Cosmology and Gravity

CIFAR’s Cosmology and Gravity program encompasses everything from massive galaxy clusters to neutrinos and quarks that are so small they seem to teeter on the brink of non-existence.
The program attempts to tell a comprehensive story of the structure and evolution of the entire Universe, from its first moment of existence to its ultimate fate.

In just over two decades, CIFAR researchers have vastly improved our understanding of the history and composition of our universe. Program members are an accomplished group of astronomers, cosmologists and astrophysicists from Canadian, American and European institutions.
The team has particular strength in physical cosmology, the study of the structure and evolution of the cosmos. It also brings together computational astrophysicists, string theorists and high-energy and particle astrophysicists who collaborate strongly with each other to tackle the central questions of the program.

Although deliberately broad in scope, the program has given the study of dark energy and the early universe high priority, drawing on the talents of some of the world’s most highly-regarded astronomers and cosmologists.

It has also expanded to incorporate theoretical efforts focusing on string theories and other models of quantum gravity, as well as high-energy and particle astrophysics. The astrophysical studies involve observational efforts to explore extraordinary compact objects known as neutron stars and black holes, and the development of computer-intensive calculations to understand the effects of gravity in these extreme cosmic environments. Read more