Frontiers in gravitational wave astronomy (FRoGW)

Gravitational waves (GWs) have changed the way we explore the cosmo. They have uncovered new types of astrophysical objects (black hole binaries, black hole-neutron star binaries), which we had imagined but never seen. Thanks to GWs, we are closer than ever before to understanding the state of matter in the densest stars, the fundamental nature of gravity, the structure of our Universe.

These advances, made in less then a decade with only two detectors, show GW astronomy's unique potential: the ability to probe gravity at its extreme and, at the same time, large-scale astrophysics.

The goal of this project is to exploit both of GW astronomy's strengths, delivering data analysis tools, analytic results and practical
strategies. On the fundamental side, the project will address burning questions about the final stage of the merging of two black
holes (the "ringdown"). Thanks to recent advances in perturbation theory, it is finally possible to understand - beyond leading order - how black holes settle down after a merger. This project will help fill-in one of the few missing blocks in the understanding of our century-old theory of gravity. This, together with practical strategies to distinguish new physics from old-fashioned astrophysics, will be essential to exploit near future (2023+) and future (2030s) GW observations.

As an MSCA fellow, the applicant will receive crucial training in the fundamental aspects of gravity at the Nottingham Centre of
Gravity (University of Nottingham). The Centre, whose expertise spans gravity, particle physics and cosmology, will be the ideal
environment for this interdisciplinary project. The project's approach draws also from the applicant's expertise in theoretical physics
and astrophysics, data analysis and numerical methods. An academic secondment at Caltech will complete the multifaceted training
necessary for cutting-edge GW research, and will ensure the project's impact on key stakeholders, including current GW detectors.