The Einstein Telescope as a driver of innovation in Wallonia
Wallonia, along with its partners in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR), aims to position itself as a key player in the development of cutting-edge technologies through its involvement in the Einstein Telescope project. Two new projects offer opportunities for industry.
The large-scale European scientific project Einstein Telescope promises to revolutionise our understanding of the universe by studying gravitational waves. At the same time, it represents a unique opportunity for companies throughout the EMR region, both in terms of technological development and industrial collaboration with the universities behind the project. Companies can take part in the cluster calls for projects 43 (GreenWin) and 44 (Pôle MecaTech).
Active involvement in the Einstein Telescope project
For several months now, Wallonia, in partnership with a number of regional competitiveness clusters such as Skywin, Pôle MecaTech and Greenwin (including the Logistics in Wallonia cluster), has been stepping up initiatives to mobilise local players around the Einstein Telescope. These clusters play a central role in the organisation of thematic workshops, aimed at preparing companies and research institutions for the calls for innovation projects labelled Einstein Telescope.
Cluster calls for projects 43 and 44, which open in the second half of 2024, offer a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration where companies, research centres, universities and colleges are encouraged to propose innovative solutions to the technological challenges of the Einstein Telescope.
A look back at the 4 Workshops organised to date:
Ultra Cool Vibes at CSL ULiège (14/05/2024)
The first workshop, attended by 65 participants, focused on ultra-cool technologies, which are essential to the operation of the Einstein Telescope instruments. It identified opportunities for collaboration between scientific and industrial players, strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem in precision mechanics and mechatronics, non-contact radiative cryogenics and vibration sensors, and enabling industrial collaborations in the future Walloon ET test site: ET-CRISTAL.
Complex Algorithms at CSL ULiège (27/06/2024)
This workshop brought together around fifteen participants to discuss complex algorithms, which are essential for processing the data generated by the telescope. Discussions focused on the challenges associated with the simulation, control and monitoring of interferometers, as well as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Optics, Mirrors & Lasers at UCLouvain (02/09/2024)
With 35 participants, this third workshop focused on optical technologies, mirrors, mirror coating and lasers, critical components for the telescope. The event established partnerships between specialist companies, paving the way for collaborative projects linked to the future Walloon ET-OPT test site and the ETpathfinder (NL).
Get-Together Hub Greenwin at Blue Point Liège (13/09/2024)
The final workshop brought together 65 participants to tackle key issues such as excavation and related logistics, recycling of excavated materials and resources (rock and water), sustainable construction, sustainable green energy and digital technology. These issues are crucial for the underground infrastructure of the Einstein Telescope and offer opportunities for collaboration for companies specialising in these fields.
Wallonia in the EMR region: An Integration Perspective
Beyond regional borders, Wallonia is part of a cross-border dynamic with the EMR region. This strategic positioning is strengthening collaboration with partners in Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia), Germany and the Netherlands, encouraging the emergence of large-scale European consortia. Collaboration with players in the EMR region would enable technological and scientific skills to be pooled, while strengthening research and development capabilities across Europe.
Outlook and next steps
With the opening of the Einstein Telescope 43 and 44 calls for projects, Wallonia is continuing its commitment to technological innovation. By becoming actively involved in the Einstein Telescope project, Wallonia wants to demonstrate its ability to drive innovation in Europe, while preparing itself for the technologies and businesses of tomorrow. The Einstein Telescope embodies this vision, bringing together cutting-edge scientific research and industrial development to meet the challenges of the future.
Interested in collaborating or joining current and future calls? Please contact:
- Annick Pierrard: expert in industrial valorisation and ET impact in MRE for Wallonia and the FWB
- Michel Stassart: Project Manager ET for Wallonia, at GRE Liège
- Skywin: Thierry Chantraine
- Mecatech: Perrine Flament
- Greenwin: Adèle Froehlicher
- Logistics in Wallonia (LIW): Bernard Piette
Author: Arnaud Stiepen
