About us

Invisibles is a new European ITN project (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-ITN), which focuses on Neutrino and Dark Matter phenomenology and their connection. Experimental and theoretical aspects are also encompassed. The network involves nodes in seven European countries and its associated partners extend to seven non-European countries.

Neutrinos and Dark Matter are the most abundant particles in the universe and yet they remained unnoticed -invisible- until recently, due to their tenuous couplings to the ordinary matter we are composed of. Neutrino masses inferred from neutrino oscillations and the existence of dark matter constitute the first evidence ever of particle physics beyond the Standard Model. A wide experimental program focused on the properties of both type of particles is underway and key new results are becoming available. The road to build the New Standard Model of particle physics is open: a theory which must encompass the nature and properties of neutrinos and dark matter, besides those of ordinary matter. The mission of Invisibles ITN is to form the new generation of young researchers which will accomplish this task. This is the first transnational program, overcoming the European fragmentation on these topics.

Invisibles ITN is uniquely placed to achieve this task:

1. World-leadership in all relevant scientific areas is present
2. A novel multidisciplinary approach fostering the neutrino-dark matter synergy
3. In addition to theorists, it includes neutrino and dark matter experimentalists; theory-experiment cross training is a unique characteristic of this ITN
4. Outstanding training record
5. Partnership with world-leader research-related industry
6. Strong expertise in outreach and communication with two dedicated companies
7. Optimal in gender balance and role models, with over 60% female and mostly junior international leaders as coordinators.

This European projects will provide funding for PhD and young postdoc positions from 2012