Prof. Piotr Wcisło from the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science was among the winners of the MAESTRO 17 competition organised by the National Science Centre, which supports pioneering research crucial for the development of science. We also know the results of the 15th edition of SONATA BIS, in which grants were awarded to three researchers from Nicolaus Copernicus University: Dr Marta Sibierska, Dr Joanna Walewska-Choptiany and Dr Katarzyna Siudzińska, Prof. at Nicolaus Copernicus University.
MAESTRO is the flagship programme of the NCN, which funds pioneering research conducted by experienced scientists, including interdisciplinary research that is important for the development of science, goes beyond the current state of knowledge, and may result in scientific discoveries. The competition is open to researchers with at least a doctoral degree, outstanding achievements documented by publications in renowned journals, and experience in managing large grants.
In the 17th edition of the MAESTRO competition, the NCN received 83 applications, of which seven were selected for funding, with a total value of nearly PLN 26.6 million.
Among the winners was Prof. Piotr Wcisło from the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Computer Science, whose five-year project ‘Ultra-precise laser spectroscopy – testing the limits of quantum theory’ will receive PLN 5,683,980 in funding from the National Science Centre.
The research involves the creation of an experimental system that combines some of the most advanced technologies in modern physics, such as high-precision lasers, devices for trapping light called optical cavities, and extremely cold environments that will allow molecules to be studied with greater accuracy than ever before.
Our research is based on a profound question: How well does our current understanding of quantum physics work when we study the smallest and simplest molecules at a very high level of accuracy? – reads the project description. For example, the hydrogen molecule is the simplest molecule in nature, whose structure can be calculated from the principles of early quantum theory with remarkable accuracy. By measuring the energy of the vibrations and rotations of the hydrogen molecule with unprecedented precision, we can directly test these predictions. If the theory agrees perfectly with the measurement, we will test quantum physics for molecules at an unprecedented level of accuracy. If not, it may indicate new physics waiting to be discovered.
More information about the research conducted by Prof. Piotr Wcisło’s team
The National Science Centre has also decided on the winners of the SONATA BIS 15 competition, which allows researchers aged 5 to 12 years after obtaining their doctoral degree to set up their own independent research group and carry out ambitious projects in the field of basic research. The grant budget can include funds for the remuneration of project managers and contractors, the purchase of scientific and research equipment, devices, software, materials, hardware, external services, travel, consultations and other costs necessary for the implementation of projects.
By the 15th edition of the competition, 481 applications had been submitted, amounting to over PLN 1.3 billion. Funding was awarded to 70 projects with a total value of over PLN 223.7 million, including three projects by researchers from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń:
Dr Marta Sibierska from the Faculty of Humanities will receive PLN 1,237,516 for the implementation of a project entitled RIECS: The Role of Indexes in Emerging Communication Systems. It involves conducting a series of experiments in which participants will have to communicate without using words. The researchers will use video analysis and AI-based motion tracking to investigate how indices and icons differ – how long they last, how fast they are, how much space they take up, and which parts of the body are involved. The knowledge gained may provide new insights into the evolution of language and how children learn to communicate, and will increase the possibilities for designing better communication tools in various environments – from classrooms to virtual reality.
Dr Joanna Walewska-Choptiany from the Faculty of Humanities will receive PLN 2,572,406 for the implementation of the project entitled ‘Cold War feedback between Polish Radio and Radio Free Europe in 1952-1990’. The research aims to show Polish Radio and Radio Free Europe as equal actors in the Cold War information space, who listened carefully to each other across the Iron Curtain, as so-called ‘white propaganda’ was one of the most important sources of information. The project will take into account state documents regulating the activities of both institutions, but the main emphasis will be placed on moments when the institutions’ activities deviated from top-down guidelines.
Dr Katarzyna Siudzińska, professor at the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science at Nicolaus Copernicus University, will receive PLN 1,035,170 for the implementation of the project ‘Symmetric quantum measurements: definition, analysis and applications’. The aim of the research is to define, analyse and construct measurement operators (used to obtain information about quantum states) with weaker symmetry constraints but analogous properties and applications. In her preliminary results, the researcher shows that SIC POVMs and MUBs are special cases of a more general concept: equal sets of mutually unencumbered symmetric measurements that are informationally complete.
SONATA BIS 15 ranking list
More details about the competition results
Source: NCU Information Portal