########################################## Table of Contents ########################################### 1. Conferences 1.1. CoCoNuT Meeting 2015, Malaga, Spain 1.2. BritGrav16, Nottingham, UK (2nd announcement) 1.3. Workshop on Analysis, Geometry and Mathematical Relativity, Melbourne, Australia 1.4. Black Holes and Friends 2, Shanghai, China 1.5. Fourth International Conference on the Nature and Ontology of Spacetime, Varna, Bulgaria 1.6. Geometric and Algebraic Aspects of Integrability, Durham, UK 1.7. NEB17 - Recent Developments in Gravity 1.8. Mann Fest: a celebration of Robert Mann's 60th Birthday, Waterloo, Canada 2. Jobs 2.1. Dennis Sciama Postdoctoral Fellowship at Portsmouth, UK 2.2. Postdoc position in Loop Quantum Gravity/Cosmology, Warsaw, Poland 2.3. Tenure-track position in experimental physics or astronomy, Montclair State University 2.4. Postdoctoral position in Cosmology/Astroparticle Physics, Padova, Italy 2.5. Post-Doctoral Scholar Position at IGC, Penn State 2.6. Postdoc position in loop quantum gravity in Marseille 2.7. Postodoctoral position in Zurich, Switzerland 2.8. postdoctoral position in general relativity at Cornell University 2.9. Postdoc in AdS gravity, Kracow, Poland 3. News 3.1. CQG Letters - open for submission 3.2. ISGRG Fellowship Nominations (reminder) 3.3. Living Reviews in Computational Astrophysics: first articles online 3.4. GWIC Thesis Prize and Stefano Braccini Thesis Prize for 2015: First Announcement 3.5. 2nd announcement: The 1st Colombia-ICRANet Julio Garavito Armero Meeting 3.6. 2nd announcement: The First Sandoval Vallarta Caribbean Meeting on Relativistic Astrophysics 3.7. The IUPAP General Relativity and Gravitation Young Scientist Prize ============================================== 1. Conferences ============================================== 1.1. CoCoNuT Meeting 2015, Malaga, Spain --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11203 Starting: 2015-11-18 to 2015-11-20 Location: Malaga, Spain Additional Information: http://www.uv.es/coconut/malaga2015/ Contact: CoCoNut2015[AT]uma.es The CoCoNuT Meeting 2015 will be held in Malaga (Spain), from November 18 to 20 2015. The CoCoNuT code is a general relativistic hydrodynamics code with dynamical spacetime evolution. The aim of this numerical code is the study of several astrophysical scenarios in which general relativity can play an important role, namely the collapse of rapidly rotating stellar cores and the evolution of isolated neutron stars. The emphasis of the meeting this year shall be put on High Performance Computing. Recent progress and future developments of this field and of the CoCoNuT code shall be discussed, but not exclusively. Possible topics of the meeting are: - High performance computing - Numerical methods - GPUs - Computational astrophysics together with the usual suspects: - Hydrodynamics - Radiation transport - Strong gravity - Microphysics The purpose of the CoCoNuT meeting is twofold: on the one hand it is intended as a regular (yearly so far) meeting of the CoCoNuT users, but it also serves as an opportunity to interchange ideas with users of similar numerical codes. Therefore the attendance to the meeting of anyone outside the CoCoNuT community is welcome. Registration is open from now until 1st november. Invited speakers: - Michael Dumbser, University of Trento (Italy) - J. Maria Gallardo, EDANYA, University of Malaga (Spain) - Roger Kaeppeli, ETH Zurich (Switzerland) - Rafael Asenjo, Dept. Computer Architecture, Uiversity of Malaga (Spain) We look forward to seeing you in Malaga Organizing committee: Manuel J. Castro, Pablo Cerda-Duran, Isabel Cordero-Carrion, J. Maria Gallardo, Jose Maria Ibanez Micaela Oertel +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.2. BritGrav16, Nottingham, UK (2nd announcement) --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/05/britgrav16-2/ Starting: 2016-04-04 to 2016-04-05 Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom Additional Information: http://sites.google.com/site/britgrav16 Contact: britgrav16[AT]gmail.com The dates of BritGrav16, hosted at the University of Nottingham, are now confirmed as 4-5 April 2016 (Monday and Tuesday). Updated information will be available at the conference webpage: sites.google.com/site/britgrav16 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.3. Workshop on Analysis, Geometry and Mathematical Relativity, Melbourne, Australia --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11215 Starting: 2016-02-22 to 2016-02-26 Location: Melbourne, Australia Additional Information: http://agmr.eventbrite.com.au Contact: todd.oliynyk[AT]monash.edu This workshop is both an event in the Monash Summer Visitor Program and an occasion to celebrate Robert Bartnik's 60th birthday. In line with Robert's research interests, the focus will be on topics in analysis, geometry, and mathematical relativity. The workshop is open to anyone with an interest in analysis, geometry or general relativity. There is no registration fee, but all participants must register. Early registration is strongly recommended as the total number of