Fully Funded STFC and Swansea University PhD Scholarship: Tests of Quantum Gravity with Gravitational Waves

Funding providers: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) DTP and Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering

Subject areas: Gravitational waves, quantum gravity, theoretical cosmology, fundamental physics

Project description: 

The recent discovery of gravitational waves from binary black holes and neutron stars has open up new possibilities to solve some of the greatest mysteries of the universe: the nature dark energy, dark matter, and gravity at the highest scales, namely, quantum gravity. The project will develop tests of fundamental theories of gravity, such as string theory, using gravitational waves, focusing on the science of the Einstein Telescope. In particular, it will focus on how gravity is modified in these theories at the highest scales, and how these modifications can be tested using gravitational waves (GW). More concretely, the project aims at addressing the following questions using analytical, as well as numerical and computational tools:

Can the presence of additional dimensions be detected at future interferometers and if not, what can we learn about these theories? Are gravitational memory effects in these theories modified, and be detected using gravitational waves? Are there any exotic objects predicted in these theories, and do these show up in the gravitational waves’ production and evolution? Can we probe the nature of dark energy using gravitational waves, and take a step forward in understanding de Sitter space in theories of quantum gravity?

Eligibility

Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).

English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. 

This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality. 

Please visit our website for more information on eligibility.