RUI: the non-linear universe: precision numerical cosmology and fundamental physics

The National Science Foundation Division of Physics awarded Kenyon College $100,000 on August 1, 2026, under the Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI) Program to fund precision numerical cosmology and theoretical physics research led by Professor John T. Giblin, Jr.

The project develops high-precision numerical simulations to study nonlinear processes in the early universe, including reheating dynamics following inflation, non-standard cosmological expansion histories, and stochastic gravitational wave production. The research explores how these phenomena reveal insights into gravity, particle physics, and dark matter, with applications to interpreting observations from gravitational-wave detectors and cosmological surveys. The work incorporates physics-informed neural networks as a computational approach for solving theoretical physics problems.

The award supports intensive research opportunities for undergraduate students at Kenyon College, including conference participation and development of instructional materials in computational and mathematical physics. The project includes public outreach and education activities to broaden access to cutting-edge research.

Performance occurs in Gambier, Ohio, with a period of performance from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2028.

Abstract

This RUI award funds the research activities of professor john T. Giblin, JR. At kenyon college. The universe is a unique laboratory for exploring fundamental questions about high energy physics that cannot be answered through terrestrial experiments alone. By combining advanced computational and theoretical methods, professor giblin will study how nonlinear processes in the early universe reveal new insights into gravity, particle physics, dark matter, and the conditions immediately following cosmic inflation. This work will help interpret observations from current and future gravitational-wave detectors and cosmological surveys, advancing our understanding of the fundamental laws governing nature. As a result, this research advances the national interest by promoting the progress of science in one of its most fundamental directions through the discovery and understanding of new fundamental laws, the training of scientifically literate human resources, and the development of widely useful computational methods. The project will provide intensive research opportunities for undergraduate students at kenyon college, support their participation in scientific conferences, contribute to the development of new instructional materials in computational and mathematical physics, and broaden access to cutting-edge research through public outreach and education. In addition, the project will explore the use of artificial intelligence through physics-informed neural networks as a new computational paradigm for solving challenging problems in theoretical physics. More technically, professor giblin will develop high-precision numerical simulations to study nonlinear phenomena in the early universe and their observable consequences. The project will investigate the dynamics of reheating following inflation, non-standard cosmological expansion histories, and the production of stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds that may serve as probes of physics beyond the standard model. IT will also employ full numerical relativity to study the formation of primordial black holes from cosmological processes, examine their potential observational signatures, and determine how nonlinear gravitational dynamics modify conventional cosmological predictions. Finally, the project will develop and apply physics-informed neural network methods for solving stiff systems of nonlinear partial differential equations arising in modified gravity and cosmology, establishing new computational approaches that complement traditional lattice-based simulations while enabling more efficient exploration of complex physical systems. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.