麻豆传媒

Astrophysicist Patrick Brady at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee yesterday began his duties as spokesperson for the international scientific collaboration that studies gravitational waves using the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). The spokesperson of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC) speaks on behalf of the 1,300 scientists in 20 countries who are engaged in gravitational wave research with data from observatories located in Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana. Brady, a UWM professor of physics and director of the Leonard E. Parker Center for Gravitation, Cosmology and Astrophysics, is sixth in an elite group of scientists who have served as LSC spokespersons since the LSC formed in the late 1990s. Former spokespersons were Nobel Prize winner Rainer Weiss (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Peter Saulson (Syracuse University), Dave Reitze (Caltech), Gabriela Gonzalez (Louisiana State University) and David Shoemaker (MIT). Brady’s research focuses on the analysis and interpretation of data from the network of gravitational-wave detectors. He served on the executive committee of the LSC from 2004-2006, and has co-chaired the LSC Inspiral Analysis Group and chaired the LSC Data Analysis Software Working Group. He joined the UW-Milwaukee faculty in 1999, after a fellowship at Caltech. In 2010 he was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society, and he shared in the 2016 Special Breakthrough Prize. Video from 2017: https://www.pbs.org/video/measuring-gravity-waves-with-ligo-vkft6w/

Astrophysics researcher Dr Gourab Giri holds a Master of Science which he obtained from Presidency University in Kolkata in India as well as a doctorate from the Indian Institute of Technology in Indore.
Through his research, he seeks to deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes that shape the universe, from galaxy evolution to cosmic origins. His research focuses on exploring various aspects of galaxy evolution in the cosmos, ranging from the role of supermassive black holes within galaxies to the evolution of galaxies within larger cosmic structures, such as galaxy clusters, where hundreds of galaxies come together. 
Dr Giri’s current research goal is to develop a comprehensive model for extragalactic jet physics. This novel approach has the potential to unify and address multifaceted phenomena within a single framework, paving the way for deeper insights and broader applications in the field.
“I am deeply engaged in leading research on various astrophysical topics,” he says. “Addressing the extensive datasets involved often necessitates the use of modern techniques, such as machine-learning. UP has access to one of South Africa’s premier supercomputing resources, which is essential for conducting high-resolution simulations and complex data analyses that are critical to my research. Additionally, the presence of a well-established radio astronomy group with expertise in observational techniques and the use of cutting-edge telescopes like MeerKAT makes UP an exceptional choice that aligns perfectly with my research objectives.”
For Dr Giri, astrophysics inspires curiosity and critical thinking across generations, encouraging future scientists and innovators to address some of the most pressing global challenges.
“Beyond its intrinsic scientific value, this field drives technological innovation, with advancements in high-performance computing and data analytics finding applications in rocket science, climate modelling and space weather prediction, which help protect vital satellite infrastructure,” he adds.
His research matters, he says, because it satisfies our curiosity about how the universe functions, offering answers to fundamental questions about galaxy evolution.
“This pursuit provides me with immense personal joy, which is essential to my well-being. The techniques and models I develop, such as advancements in big data handling and machine-learning, will not only enhance our understanding of the cosmos but also be transferable to other fields, such as space weather prediction, thus benefitting a broad range of scientific domains.”
His message to undergraduate students is simple: “Stay curious, persevere and be patient; get involved in learning; and remember, hard work never fails.”
When he is not trying to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, Dr Giri enjoys writing sci-fi and adventure stories, and using his writing skills to convey his research to others.