Classical general relativity and gravitational waves from scattering amplitudes
Research Group: Centre for Theoretical Physics
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 3.5 years
Full-time Project: yes
Funding
Funding is provided via the Scientific Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
- Available to Home and exceptional overseas applicants only.
- Applicant required to start in September 2026.
- The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.
Project Description
Scattering amplitudes describe not just the dynamics of subatomic particles but also the interactions of extraordinarily large objects such as black holes. When black holes collide, tremendous amounts of energy are emitted in the form of gravitational radiation. The first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, 100 years after Einstein’s prediction, opened a fascinating new window to our universe, revealing events with extreme energies never probed before. Scattering amplitude based methods have provided new and fruitful ways to tackle both practical and conceptual problems in gravitational theories. We have been at the forefront of these developments, and the goal of this project will be to push the precision frontier in gravitational-wave research and develop novel, highly efficient methods to provide much needed high-precision models to compare with new experimental data. The project will make extensive use of the double copy and BCJ duality between colour and kinematics. We will explore the role of spin in black hole scattering, deviations from General Relativity due to higher-derivative terms in the framework of effective field theory, and conceptual issues related to the extraction of classical effects in General Relativity from loop amplitudes.
Application Method:
To apply for this studentship and for entry onto the Physics programme (Full Time), please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:
https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply
Deadline for application - 28th of January 2026
Supervisor Contact Details:
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Professor Gabriele Travaglini
Email: g.travaglini@qmul.ac.uk
Requirements
A solid understanding of Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity, and some knowledge of supersymmetry and group theory.
SPCS Academics: Andreas Brandhuber, Gabriele Travaglini