The key objective of this workshop is to develop and disseminate a research agenda on interconnecting software tools in real-time multi-messenger astronomy. This international conference provides a forum for leading scientists and young researchers to foster communication within the community between developers and users with a range of expertise in the production and use of software tools that facilitates life in rapidly evolving real-time multi-messenger astronomy.
Enabling future gravitational waves astrophysics in the milli-hertz regime, June 30 – Juli 25, 2025, Munich
Join us to explore the uncharted milli-Hertz regime of the gravitational wave spectrum, a domain soon to be unlocked by space missions. With a special emphasis on the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission, our workshop also broadens its scope to include other milli-Hertz missions and aims to explore synergies with the next generation of ground-based gravitational wave detectors.
The milli-Hertz regime is unique due to the variety of gravitational wave sources emitting at these frequencies, including binaries of stellar remnants such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes within our own Galaxy, as well as inspiraling compact objects onto massive black holes (aka Extreme/Intermediate Mass Ratio Inspirals,
E/IMRI) and mergers between nascent massive black holes (MBH) at cosmic dawn. This regime is also unique in terms of waveform modelling, data analysis and data interpretation, presenting challenges that call for a community-driven approach.
Our workshop will bring together leading experts and early career scientists in the field of theoretical modelling (from astrophysics to numerical relativity), electromagnetic observations, and gravitational wave data analysis, aiming to prepare the community for the new kind of gravitational wave data and to enable groundbreaking astrophysics in the milli-Hertz regime. The format will balance scientific talks, interactive tutorials, and open discussions, creating an ideal environment for initiating new collaborations and consolidating ongoing projects. More broadly, we strive to foster a community where interdisciplinary and creative collaborations can flourish.
Week 1 (30th June – 4th July): Astrophysical Modelling and Uncertainties
• Review and assess state-of-the-art astrophysical models.
• Identify gaps and uncertainties in mHz GW source modelling.
Key topics to be discussed include:
– Robustness of stellar binary modelling against assumptions on stability of mass transfer, accretion onto compact objects, common envelopes, and tides.
– Predicting MBH binaries/EMRI/IMRI event rates and their key waveform properties.
– Existence and distribution of intermediate-mass black holes.
– Synergies with upcoming electromagnetic surveys.
Week 2 (7th – 11th July): Waveform Modelling Challenges
• Outline a road-map for addressing challenges in waveform modelling before 2030s.
• Access the required waveform accuracy for the mHz data analysis.
Key questions to be discussed include:
– Integrating post-Newtonian and numerical relativity simulations to provide predictions for waveforms under realistic orbital configuration of the mHz GW sources.
– Explore the possibility of extending black hole perturbation theory for IMRIs.
– Including environmental effects in GW waveforms.
– Advances and applicability of emerging methods based on effective field theory and amplitude scattering techniques.
Week 3 (14th – 18th July): Data Analysis and Parameter Estimation
• Discuss data analysis complexities; in particular challenges of the “global fit” approach.
• Focus on precise source parameter estimation and accurate source subtraction to facilitate the analysis of stochastic backgrounds.
Key questions to be discussed include:
– Utilising electromagnetic observations of Galactic binaries for instrument noise estimation.
– Identify waveforms that effectively capture the diversity and complexity of astrophysical populations for each source type while optimising computational efficiency.
– Formulate astrophysically motivated priors for the global fit analysis.
– Discuss strategies for extracting astrophysical sources from GW data to analyse stochastic signals.
Week 4 (21st – 25th July): Data Interpretation via Astrophysical Models
• Build upon insights from previous weeks’ discussions to explore the scientific interpretation of mHz GW data using astrophysical models.
• Develop astrophysics-focused mock data challenges to prepare the community for future data interpretation.
Key questions to be discussed include:
– Re-discovering our Galaxy using mHz GW detections.
– Understanding MBH formation through GW detections.
– Leveraging GW event rates to study physical processes in galactic nuclei.
– Identifying promising electromagnetic counterparts for mHz GW sources
Fundamental physics and gravitational wave detectors, September 9-20, 2024, Pollica
Gravitational waves (GWs) from compact binaries have been detected in the kHz regime, and Pulsar Timing Arrays are revealing a GW background in the nHz band. Experimental ideas spanning from nHz to MHz are being explored to cover the gravitational spectrum. This is an exciting time to explore what GWs can uncover about fundamental physics and cosmology by detecting astrophysical and primordial GW sources, as well as exploring effects that could be induced by various Dark Matter candidates.
This workshop will unite astrophysicists, cosmologists, and particle physicists to discuss open questions and define theoretical targets, guiding the field in experimental strategies across the gravitational spectrum to learn about our Universe.
All of this is to be set against the backdrop of the medieval town of Pollica, in Southwestern Italy (Cilento region). The workshop will take place from the 9th to the 20th of September 2024.
