eXceptional Solutions and U-folds in quantum GRAvity

ended

String/M-theory provides the best candidate for a consistent description of gravity at the quantum level. Our ability to further our understanding of string theory relies heavily on the developement of advanced solution generation techiques, as well as on our control of the intricate web of dual formulations of the theory and its low energy limits. This action focuses on the formal developement and application of advanced theoretical tools that capture the U-duality groups of string and M-theory, such as exceptional generalised geometries and exceptional field theories. The main objective is to develop cutting-edge solution generating techinques for extended supergravities and string/M-theory, to construct wide new classes of explicit solutions both of the globally geometric and of U-fold type, with applications to holographic duality, to the study of exotic branes, and to (non-)geometric flux compactifications. The implementation of this action also keeps an eye on the formal development of advanced instances of exceptional generalised geometries/field theories such as ones based on affine Kac-Moody structure groups, which have the striking property of encoding the integrability of the underlying two dimensional supergravities as well as potentially capturing extra string theoretic degrees of freedom through deformation of the associated first order duality relations. This proposal also describes a detalied plan for dissemination of the research results of the action, as well as for outreach initiatives aimed at diverse audiences ranging from the general public to (under)graduate students. Training of the researcher is thoroughly planned, with focus on his developement as research leader, teacher, manager and with the main objective of enhanicng his profile to the best standards for the progress of his career beyond this action.