LIGO participation

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) is a self-governing collaboration seeking to detect gravitational waves, use them to explore the fundamental physics of gravity, and develop gravitational-wave observations as a tool of astronomical discovery. The LSC was founded in 1997 and currently has over 1000 members from over 80 institutions in 15 countries worldwide. EGRG joined the LSC in 2007, and has been successful in regaining its member status every year since then in the annual reviewing of group activities all LSC groups must undertake.

 

As a member group of the LSC, EGRG can participate in all LSC activities. A limited number of individual members contributing to the LSC mission at a defined level are eligible for authorship on all collaboration papers. EGRG has access to the LIGO data for scientific purposes, can participate in collaboration meetings and working group meetings, can represent the LSC at external scientific meetings and to the public, and have representation on the LSC Council, the governing body of the collaboration. Due to a data sharing agreement that the LSC and the VIRGO Collaboration signed in 2007, EGRG has an access to VIRGO data and resources too.

 

The LIGO project is funded by the National Science Foundation and does not require financial support from member groups. All groups applying for LSC membership prepare and sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the LIGO Lab and the LSC outlining the group's role in the LSC as well as specific research plans for the coming year. MoUs and plans, as well as results of group activities achieved in a work year are reviewed every year by a dedicated LSC committee.

 

For the list of MoUs signed between 2005 and 2014, including MoUs signed with EGRG, please check out the page linked below. 

 

LSC MoUs 2005-2014

   
  (c) Eötvös Gravity Research Group 2007