First UK gravitational wave Institute opens
4 Nov 2016 by Evoluted New Media
The University of Birmingham is to open an Institute of Gravitational Wave Astronomy, the first of its kind in the UK.
The University of Birmingham is to open an Institute of Gravitational Wave Astronomy, the first of its kind in the UK.
Researchers from Birmingham were involved in the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) experiment that detected gravitational waves in September last year. They developed and built hardware for its instrumentation as well as providing analysis of the collected data.
Professor David Eastwood, vice-chancellor at the University, said: “Our investment in the UK’s first Institute dedicated to gravitational wave astronomy is in recognition of the significance of the detection and will lead the way in exploiting the tremendous scientific opportunities that have now opened up.“
An initial £6m has been invested in this Institute which will aim to engage with industries and companies to develop partnerships and transfer technology. As well, it will also look to pioneer new ideas concerning precision measurement. This will be achieved through building expertise in optics, interferometry, theoretical physics and metrology among others.
Professor Alberto Vecchio, professor of Astrophysics at the University of Birmingham, said: “I am delighted that after many years of work culminating in our contributions to the breakthrough detection of gravitational waves, the University's investment is providing Birmingham with a springboard to be at the forefront of gravitational-wave astronomy at a time in which the field is about to boom. I can't wait for the many exciting discoveries and surprises in the years to come.”
The Institute members will continue to investigate outer space with Advanced LIGO to see what else can be detected by the analytical machine.