participants is limited by the capacity of the lecture theatre. The deadline for registration is 22 Dec 2015. CONFIRMED SPEAKERS Lydia Bieri (Michigan) Michel Chipot (Zurich) Piotr Chrusciel (Vienna) Joerg Frauendiener (Otago) Zihua Guo (Monash) Xiaolong Han (ANU) Andrew Hassell (ANU) Gerhard Huisken (Tuebingen) James Isenberg (Oregon) Thomas Leistner (Adelaide) Pengzi Miao (Miami) Tristian Riviere (ETH) Richard Schoen (UC Irvine) Valentina Wheeler (Wollongong) LOCATION The conference will be held at the Clayton campus of Monash University situated 20 kms south east of the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD). CONTRIBUTED TALKS Limited time will be available for contributed talks. If you are interested in speaking, please submit an abstract. The deadline for abstract submission is 22 Dec 2015. FINANCIAL SUPPORT There will be some financial support for students (Honours, MSc, and PhD) to attend. If you wish to apply for support please contact the organising committee. Priority will be given to those who can substantiate their need for support. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.4. Black Holes and Friends 2, Shanghai, China --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/11/black-holes-and-friends-2-shan... Starting: 2016-04-11 to 2016-04-13 Location: Shanghai, China Additional Information: http://blackholes2016.fudan.edu.cn/ Contact: bambi[AT]fudan.edu.cn First Announcement Black holes and neutron stars are a fascinating class of objects in our Universe and an ideal laboratory to test fundamental physics, because characterized by conditions that cannot be easily reproduced on Earth. The workshop will focus on stellar-mass black holes in X-ray binaries, AGNs, GRBs, neutron stars, and pulsars. The program will include invited talks, contributed talks, and time for free discussions. Invited Speakers (list in progress): Hua Feng (Tsinghua) Matteo Guainazzi (JAXA/ISAS) Zhiquian Shen (SHAO) * Junxian Wang (USTC) * Feng Yuan (SHAO) * Shu Zhang (IHEP) Shuang-Nan Zhang (IHEP) * ... * To be confirmed +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.5. Fourth International Conference on the Nature and Ontology of Spacetime, Varna, Bulgaria --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/15/fourth-international-conferenc... Starting: 2016-05-30 to 2016-06-02 Location: Varna, Bulgaria Additional Information: http://www.minkowskiinstitute.org/conferences/2016/ Contact: 2016conference[AT]minkowskiinstitute.org The Fourth International Conference on the Nature and Ontology of Spacetime will commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the publication of Einstein's general relativity in Annalen der Physik in 1916. While the Scientific Organizing Committee invites papers from physicists and philosophers on any topics related to the nature and ontology of spacetime, at this conference we especially wish to encourage submissions on not fully explored implications of general relativity for other areas of research in physics, cosmology, mathematics, philosophy of physics and for our understanding of the world. In addition to talks and poster sessions, special tea / coffee hours will be included in the program to stimulate more informal discussions among the participants. For this reason we encourage interested colleagues to attend the conference even if they do not plan to give a talk or present a poster. Contributed papers should be submitted in the form of extended abstracts of up to two pages by Sunday, January 31, 2016. Submissions will be reviewed by the Scientific Organizing Committee and notification of acceptance will be given by Monday, March 14, 2016. The extended abstracts, in English, should be emailed to 2016conference[AT]minkowskiinstitute.org. Invited Speakers: Gerard 't Hooft (Utrecht University) Marco Giovanelli (University of Tuebingen) Oliver Pooley (University of Oxford) Francesca Vidotto (Radboud University) Scientific Organizing Committee: Dennis Dieks (Utrecht University) Mauro Dorato (University of Rome Three) Robert Geroch (University of Chicago) Eleanor Knox (King's College London) Vesselin Petkov (Minkowski Institute) Steven Savitt (University of British Columbia) James Owen Weatherall (University of California, Irvine) Christian Wüthrich (University of Geneva) Local Organizing Committee: Ivelina Popova (Manager, Hotel "Lilia", Golden Sands) Anguel Stefanov (Institute for the Study of Societies and Knowledge, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences) Dimitar Vladimirov (Legal Consultant to the Minkowski Institute) Svetla Petkova (Minkowski Institute Press) Vesselin Petkov (Minkowski Institute) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.6. Geometric and Algebraic Aspects of Integrability, Durham, UK --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11232 Starting: 2016-07-25 to 2016-08-04 Location: Durham, UK. Additional Information: http://www.maths.dur.ac.uk/events/Meetings/LMS/105/ Contact: ma.gaai16[AT]durham.ac.uk London Mathematical Society -- EPSRC Durham Symposium. The history of integrable systems goes back to 19th century work in