CA24149 - Extreme Plasma Network for Advanced Discovery (EXPAND)

The universe teems with fascinating compact objects such as black holes and neutron stars that push our fundamental understanding of nature and capture the imagination of scientists and the public alike. The magnetospheres of these astrophysical objects are filled with relativistic plasmas (ionized gas) under extreme conditions of pressure, density, and electromagnetic field strength that play a critical role in shaping the flow of energy, the acceleration of particles, and the radiative signatures of these environments. However, their properties depart greatly from those of traditional plasmas in space and in the laboratory and as such our understanding of these extreme plasmas is still rather poor. New discoveries together with unique observational opportunities insist on the need to push the boundaries of our understanding and develop the necessary tools to study extreme plasma physics. At the same time, rapid progress and strong investments in high-intensity laser and accelerator facilities are opening new frontiers to study relevant extreme plasma conditions in the laboratory for the first time.
 
This Action aims to 1) push the boundaries of our understanding of extreme plasma physics by bringing together and sharing the expertise and tools from different groups to maximize production of new knowledge and breakthrough discoveries, 2) connect researchers across countries around a cohesive community focused on extreme plasma physics, 3) boost the careers of young researchers in this multidisciplinary field by fostering opportunities for training, increasing visibility and integration, and 4) share the results and excitement with the scientific community and with the public.