Two new COST Actions on Compact Stars and Astrobiology


1) NewCompStar :

Website : http://compstar.uni-frankfurt.de/

Contact person :

Chair of the Action:
Prof. Luciano REZZOLLA (DE)
Institute for Theoretical Physics, Max-von-Laue-Str. 1, D-60438 Frankfurt
Albert Einstein Institute, Am Muehlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam
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Short description :

Compact stars, such as neutron stars, strange stars or hybrid stars, are unique laboratories that allow us to probe the building blocks of matter and their interactions at regimes that terrestrial laboratories cannot explore. These exceptional objects have already led to breakthrough discoveries in nuclear and subnuclear physics, QCD, general relativity and high-energy astrophysics. The upcoming generation of observatories and gravitational-wave detectors will continue to nurture innovative and fundamental discoveries complementary to those achieved through the nuclear and subnuclear experimental facilities. The MPNS COST Action MP1304 Exploring fundamental physics with compact stars (NewCompStar) was officially started on Nov. 25 2013 and represents the natural evolution of an ESF-funded RPN, CompStar. General information about COST Actions can be found on the network webpages.
The rules and regulations for a COST Actions are summarized in the Vademecum Part 1 and Part 2.

The new COST Action brings together the leading experts in astrophysics, nuclear physics and gravitational physics to address this fascinating but challenging research area through an interdisciplinary approach. In addition to an innovative and well-defined research agenda, the network will provide a dedicated training program for a new generation of scientists with wide-ranging expertise and multiple skills oriented also towards knowledge transfer and innovation.

The Charter of NewCompstar is embodied in its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). So far 28 countries have signed the MOU. In addition, Armenia and the Russian Federation are participating near neighbouring countries, with Australia being an international partner.

2) Origins and evolution of life on Earth and in the Universe (ORIGINS)

Contact person :

Dr. Muriel Gargaud
Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Bordeaux
2 rue de l'observatoire
33271 FLOIRAC , FRANCE
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Short description : this Action addresses three basic questions that fascinate and intrigue scientists, and the general public alike, questions that are pivotal to our understanding and appreciation of our place in the universe. Where, when and how did life emerge and evolve on Earth? What are the conditions under which life can exist? Does life exist
elsewhere in the Universe and, if it does, how can it be detected and identified?

29 countries have signed their MoU. Here's a link to the list :

http://www.cost.eu/domains_actions/TDP/Actions/TD1308?parties