classical mechanics, differential geometry, complex analysis, differential equations and nonlinear special functions. The modern theory is grew up around the study of KdV type equations, following the discovery of multi-soliton solutions, infinite number of conservation laws and the Inverse Scattering Transform in the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1980s new ideas came via integrable field theories and connections with harmonic maps and differential geometry were re-established. Links with other areas of mathematics - algebraic geometry, twistor theory, self-duality, representation theory, number theory, enumerative geometry, Gromov-Witten theory and Topological Quantum Field Theories grew in the 1990s and through into the 21st Century. The aim of the Symposium is to bring together leading international researchers in the various sub-fields of integrable systems, concentrating primarily on the mathematical aspects of the theory. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.7. NEB17 - Recent Developments in Gravity --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11242 Starting: 2016-09-19 to 2016-09-22 Location: Mykonos, Greece Additional Information: http://www.hsrgc.gr/activities.html Contact: thomas.sotiriou[AT]nottingham.ac.uk FIRST CIRCULAR The 17th NEB conference on “Recent Developments in Gravity” will be held in Mykonos, Greece, from the 19th to the 22th of September 2016. NEB17 is an international conference devoted to all aspects of Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology, which is organized every two years by the Hellenic Society for Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology. A list of previous conferences in the NEB series can be found at http://www.hsrgc.gr/activities.html. NEB17 will focus on recent developments in several areas: gravitational waves, relativistic astrophysics, alternative theories of gravity, mathematical relativity, relativistic cosmology and quantum gravity. The venue of the conference is Saint John Mykonos Hotel, a beach resort at Agios Ioannis bay, located 4 km from Mykonos Town. The list of invited speakers, as well as more information on accommodation and travel, will be announced shortly. We are looking forward to meeting all interested participants in Mykonos in September! With our best regards, The Organising Committee S. Basilakos (Academy of Athens) T. Grammenos (University of Thessaly) P. Kanti (Univeristy of Ioannina) M. Sakellariadou (King’s College London, University of London) T. Sotiriou (University of Nottingham) N. Stergioulas (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.8. Mann Fest: a celebration of Robert Mann's 60th Birthday, Waterloo, Canada --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/11/01/mann-fest-a-celebration-of-rob... Starting: 2015-12-05 to 2015-12-06 Location: Waterloo, Canada Additional Information: https://uwaterloo.ca/mann-fest/ Contact: ibooth[AT]mun.ca Mann Fest will bring together a diverse group of physicists and mathematicians to celebrate Robert Mann's 60th birthday. Over the course of his distinguished career Dr. Mann has published over 350 scientific papers which range widely over theoretical physics including classical and quantum gravity, cosmology, quantum mechanics, field theory and particle physics. He has presented more than 250 scientific talks and supervised the research of more than 120 post-docs and students. Many of these students have gone on to their own research careers across Canada and around the world. He has also served both as the President of the Canadian Association of Physicists and the Chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo. On December 5-6, 2015 his collaborators, students and friends will gather at the University of Waterloo for a conference to celebrate his accomplishments and exchange scientific ideas. Reflecting Dr. Mann's broad interests and the diverse career paths of his trainees the invited presentations will range from black holes to quantum information theory, quantum gravity to neutron stars and gravitational waves to cosmology. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 2. Jobs ============================================== 2.1. Dennis Sciama Postdoctoral Fellowship at Portsmouth, UK ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/02/dennis-sciama-postdoctoral-fel... Deadline: 2015-12-18 Location: Portsmouth Additional Information: http://www.icg.port.ac.uk Contact: icg-admin[AT]port.ac.uk Employment type: Fixed term contract for 3 years (October 2016 to September 2019) Employment basis: Full time Salary: GBP 33,242 - 36,309 per annum Position number: 10016203 Date published: 18 September 2015 Closing date: 18 December 2015 Interview date: Interviews will take place between 4th and 8th January 2016. We announce our fourth Dennis Sciama Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG) at the University of Portsmouth aimed at promising researchers in any area of observational, theoretical and computational cosmology and astrophysics. The successful candidate will have demonstrated excellence in research, complementing