February 12, 2016
Today 60 Australian researchers from across five Group of Eight (Go8) universities are joining with around 1000 colleagues globally in celebrating their contribution to the discovery of gravitational waves – a key prediction of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity.
Go8 Chief Executive, Vicki Thomson, said that you don’t have to be an astrophysicist to realise the magnitude of today’s announcement.
“This scientific discovery has been 100 years in the making and confirms our understanding of the fundamental nature of our universe. This work is not only profound in its implications in how we view our universe but also exemplifies the research endeavour at its best.
Researchers have tackled this important question with a dogged determination over decades through a huge international collaboration. It is also a credit to governments and funding agencies who made this work possible through substantial long term investment.”
“Today we celebrate these achievements of researchers from more than 90 institutions in 15 countries. For our part, the Go8 is proud of the contribution of the Australian researchers from UWA, the ANU, Monash, the University of Adelaide, the University of Melbourne and Charles Sturt University.
Once again the Go8 has showcased the quality of the whole Australian research sector on the biggest of international stages.
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155