Conference: Physics and Astrophysics at the Extreme (PAX) Workshop

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

This award supports the organization of the 8th Physics At eXtreme (PAX) workshop, entirely focusing on the opportunities and challenges of next-generation gravitational-wave science. PAX is a discussion-driven workshop and includes experts from the wide range of fields that will benefit from next-generation detectors: astronomers, astrophysicists, general relativity theorists, cosmologists, nuclear physicists, numerical relativists and data analysts. PAX provides the optimal venue to identify actionable items and initiate collaborations to tackle the work needed to maximize the scientific output of the next-generation detectors. Next-generation detectors would be built in the second half of the 2030s, when the current generation of students will be leading the field. A major goal of PAX is to directly and actively involve early career scientists in shaping the future of the field. The 8th PAX workshop will include an early career scientist lunch where young and experienced researches can discuss how to make academia more accessible and equitable. A whole session of the workshop will be dedicated to issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion, which are key to ensure the continued success of the gravitational-wave field. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.