary or self-complementary recognition motifs. A major limitation in the field, however, has been access to synthetic systems capable of undergoing self assembly in an aqueous environment. This research proposal develops well-defined, self-organizing macromolecular structures that will overcome this limitation by focusing on systems that rely on several non-covalent interactions occurring in concert rather than on single interactions alone. The envisioned supramolecular polymers and bio-conjugates are designed as dynamic water-soluble smart materials, whose architectures can be controlled and exhibit reversibility upon exposure to external stimuli such as electrochemical, temperature or pH changes. Molecular recognition events occurring between functional handles on both synthetic and bio-polymers will be investigated in order to control the formation of desired functional architectures through stoichiometrically controlled complexation. Preparation of synthetic core motifs to assemble discrete peptide aggregates such as the dimeric through hexameric oligomers of amyloid-beta(40/42) will lead to structural elucidation and insight into several peptide misfolding pathologies like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Max ERC Funding
1 700 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym BIDECASEOX
Project Bio-inspired Design of Catalysts for Selective Oxidations of C-H and C=C Bonds
Researcher (PI) Miguel Costas Salgueiro
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITAT DE GIRONA
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The selective functionalization of C-H and C=C bonds remains a formidable unsolved problem, owing to their inert nature. Novel alkane and alkene oxidation reactions exhibiting good and/or unprecedented selectivities will have a big impact on bulk and fine chemistry by opening novel methodologies that will allow removal of protection-deprotection sequences, thus streamlining synthetic strategies. These goals are targeted in this project via design of iron and manganese catalysts inspired by structural elements of the active site of non-heme enzymes of the Rieske Dioxygenase family. Selectivity is pursued via rational design of catalysts that will exploit substrate recognition-exclusion phenomena, and control over proton and electron affinity of the active species. Moreover, these catalysts will employ H2O2 as oxidant, and will operate under mild conditions (pressure and temperature). The fundamental mechanistic aspects of the catalytic reactions, and the species implicated in C-H and C=C oxidation events will also be studied with the aim of building on the necessary knowledge to design future generations of catalysts, and provide models to understand the chemistry taking place in non-heme iron and manganese-dependent oxygenases.
Summary
The selective functionalization of C-H and C=C bonds remains a formidable unsolved problem, owing to their inert nature. Novel alkane and alkene oxidation reactions exhibiting good and/or unprecedented selectivities will have a big impact on bulk and fine chemistry by opening novel methodologies that will allow removal of protection-deprotection sequences, thus streamlining synthetic strategies. These goals are targeted in this project via design of iron and manganese catalysts inspired by structural elements of the active site of non-heme enzymes of the Rieske Dioxygenase family. Selectivity is pursued via rational design of catalysts that will exploit substrate recognition-exclusion phenomena, and control over proton and electron affinity of the active species. Moreover, these catalysts will employ H2O2 as oxidant, and will operate under mild conditions (pressure and temperature). The fundamental mechanistic aspects of the catalytic reactions, and the species implicated in C-H and C=C oxidation events will also be studied with the aim of building on the necessary knowledge to design future generations of catalysts, and provide models to understand the chemistry taking place in non-heme iron and manganese-dependent oxygenases.
Max ERC Funding
1 299 998 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-11-01, End date: 2015-10-31
Project acronym BSMWLHCB
Project Advanced techniques to Search for Physics Beyond the Standard Model with the LHCb Detector at CERN
Researcher (PI) Timothy John Gershon
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2009-StG
Summary I propose a programme of precision tests of the Standard Model of particle physics to be carried out using the LHCb experiment at CERN. The proposal is focussed on studies of CP violation - differences between the behaviour of particles and antiparticles that are fundamental to understanding why the Universe we see today is made up of matter, not antimatter. The innovative feature of this research is the use of Dalitz plot analyses to improve the sensitivity to interesting CP violation effects. Recently I have developed a number of new methods to search for CP violation based on this technique. These methods can be used at LHCb and will extend the physics reach of the experiment beyond what was previously considered possible. I propose to create a small research team, based at the University of Warwick, to develop these methods and to make a number of precise measurements of CP violation parameters using the LHCb experiment. By comparing the results with the Standard Model predictions for these parameters, effects due to non-standard particles can be observed or highly constrained. The results of this work have the potential to redefine the direction of this research field. They will be essential to develop theories of particle physics that go beyond the Standard Model and attempt to address great unanswered questions, such as the origin of the matter--antimatter asymmetry of the Universe.
