More and more scientific institutions join Einstein Telescope collaboration
In September 2018, ten scientific institutions from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands had already expressed an interest in the Einstein Telescope project. Since then, that group has kept on growing. Last Monday representatives from no fewer than sixteen research institutes and universities met in Maastricht to discuss the milestones reached so far and steps still to be taken. Their ambition is to submit a bid in 2022 to host the Einstein Telescope in the border region between the three countries.
Collaboration in full swing
Many of those present are already co-operating intensively on work associated with the Einstein Telescope. For example, by conducting geological research into the suitability of the ground in the region. They are also jointly establishing an R&D laboratory, ETpathfinder. And they are already active in European and global research into gravitational waves. The main purpose of this latest meeting was to “synchronise watches” and to agree on the next steps to take.
European Roadmap for Research Infrastructures
In the short term, one key priority is to draw up a proposal for inclusion in the so-called ESFRI Roadmap compiled by the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures. This is an overview of large-scale scientific infrastructure initiatives in Europe which are deemed worthy of investment. The proposal is being prepared jointly with other countries and will include both possible locations for the Einstein Telescope: Sardinia and the border region of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
