TAURUS · Theory for A Unified descRiption of nUclear Structure

Ordinary matter is made of atoms and atoms are made of electrons surrounding a very tiny and fascinating object, the atomic nucleus. At the same time, the atomic nucleus is a physical system composed of two types of particles, protons and neutrons, that are interacting through intricate nuclear interactions, and, in the case of protons, through the electromagnetic interaction. Typical energies and sizes of this system require for its study the use of quantum many-body techniques. The main scientific goal of the present action is to provide a microscopic, universal and reliable theoretical description of the atomic nucleus. This ambitious objective will be achieved by developing: 1. Theoretical tools that combine state-of-the-art first- principles (ab-initio) nuclear interactions with the two most widely used quantum many-body techniques in Nuclear Physics, namely, the interacting shell model and the self-consistent mean-field and beyond-mean-field approximations. 2. State-of-the-art software and high performance computing to implement and use these techniques to produce valuable theoretical data that can be useful to nuclear experimentalists and astrophysicists.Pursuing this objective, the experienced researcher (ER) will acquire new scientific, managerial, dissemination, mentoring and cultural skills through advanced training that will boost his career possibilities both in academia and industry. Furthermore, this action is mutually beneficial because it opens a new line of research within the host group devoted to nuclear ab-initio methods. These topics are considered as the most important challenges to Nuclear Theory for the next decade. Therefore, this action will foster the international visibility and attractiveness of both the ER and the host group.