From the origins of life to the nature of dark matter and the validity of Einstein’s general theory of relativity, scientists continue to try to make sense of the cosmos. Now, thanks to the support of EU-funding, they can conduct this research at the Central European Institute of Cosmology and Fundamental Physics (CEICO) in Prague, Czech Republic. CEICO is located within the Czech Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Physics.
Cosmology research facility put Prague at the forefront of fundamental physics research
- 26 August 2020
The CoGraDS project has brought some interesting results in the fields of gravity, cosmology, string theory, and instrumentation. We created a new centre of excellence that brings together leading researchers in these fields. Actions like these lead to synergies that are bound to bring results in the long run. This would not have been possible without the support of EU funding.
Opened in 2016, CEICO currently employs nine senior researchers, 15 postdoctoral researchers, and four students. This interdisciplinary team is seeking answers to the fundamental questions of the universe, including the existence of dark matter and dark energy, the conditions of the universe at the time of the Big Bang, and the physics of black holes.
Cosmic acceleration
One of the centre’s key features is its specialised photosensor lab. CEICO is already having a big impact in the field – particularly in the areas of cosmic acceleration and gravitational waves. Here, researchers have been at the forefront of applying pre-established stringent constraints on the speed of gravity to constraining gravitational models of cosmic acceleration.
Working in collaboration with Oxford University, the CEICO team successfully demonstrated that a number of gravitational theories are no longer viable models for this purpose. Later, while working with Nottingham University, CEICO helped dismiss another set of related theories. By significantly reducing the allowed theoretical parameter of space, these two studies have advanced our understanding of cosmic acceleration.
A space hub
CEICO has bolstered Prague’s growing reputation for being a hub for European space technology and research. The centre regularly hosts acclaimed international researchers.
It also organises educational events, including the ‘Gravity@Prague’ advanced summer school for postdoctoral researchers and PhD students. The week-long event welcomed seven leading experts in the field of cosmology and string theory, who shared their knowledge with 100 participants from four continents and over 21 countries. A similar event on cosmic rays, gravitational waves, cosmology, black holes, and neutron stars was organised.
Since its opening, CEICO researchers have published 57 articles in leading journals and presented at 10 conferences. The team has also been successful at winning additional funding and awards, including the prestigious Otto Wichterle Award.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Cosmology, gravity and the dark sector of the universe (CoGraDS)” is EUR 6 319 864, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 4 509 223 through the “Research, Development and Education” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Jobs, Growth and Investment”.