Multimessenger Astronomy & Astrophysical Transients

This theme encompasses observational and theoretical studies of energetic cataclysmic events like Neutron star mergers, supernovae and tidal disruption events that can be observed using two or more messengers, i.e. photons, gravitational waves, neutrinos or cosmic rays. 

Compact objects & Fundamental Physics

Using cutting-edge observational facilities like the radio very long baseline array, the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, we obtain extremely precise positional measurements of from neutron stars and black holes to study the physics of strong gravity and derive parameters, like mass, spin and velocity, associated with compact object systems. 

Life in the universe & Astrobiology

We are developing experiments and scientific instruments to understand the responses of biological systems to space environments (th effects of microgravity and space radiation) and to detect biosignatures leveraging missions to Venus, Mars, other objects in the solar systems and beyond. Another important component of this theme is to understand what is life and how it is expressed in biological systems.