Location: the workshop will take place in the Castello dei Principi Capano, in Pollica (SA).
PhD positions in Theory and Phenomenology of High Energy Physics at RWTH Aachen
Prof. M. Czakon and Prof. M. Worek invite applications for Ph.D. positions in theoretical particle physics (hep-ph) with a starting date in the fall of 2024. The PhD projects concern precision Standard Model predictions for the LHC, perturbative QCD, top quark and Higgs boson physics. The recipients will be hosted by the Institute for Theoretical Particle Physics and Cosmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. The deadline for applications is June 7, 2024.
We explicitly encourage applications from qualified women. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.
More information about the Institute for Theoretical Particle Physics and Cosmology, RWTH Aachen University can be found at:
https://www.particle-theory.rwth-aachen.de
The PhD positions are funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The PhD students will be eligible for association with
- the Research Training Group: Physics of the Heaviest Particles at the LHC – http://www.rwth-aachen.de/rtg2497
- the Transregional Collaborative Research Centre: P3H – Particle Physics Phenomenology after the Higgs Discovery – https://p3h.particle.kit.edu/.
Please enclose in the application:
- cover letter stating your interests, motivation, and preference for either Prof. Czakon or Prof. Worek
- research statement,
- curriculum vitae,
- degree certificates and study transcripts with a description of the grading scheme,
- abstract (maximum half a page) of your diploma or masters thesis,
- list of your publications (if any).
Please arrange for 2 letters of recommendation to be submitted via AcademicJobsOnline.org.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a job interview shortly after the deadline. The job interview will include:
- an oral scientific presentation (20 minutes) given by you on a subject of your choice,
- an interview to gain a deeper understanding of your knowledge and motivation.
Please find here full details.
Gravitational-wave SNOWBALLS,Populations, and models, January 20-24, 2025 in Sexten (Italy)
This workshop brings together researchers at the forefront of both forward astrophysical modeling of compact object binary formation and gravitational-wave data analysis in preparation for the upcoming O4 data release of the LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA interferometers.
Gravitational waves represent an incredibly exciting new frontier in observational astronomy. The rapidly growing data set of mergers of black holes and neutron stars contains information on the compact-object masses, spins, and merger redshifts. The population of these sources has the potential to inform our understanding of fields as broad as stellar and binary evolution, mass-transfer physics, dynamics in dense stellar environments, supernova modeling, nucleosynthesis, chemical evolution, the cosmological history of the Universe, as well as the fundamental theory of gravity. Yet, these discoveries rely on inference using data with limited precision and significant selection effects, using potentially imperfect models that may lead to incorrect conclusions.
The workshop is organized by Davide Gerosa, Ilya Mandel, and Salvatore Vitale at the Sexten Center for Astrophysics, which is located in the beautiful Dolomites, in the Italian Alps. Sexten overlooks the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) which are among the most iconic peaks in alpinism history. Scientific sessions are hosted at the Bad Moos hotel, which is right next to the ski slopes. Please don’t throw too many snowballs at other conference attendees.
5th Gravi-Gamma-Nu workshop, October 9-11, 2024 in Bari
Fifth edition of the Gravi-Gamma-Nu workshop to be held in the historic city center of Bari in the Puglia region of Italy from October 9-11, 2024.
This year’s workshop will be dedicated to covering the latest multi-messenger observational results on AGN and black holes combined with highlights on novel simulation techniques and analysis methods.
The format of the workshop consists of invited and contributed talks. Information regarding the workshop, including the list of confirmed invited speakers can be found on the webpage.
Registration and abstract submission opened on May 1st. We strongly encourage the participation of PhD and early career researchers.
Erlangen School for Astroparticle Physics 2024, October 7-15, in Obertrubach-Bärnfels
Announcement: the 20th edition of the annual School for Astroparticle Physics, to be held from 7th to 15th October 2024 in Obertrubach-Bärnfels, close to Erlangen, Germany. The school is aimed at advanced graduate and PhD students from all fields of experimental and theoretical astroparticle physics. It will be held in English and is open for international participation.
The school covers topics from astrophysics to particle physics and cosmology.
Lectures are given by key scientists in the field, please find a list of speakers in the attached poster. The school combines education, discussion and contributions by the participants. The participation fee of 500 Euro covers accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee breaks). Further information and the registration form can be found on
http://www.astroteilchenschule.nat.fau.de/
We would be delighted to welcome participants from your groups.
The deadline for registration is June 9, 2024, 12pm. If a visa letter is required, prospective participants should contact us as soon as possible, well before the registration deadline.
Remembering Astrophysicist Peter Bender
Credit: Steven Burrows, JILA
It is with great sorrow that we have learnt that Pete Bender, at the age of 93, passed away last Saturday, 22 April 2024.