Summary
I propose a programme of precision tests of the Standard Model of particle physics to be carried out using the LHCb experiment at CERN. The proposal is focussed on studies of CP violation - differences between the behaviour of particles and antiparticles that are fundamental to understanding why the Universe we see today is made up of matter, not antimatter. The innovative feature of this research is the use of Dalitz plot analyses to improve the sensitivity to interesting CP violation effects. Recently I have developed a number of new methods to search for CP violation based on this technique. These methods can be used at LHCb and will extend the physics reach of the experiment beyond what was previously considered possible. I propose to create a small research team, based at the University of Warwick, to develop these methods and to make a number of precise measurements of CP violation parameters using the LHCb experiment. By comparing the results with the Standard Model predictions for these parameters, effects due to non-standard particles can be observed or highly constrained. The results of this work have the potential to redefine the direction of this research field. They will be essential to develop theories of particle physics that go beyond the Standard Model and attempt to address great unanswered questions, such as the origin of the matter--antimatter asymmetry of the Universe.
Max ERC Funding
1 682 800 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
Project acronym COGS
Project Capitalizing on Gravitational Shear
Researcher (PI) Sarah Louise Bridle
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE9, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Our Universe appears to be filled with mysterious ingredients: 25 per cent appears to be dark matter, perhaps an as-yet undiscovered particle, and 70 per cent seems to be a bizarre fluid, dubbed dark energy, for which there is no satisfactory theory. Solving the dark energy problem is the most pressing question in cosmology today. It is possible that dark energy does not exist at all, and instead Einstein s theory of General Relativity is flawed. Cosmologists hope to measure the properties of the dark energy using the next generation of cosmological observations, in which I am playing a leading role. I believe the most promising technique to crack the dark energy problem is gravitational shear, in which images of distant galaxies are distorted as they pass through the intervening dark matter distribution. Analysis of the distortions allows a map of the dark matter to be reconstructed; by examining the dark matter distribution we uncover the nature of the apparent dark energy. However to capitalize on the great potential of gravitational shear we must measure incredibly small image distortions in the presence of much larger image modifications that occur in the measurement process. I am proposing a fresh look at this problem using an inter-disciplinary approach in collaboration with computer scientists. This grant would enable my team to play a central role in the key results from the upcoming Dark Energy Survey. We would further capitalize on the gravitational shear signal by moving away from the current dark energy bandwagon by instead focusing on testing General Relativity using novel approaches. Our work will produce results which will lead the next Einstein to solve the biggest puzzle in cosmology, and arguably physics.
Summary
Our Universe appears to be filled with mysterious ingredients: 25 per cent appears to be dark matter, perhaps an as-yet undiscovered particle, and 70 per cent seems to be a bizarre fluid, dubbed dark energy, for which there is no satisfactory theory. Solving the dark energy problem is the most pressing question in cosmology today. It is possible that dark energy does not exist at all, and instead Einstein s theory of General Relativity is flawed. Cosmologists hope to measure the properties of the dark energy using the next generation of cosmological observations, in which I am playing a leading role. I believe the most promising technique to crack the dark energy problem is gravitational shear, in which images of distant galaxies are distorted as they pass through the intervening dark matter distribution. Analysis of the distortions allows a map of the dark matter to be reconstructed; by examining the dark matter distribution we uncover the nature of the apparent dark energy. However to capitalize on the great potential of gravitational shear we must measure incredibly small image distortions in the presence of much larger image modifications that occur in the measurement process. I am proposing a fresh look at this problem using an inter-disciplinary approach in collaboration with computer scientists. This grant would enable my team to play a central role in the key results from the upcoming Dark Energy Survey. We would further capitalize on the gravitational shear signal by moving away from the current dark energy bandwagon by instead focusing on testing General Relativity using novel approaches. Our work will produce results which will lead the next Einstein to solve the biggest puzzle in cosmology, and arguably physics.
