Walloon task force for the Einstein Telescope

The Walloon government has announced a task force to increase Wallonia’s contribution to the Einstein Telescope project. This step is intended to ensure the successful completion of the bid for the Einstein Telescope. According to the Walloon government, it also demonstrates the strategic importance that Wallonia attaches to the underground telescope for its own region.

In addition to its scientific strength, the Einstein Telescope offers an exceptional opportunity to position Wallonia as a European leader in fundamental physics, mobilise the Walloon industrial ecosystem for key technologies and forge new partnerships with the other Einstein Telescope regions in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, according to Minister-President Dolimont and Minister Jeholet. Meanwhile, it offers Wallonia the opportunity to build a new image as an innovative and ambitious region.

Projects

The four industrial research projects supported by Wallonia, CRISTAL, ETGEO, ETLOG and ETOPT, must continue to develop. These projects should position Wallonia as a major technological player in the fields of optics, cryogenics, geology and advanced logistics.

Role of the task force

The task force will be linked to GréLiège. This organisation will receive additional funding from the Walloon government and will be responsible for stimulating economic and industrial development. The task force will also focus on communication with the local community, politicians and administrators, and industry.

 In addition, the task force will have to boost Wallonia’s scientific strength, among other things by positioning itself in scientific diplomacy in Europe and beyond. In practical terms, the task force will be responsible for regional planning and logistics, for example in the field of permits.

Successfully completing the application

In a press release, Minister-President Dolimont and Minister Jeholet said: ‘With this operational task force and the increased resources allocated to the GRE Liège, Wallonia has the necessary tools to successfully complete its application. The region is demonstrating its ability to organise itself effectively around projects of European scope and to capitalise on its scientific, technological and industrial assets. The Einstein Telescope project is a perfect illustration of Wallonia’s strategy of smart specialisation and scientific excellence. It is a mobilising project that will enable us to forge new partnerships and build the technological future of our region.”