School


09 Nov, 2026 - 20 Nov, 2026

Theory Meets Experiment 2026 - Gravitational Wave Physics: From Fundamental Principles to Next-Generation Observatories

Abstract

This school aims to provide the next generation of physicists with a comprehensive foundation in gravitational wave science, seamlessly integrating theoretical modeling, data analysis, and advanced experimental techniques. On the theoretical side, students will explore gravitational radiation theory, compact binary source modeling, and the cosmological gravitational wave background. On the experimental side, the program covers the fundamental principles and cutting-edge technologies of laser interferometers, including thermal and Newtonian noise mitigation, quantum squeezing, and active control systems. By bridging fundamental theory, precision instrumentation, and signal analysis, the school will foster essential collaborations between theorists and experimentalists, collaborations that are crucial for analyzing current data and shaping the future directions of third-generation and space-borne observatories such as the Einstein Telescope and LISA.

Topics

I week:

Nils Andersson (University of Southampton)
Introduction to GW theory

Fulvio Ricci (La Sapienza University)
Introduction to experimental aspects of GW detection - history, basic principle of GW laser interferometers, network, vacuum

Geppo Cagnoli (Université Claude Bernard Lyon)
Introduction to experimental aspects of GW detection: sensitivity, noise budget and thermal noise (suspension and coating)

Neil J. Cornish (Montana State University)
Science Inference

II Week:

Lucia Trozzo (INFN - Napoli)
Low frequency suspension, Newtonian noise

Sibilla Di Pace (La Sapienza University)
Quantum noise and squeezing

Mattia Boldrini (La Sapienza University)
Control schemes: errol signals, loop, modern control, TCS

Sebastiano Bernuzzi (Jena University)
Modelling of GW sources and compact binaries

Rossella Gamba (UC Berkeley and Scuola Normale Superiore)
Modelling of GW sources with specific applications to 3G detectors

Daniel Figueroa (Valencia University)
GWs and the cosmological background

Michele Punturo (INFN - Perugia)
ET and 3rd generation detectors

Bill Weber (University of Trento)
LISA and GW detection in space

Organizers

Annalisa Allocca (Università di Napoli)
Jerome Degallaix (LMA - CNRS)
Matteo Di Giovanni (SNS - Pisa)
Andrea Maselli (GSSI - L'Aquila)
Andrea Mitridate (Imperial College London)
Albino Perego (University of Trento)
Michele Redi (INFN - Firenze)

Local organizers

Michele Redi

Contact

theory-meets-experiment-2026-organizers@lists.ggi.infn.it

Website:

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