Max ERC Funding
1 400 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-04-01, End date: 2016-03-31
Project acronym COMITAC
Project An integrated geoscientific study of the thermodynamics and composition of the Earth's core-mantle interface
Researcher (PI) James Wookey
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE10, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The core-mantle interface is the central cog in the Earth's titanic heat engine. As the boundary between the two major convecting parts of the Earth system (the solid silicate mantle and the liquid iron outer core) the properties of this region have a profound influence on the thermochemical and dynamic evolution of the entire planet, including tectonic phenomena at the surface. Evidence from seismology shows that D" (the lowermost few hundred kilometres of the mantle) is strongly heterogeneous in temperature, chemistry, structure and dynamics; this may dominate the long term evolution of the Earth's magnetic field and the morphology of mantle convection and chemical stratification, for example. Mapping and characterising this heterogeneity requires a detailed knowledge of the properties of the constituents and dynamics of D"; this is achievable by resolving its seismic anisotropy. The observation of anisotropy in the shallow lithosphere was an important piece of evidence for the theory of plate tectonics; now such a breakthrough is possible for the analogous deep boundary. We are at a critical juncture where developments in modelling strain in the mantle, petrofabrics and seismic wave propagation can be combined to produce a new generation of integrated models of D", embodying more complete information than any currently available. I propose a groundbreaking project to build such multidisciplinary models and to produce the first complete image of lowermost mantle anisotropy using the best available global, high resolution seismic dataset. The comparison of the models with these data is the key to making a fundamental improvement in our understanding of the thermodynamics and composition of the core-mantle interface, and illuminating its role in the wider Earth system.
Summary
The core-mantle interface is the central cog in the Earth's titanic heat engine. As the boundary between the two major convecting parts of the Earth system (the solid silicate mantle and the liquid iron outer core) the properties of this region have a profound influence on the thermochemical and dynamic evolution of the entire planet, including tectonic phenomena at the surface. Evidence from seismology shows that D" (the lowermost few hundred kilometres of the mantle) is strongly heterogeneous in temperature, chemistry, structure and dynamics; this may dominate the long term evolution of the Earth's magnetic field and the morphology of mantle convection and chemical stratification, for example. Mapping and characterising this heterogeneity requires a detailed knowledge of the properties of the constituents and dynamics of D"; this is achievable by resolving its seismic anisotropy. The observation of anisotropy in the shallow lithosphere was an important piece of evidence for the theory of plate tectonics; now such a breakthrough is possible for the analogous deep boundary. We are at a critical juncture where developments in modelling strain in the mantle, petrofabrics and seismic wave propagation can be combined to produce a new generation of integrated models of D", embodying more complete information than any currently available. I propose a groundbreaking project to build such multidisciplinary models and to produce the first complete image of lowermost mantle anisotropy using the best available global, high resolution seismic dataset. The comparison of the models with these data is the key to making a fundamental improvement in our understanding of the thermodynamics and composition of the core-mantle interface, and illuminating its role in the wider Earth system.
Max ERC Funding
1 639 615 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-09-01, End date: 2015-08-31
Project acronym DCFM
Project Default and Collateral in Financial Markets
Researcher (PI) Ioannis Vailakis
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH1, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The main objective of this project is to research the economic implications of default and collateral in financial markets. It is motivated from the observation that much of the lending in modern economies is secured by some form of collateral and by the empirical fact that modern economies experience a substantial amount of default and bankruptcy. From a theoretical perspective, the research aims to explore new ways of modelling default and collateral and employ them to evaluate the impact of default and collateral on market outcomes. From a policy recommendation perspective, the research aims to develop models with testable implications that can be used by practitioners to discuss the consequences of a wide range of policies. In particular, to explore which kind of regulation procedures should be implemented in order to lower the risk of default and at the same time not to reduce too much risk-sharing. The agenda includes two research directions. The first research direction will focus on the implications of default and collateral in economies with bounded rational agents. Our aim is to understand how default and collateral affect market outcomes in environments where agents are allowed to have very divergent and therefore possibly incorrect beliefs about endogenous economic variables like future prices and delivery rates. The second research direction will focus on the implications of default and collateral in economies with an open ended horizon. Our aim is to investigate endogenous debt constraints that are compatible with equilibrium and simultaneously allow for as much risk sharing as possible.
Summary
The main objective of this project is to research the economic implications of default and collateral in financial markets. It is motivated from the observation that much of the lending in modern economies is secured by some form of collateral and by the empirical fact that modern economies experience a substantial amount of default and bankruptcy. From a theoretical perspective, the research aims to explore new ways of modelling default and collateral and employ them to evaluate the impact of default and collateral on market outcomes. From a policy recommendation perspective, the research aims to develop models with testable implications that can be used by practitioners to discuss the consequences of a wide range of policies. In particular, to explore which kind of regulation procedures should be implemented in order to lower the risk of default and at the same time not to reduce too much risk-sharing. The agenda includes two research directions. The first research direction will focus on the implications of default and collateral in economies with bounded rational agents. Our aim is to understand how default and collateral affect market outcomes in environments where agents are allowed to have very divergent and therefore possibly incorrect beliefs about endogenous economic variables like future prices and delivery rates. The second research direction will focus on the implications of default and collateral in economies with an open ended horizon. Our aim is to investigate endogenous debt constraints that are compatible with equilibrium and simultaneously allow for as much risk sharing as possible.
