Topics

Interdisciplinary Research

Research that bridges multiple scientific disciplines to investigate processes occurring in the underground environment. This topic highlights cross-cutting approaches, where physicists, geoscientists, biologists, and engineers collaborate to address complex scientific questions.

Societal and Human Perspectives

Contributions addressing the societal, historical, ethical, and policy dimensions of underground infrastructures, particularly in relation to nuclear deterrence and strategic defense systems. This topic explores how underground facilities intersect with society through issues such as security, governance, heritage, environmental responsibility, risk perception, and public understanding of science and technology.

Biology and Subsurface Life

Studies of biological processes occurring in confined or deep environments. This includes microbial ecosystems, extremophiles, and biogeochemical interactions in the subsurface, as well as the adaptation of life to low-energy and isolated environments. The topic also includes research on the effects of cosmic radiation on biological systems, such as studies of DNA damage and repair mechanisms induced by cosmic rays.

Earth, Environmental and Geophysical Sciences

Research focused on geological, hydrological, atmospheric, and geophysical processes, including seismology and the study of seismic wave propagation, ambient seismic noise, and earthquake-related phenomena. This topic also covers investigations conducted in underground environments that benefit from low-noise conditions for observing natural Earth system signals. 

Underground Imaging and Subsurface Characterization

Methods and experiments aimed at imaging and characterizing subsurface structures. Topics include muography, geophysical imaging techniques, particle-based imaging, and other approaches that allow non-invasive exploration of underground structures.

Fundamental Physics and Gravitation

Experiments in fundamental physics that benefit from the low-noise and low-background conditions of underground laboratories. This includes studies of gravitation, precision measurements, rare-event detection, and experimental approaches that require exceptionally stable environments.

Environmental Monitoring and Observatories

Long-term monitoring of environmental parameters in underground and surface observatories. This topic includes studies of atmospheric electricity, environmental variability, climate-related signals, and the development of long-duration observational datasets.

Instrumentation, Metrology and Sensors

Development of advanced sensors, experimental setups, and measurement techniques adapted to underground conditions. Contributions may address precision metrology, novel sensing technologies, and instrumentation designed to detect weak signals in complex environments.

Signal Processing and Noise Characterization

Methods for detecting, extracting, and interpreting weak signals in the presence of environmental or instrumental noise. This includes noise characterization, signal filtering, data acquisition strategies, and analytical techniques developed for low-noise experimental environments.

Data Science and Numerical Modeling

Computational approaches used to analyze, simulate, and interpret data collected in underground experiments and observatories. Topics include numerical modeling and simulations of physical processes, machine learning applications, and advanced data analysis methods.

Industrial and Technological Applications

 Applications of technologies and methods developed in underground and underwater research environments to industry and engineering. This includes sensing, monitoring, imaging, and technological innovations with potential societal and industrial impact.