Structure and organisation
The Einstein Telescope received ESFRI status in 2021. Currently, the European organisational framework is being developed. Meanwhile, various structures already exist that are actively working on turning the future Einstein Telescope from vision into reality. These structures focus on different aspects of the Einstein Telescope initiative, ranging from observational and instrumental science to organisational and engineering processes and feasibility studies.
After decades of meetings, preparations and vision building, the scientific Einstein Telescope Collaboration was formally established in June 2022. It unites 2000 scientists focused on the scientific questions the Einstein Telescope is expected to address, specific requirements and scope, advancing data analysis and pushing the technological boundaries of this incredibly sensitive instrument.
The collaboration is structured into various boards and exchanges progress on all individual studies during large meetings twice a year. The spokesperson and deputy spokesperson are Michele Maggiore and Angélique Lartaux.
The Einstein Telescope Organisation (ETO) is the professional organisation that works on the structure, coordination and enabling systems to make the Einstein Telescope feasible, fundable and buildable. The organisation consists of ~43 colleagues from throughout Europe, forming an interdisciplinary team with backgrounds ranging from science, (civil) engineering and strategy to (project) management and communication. ETO acts as a central hub, coordinating between different entities including the scientific Einstein Telescope Collaboration and the candidate host consortia.
The Einstein Telescope Organisation is structured into multiple departments. The directors of ETO are Andreas Freise and Fernando Ferroni.
The EU-funded project ET-PP (Einstein Telescope Preparatory Phase) works on key building blocks for the preparatory phase of the Einstein Telescope. Through its deliverables and milestones, the project supports a wide range of topics, including governance and legal aspects, site preparation, technical design, innovation and industry liaising, computing, sustainability and communication. The project runs from September 2022 until November 2026. The project manager is Mario Martinez.
The directors of two of the leading research institutes coordinate the ESFRI project and are the link between the Einstein Telescope Organisation (ETO) and the BGR. The coordinators are Jorgen D’Hondt (Nikhef) and Antonio Zoccoli (INFN).
Involved governments who actively support the construction of the Einstein Telescope in Europe, are united in the Board of Governmental Representatives (BGR). This forum forms the link between involved governments and funding agencies. Participating countries are: Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Observer: Austria.
There are currently three potential sites for the future Einstein Telescope: the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (border area of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands), Sardinia in Italy and Lusatia in Germany. At all three candidate sites, host consortia are focusing on feasibility studies.