LISA, as we know it today, has for a large part its origin in Pete’s creativity, deep physical insight and intellectual rigor.
It is a small consolation that he could witness the final approval of the mission by the European Space Agency last January.
Pete has been a guide and a model for many of us in the LISA community, and his legacy and example will continue to drive our effort toward the success of the LISA mission.
Read the Obituary on the JILA Website
You could also add something to the Memorial Page
LISA Precision Measurement Scientist at the Goddard Space Flight Center
The Gravitational Astrophysics Laboratory at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is seeking a research astrophysicist with expertise in metrology, precision measurement, and/or instrumentation for gravitational wave detection to support NASA’s participation in the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. Application Deadline: May 31st 2024.
This position is for a Research Astrophysicist (civil service scientist) Term Hire not to exceed 2 years with the option to extend to a maximum of 6 years, and the option to be made permanent without further competition.
LISA is a mission led by the European Space Agency to build and operate the first space-based observatory of gravitational waves with sensitivity in the millihertz band and a wide variety of applications in astrophysics, cosmology, and fundamental physics. NASA’s contributions to LISA, which are being led by the Goddard Space Flight Center, include the delivery of critical instrument systems of telescopes and precision laser light sources.
The selected individual will work with the existing LISA team at Goddard, including scientists, engineers, project managers, and support staff to contribute to the successful delivery of the instrument systems. Duties will include designing and conducting verification and validation of instrument prototypes and flight models; contributing to system-level models of instrument performance; and interfacing with precision measurement scientists at ESA and other European partners. While support for LISA is the primary focus for this position, the employee will also have opportunities to propose self-directed research to study gravitational waves or other areas of astrophysics.
This will be a 2-step process. The first phase, through May 31, 2024, seeks declarations of interest in this position via a submitted letter of interest and other documents (see below). The second phase will be a USAJOBS posting, anticipated in June 2024. Those who respond during phase 1 will receive additional notification when the respective USAJOBS opportunity opens. Note that phase 1 is the ‘strongly encouraged’ phase and phase 2 is the ‘required’ phase.
The position will reside at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC.
US citizenship is required at the time of the Phase 2/USAJOBS application. Those who are expecting U.S. citizenship by the time of the Phase 2 opportunity are encouraged to submit materials during Phase 1, even if they do not yet have their U.S. citizenship. A Ph.D. degree is preferred. This is an early to mid-career position that will be posted at the GS-13 and GS-14 levels.
Interested applicants should contact Diana Elben (diana.m.elben(at)nasa.gov) by 5/31/2024. Please use the subject line “2024 LISA Precision Measurement Scientist”. Inquiries about the position may be addressed to Dr. John Baker at john.g.baker(at)nasa.gov. Additional application material will be required in Phase 2 via the USAJobs website; the USAJobs posting is anticipated sometime in June 2024.
Please find here details.
11th International Fermi Symposium, September 9-13, 2024, College Park, Maryland
This symposium follows previous Fermi Symposia at Stanford, CA (February 2007), Washington, DC (November 2009), Rome, Italy (May 2011), Monterey, CA (November 2012), Nagoya, Japan (October 2014), Arlington, VA (November 2015), Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany (October 2017), Baltimore, MD (October 2018), virtual (April 2021), and Johannesburg, South Africa (October 2022).
The two Fermi instruments have been surveying the high-energy sky since August 2008. The Large Area Telescope (LAT) has discovered more than seven thousand new sources and many new source classes, bringing the importance of gamma-ray astrophysics to an ever-broadening community. The LAT catalog includes supernova remnants, pulsar wind nebulae, pulsars, binary systems, novae, several classes of active galaxies, starburst galaxies, normal galaxies, and a large number of unidentified sources. Continuous monitoring of the high-energy gamma-ray sky has uncovered numerous outbursts from a wide range of transients. Fermi LAT’s study of diffuse gamma-ray emission in our galaxy revealed giant bubbles shining in gamma rays. The direct measurement of a harder-than-expected cosmic-ray electron spectrum may imply the presence of nearby cosmic-ray accelerators. LAT data have provided stringent constraints on new phenomena such as supersymmetric dark-matter annihilations as well as tests of fundamental physics. The Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) continues to be a prolific detector of gamma-ray transients: magnetars, solar flares, terrestrial gamma-ray flashes and gamma-ray bursts at keV to MeV energies, and complementing gravitational wave observations by LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA and the higher energy LAT observations of those sources.
All gamma-ray data are made immediately available at the Fermi Science Support Center. These publicly available data and Fermi analysis tools have enabled a large number of important studies. We especially encourage guest investigators worldwide to participate in this symposium to share results and to learn about upcoming opportunities.
This meeting will focus on the new scientific investigations and results enabled by Fermi, the mission and instrument characteristics, future opportunities, and coordinated observations and analyses.