Max ERC Funding
156 538 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-06-01, End date: 2012-06-30
Project acronym DEDIGROWTH
Project Dedicated growth of novel 1-dimensional materials for emerging nanotechnological applications
Researcher (PI) Nicole Grobert
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary This proposal aims to establish growth systematics for catalytically grown nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanorods, carbon and hetero-atomic nanotubes. At present there is no clear understanding of the formation mechanism of these structures. Hence, the control over their properties, a vital aspect for technological applications of nanomaterials, is limited and remains difficult. Therefore, the main target of this proposal is the controlled production of new carbon and non-carbon-based nanomaterials with the focus on achieving structural control of the nanomaterials at the atomic level. An essential step towards the controlled generation of such new nanomaterials is a comprehensive understanding of the growth reactions and the role of the metal catalyst involved in the synthesis process. To achieve this, we will use in-situ techniques to study the chemical environment in the reactor during growth and state-of-the-art electron microscopy to reveal the chemical composition of the resulting catalyst particles and structures with atomic resolution. This data will provide information on how the nanostructure may have formed. Theoretical calculations and modelling of atomic scale processes of the catalyst reactivity will be used to draw a consistent picture of the functioning of the catalyst. An improved understanding of the functioning of the catalyst will allow us to estimate how the catalyst particles and reaction conditions have to be modified in order to enhance or to suppress certain products. A new high-throughput synthesis method together with the systematic variation of the growth parameters, such as cluster particle size and composition, temperature, gas pressure and precursor, will be used to generate a nanomaterials growth library. This nanomaterials library will be made available on the Internet for use by other researchers in planning their experiments.
Summary
This proposal aims to establish growth systematics for catalytically grown nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, nanorods, carbon and hetero-atomic nanotubes. At present there is no clear understanding of the formation mechanism of these structures. Hence, the control over their properties, a vital aspect for technological applications of nanomaterials, is limited and remains difficult. Therefore, the main target of this proposal is the controlled production of new carbon and non-carbon-based nanomaterials with the focus on achieving structural control of the nanomaterials at the atomic level. An essential step towards the controlled generation of such new nanomaterials is a comprehensive understanding of the growth reactions and the role of the metal catalyst involved in the synthesis process. To achieve this, we will use in-situ techniques to study the chemical environment in the reactor during growth and state-of-the-art electron microscopy to reveal the chemical composition of the resulting catalyst particles and structures with atomic resolution. This data will provide information on how the nanostructure may have formed. Theoretical calculations and modelling of atomic scale processes of the catalyst reactivity will be used to draw a consistent picture of the functioning of the catalyst. An improved understanding of the functioning of the catalyst will allow us to estimate how the catalyst particles and reaction conditions have to be modified in order to enhance or to suppress certain products. A new high-throughput synthesis method together with the systematic variation of the growth parameters, such as cluster particle size and composition, temperature, gas pressure and precursor, will be used to generate a nanomaterials growth library. This nanomaterials library will be made available on the Internet for use by other researchers in planning their experiments.
Max ERC Funding
1 276 038 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
Project acronym DYNRIGDIOPHGEOM
Project Dynamics of Large Group Actions, Rigidity, and Diophantine Geometry
Researcher (PI) Oleksandr Gorodnyk
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE1, ERC-2009-StG
Summary In our project we address several fundamental questions regarding ergodic-theoretical properties of actions of large groups. The problems that we plan to tackle are not only of central importance in the abstract theory of dynamical systems, but they also lead to solutions of a number of open questions in Diophantine geometry such as the Batyrev--Manin and Peyre conjectures on the asymptotics and the distribution of rational points on algebraic varieties, a generalisation of the Oppenheim conjecture on distribution of values of polynomial functions, a generalisation of Khinchin and Dirichlet theorems on Diophantine approximation in the setting of homogeneous varieties, and estimates on the number of integral points (with almost prime coordinates satisfying polynomial and congruence equations. The proposed research is expected to imply profound connections between diverse areas of mathematics simultaneously enriching each of them. For instance, we expect to establish a precise relation between the generalised Ramanujan conjecture in the theory of automorphic forms and the order of Diophantine approximation on algebraic varieties. We also plan to use our results on counting lattice points to derive estimates on multiplicities of automorphic representations and prove results in direction of Sarnak's density hypothesis. We investigate the problem of distribution of orbits, raised by Arnold and Krylov in sixties, the problem of multiple recurrence, pioneered by Furstenberg in seventies, and the problem of rigidity of group actions, formulated by Zimmer in eighties. We plan to compute the asymptotic distribution of orbits for actions on general homogeneous spaces, to establish multiple recurrence for large classes of actions of nonamenable groups, to prove isomorphism and factor rigidity of homogeneous actions and rigidity of actions under perturbations.
