Gravitational Physics PhD

Cardiff University

Gravitational Physics is a research area within which you can focus your studies as part of our suite of Physics and Astronomy research programmes (MPhil, PhD). The Gravitational Physics Group is one of the largest research groups in the School of Physics and Astronomy. We focus on the detection and study of gravitational waves from astrophysical systems such as black-hole and neutron-star binaries, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts. Group members are also leaders in the field of numerical relativity, simulating collisions of black holes using large computer clusters. The Group co-founded the British-German GEO 600 gravitational-wave detection project and is a leading member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. We are active members of collaborations studying the scientific benefits of the proposed space-based LISA system and the future Einstein Telescope (ET). As a part of this research we develop novel algorithms and software that have become standard search tools. Cardiff also acts as a data centre for GEO 600 and LIGO, with the data analysed in-house using large computer clusters. Full-time duration - PhD 3-4 years, MPhil 1-2 years

School of Physics and Astronomy