I N T R O D U C T I O N

EGRG conducts a vigorous research program aiming to study gravitational waves of cosmic origin and to contribute to the development of advanced interferometric gravitational wave (GW) detectors.

Gravitational wave radiation carries information from the highly curved regions of the universe, that are otherwise not accessible with traditional electromagnetic observations. The regular detection of GWs would be a tremendous achievement (i) for general relativity, allowing a unique opportunity to test the local spacetime around black holes, (ii) for cosmology, testing the luminosity distance-redshift relationship, (iii) for the large-scale structure, constraining the hierarchical structure formation scenarios, and (iv) for astrophysics, offering a precise direct measurement of the Eddington ratio, BH accretion physics, and will observationally constrain the abundance and composition of dense populations of compact objects in galactic nuclei and globular clusters.

EGRG is formed by a collaboration of two major Hungarian universities (Loránd Eötvös University, Budapest; University of Szeged, Szeged) and a research institute (ATOMKI, Debrecen). The group consists of eight members, supported by three non-member research scientists. Visiting international scientists and undergraduates also take a significant part in the groups professional work. Our group is committed to the highest quality education, and we believe that hands on laboratory experience for students is of utmost importance.

The size of EGRG is significant and our solid expertise ranges from hardware, through data analysis to theory. We also carry out a major work in scientific outreach, giving both academic and public talks in the field of GW physics. EGRG has the critical mass and significant expertise to carry out mission critical projects to fruition and to also help raise the future generations of GW scientists.