Summary
In our project we address several fundamental questions regarding ergodic-theoretical properties of actions of large groups. The problems that we plan to tackle are not only of central importance in the abstract theory of dynamical systems, but they also lead to solutions of a number of open questions in Diophantine geometry such as the Batyrev--Manin and Peyre conjectures on the asymptotics and the distribution of rational points on algebraic varieties, a generalisation of the Oppenheim conjecture on distribution of values of polynomial functions, a generalisation of Khinchin and Dirichlet theorems on Diophantine approximation in the setting of homogeneous varieties, and estimates on the number of integral points (with almost prime coordinates satisfying polynomial and congruence equations. The proposed research is expected to imply profound connections between diverse areas of mathematics simultaneously enriching each of them. For instance, we expect to establish a precise relation between the generalised Ramanujan conjecture in the theory of automorphic forms and the order of Diophantine approximation on algebraic varieties. We also plan to use our results on counting lattice points to derive estimates on multiplicities of automorphic representations and prove results in direction of Sarnak's density hypothesis. We investigate the problem of distribution of orbits, raised by Arnold and Krylov in sixties, the problem of multiple recurrence, pioneered by Furstenberg in seventies, and the problem of rigidity of group actions, formulated by Zimmer in eighties. We plan to compute the asymptotic distribution of orbits for actions on general homogeneous spaces, to establish multiple recurrence for large classes of actions of nonamenable groups, to prove isomorphism and factor rigidity of homogeneous actions and rigidity of actions under perturbations.
Max ERC Funding
630 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
Project acronym EATP
Project Evolutionary Approaches Towards Preferences
Researcher (PI) Balazs Szentes
Host Institution (HI) LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH1, ERC-2009-StG
Summary A recent psychological and experimental literature on human behavior suggests that standard preferences assumed in economic models are inadequate to explain human choice behaviors in numerous environments. The primary objective of this project is to establish evolutionary foundations for non-standard preferences. Most models in economics take preferences as given and derive the choices induced by these preferences. We intend to do just the opposite. We characterize the choice behavior that would survive evolution and then represent this choice behavior with preferences. That is, we identify the preferences that induce evolutionarily stable choice behavior. We identify each choice behavior with a gene. Hence, the choices an individual makes during her lifetime are determined by her genes, where these are inherited from her parents. A population can be defined as a group of individuals having the same genes. Populations with different genes may grow at different rates. Only those genes that induce the highest possible population growth rate given the physical environment survive evolution. We wish to apply the principle described above to derive implications for time preferences, preference for similarities, preferences for discrimination, preferences for conformity, and other important socio-economic behaviors. The goal of the project is to provide a theoretical guidance for which preferences are admissible and which are not likely to arise.
Summary
A recent psychological and experimental literature on human behavior suggests that standard preferences assumed in economic models are inadequate to explain human choice behaviors in numerous environments. The primary objective of this project is to establish evolutionary foundations for non-standard preferences. Most models in economics take preferences as given and derive the choices induced by these preferences. We intend to do just the opposite. We characterize the choice behavior that would survive evolution and then represent this choice behavior with preferences. That is, we identify the preferences that induce evolutionarily stable choice behavior. We identify each choice behavior with a gene. Hence, the choices an individual makes during her lifetime are determined by her genes, where these are inherited from her parents. A population can be defined as a group of individuals having the same genes. Populations with different genes may grow at different rates. Only those genes that induce the highest possible population growth rate given the physical environment survive evolution. We wish to apply the principle described above to derive implications for time preferences, preference for similarities, preferences for discrimination, preferences for conformity, and other important socio-economic behaviors. The goal of the project is to provide a theoretical guidance for which preferences are admissible and which are not likely to arise.
Max ERC Funding
600 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-01-01, End date: 2015-12-31