and extending the existing ICG research interests and expertise in cosmology and/or astrophysics. Over the fellowship, they will be expected to develop their own opportunities for research and innovation, and help attract external funding to the ICG. The ICG consists of 12 academic staff, 19 postdoctoral researchers and over 20 PhD students, and has an active international visitors programme. Portsmouth is a member of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS-IV) and Dark Energy Survey, and recently the Large Synpotic Survey Telescope (LSST) with involvement in the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) and other major international collaborations, including ESA's Euclid satellite mission and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). The University of Portsmouth is a member of the South-East Physics Network (SEPnet) and hosts the 3704-core SCIAMA supercomputer. More information is available at http://www.icg.port.ac.uk We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications are particularly encouraged from traditionally under-represented groups in science. The University of Portsmouth holds an Athena SWAN bronze award and is an Institute of Physics Project Juno Supporter; these projects show a commitment to introduce organisational and cultural practices that promote gender equality in science and create a better working environment for men and women. Applications (application form, CV, publication list and research statement for the fellowship) should be submitted via the online application system by the closing date. Applicants should also arrange for up to three reference letters to be sent by email to icg-admin[AT]port.ac.uk, to arrive by the same date. We expect the fellowship to start 1st October 2016 or as close to that date as feasible. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2. Postdoc position in Loop Quantum Gravity/Cosmology, Warsaw, Poland ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11212 Deadline: 2015-12-10 Location: Warsaw Additional Information: http://ktwig.fuw.edu.pl/ Contact: tpawlow[AT]fuw.edu.pl Quantum gravity group at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw is inviting applications for a postdoctoral position in quantum gravity and cosmology starting in fall of 2015. The appointment duration is one year with monthly salary of about 1500EUR (6,500PLN), The successful candidate is expected to extensively contribute to the program of probing the dynamics of loop quantum gravity and related simplified models. Thus, prior experience in loop quantum gravity and cosmology is required with particularly welcome experience in research of the interface between these two frameworks as well as in studies of black holes in context of loop quantization. Since part of the research involved will be the numerical studies with use (and further extension) of an existing Numerical LQG/LQC library, the past experience with numerical methods and object oriented programing may also be an advantage. In order to apply the candidate should have the PhD degree in Physics at the time of application. The application consisting of a cover letter, CV, list of publications and statement of research interest should be sent electronically to Tomasz Pawlowski (tpawlow[AT]fuw.edu.pl). The candidate should also arrange for three letters of recommendation from senior researchers to be sent to the same address (with the phrase 'recommendation letter' and the applicant's name in the subject). The position is open until filled, however the applications sent by Oct 15, 2015 will receive full consideration. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3. Tenure-track position in experimental physics or astronomy, Montclair State University ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/12/tenure-track-position-in-exper... Deadline: 2015-12-05 Location: Montclair, New Jersey, United States Additional Information: https://app1.montclair.edu/xf/hr_jobpostings/details.php?id=831 Contact: marc.favata[AT]montclair.edu Applications are invited for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in Physics. Priority will be given to a candidate with a strong background in experiment, observation, or instrumentation in the fields of gravitational physics or astronomy. We are especially interested in candidates who can further develop the experimental physics component of our curriculum. Montclair State University is the second largest university in New Jersey and is located 15 miles west of New York City. More information about the position and instructions for applying can be found here: https://app1.montclair.edu/xf/hr_jobpostings/details.php?id=831 Feel free to direct any inquires about the position to Marc Favata, marc.favata[AT]montclair.edu. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4. Postdoctoral position in Cosmology/Astroparticle Physics, Padova, Italy ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11227 Deadline: 2015-11-15 Location: Padova, Italy Additional Information: http://www.ac.infn.it/personale/theo_fellowships/ Contact: bartolo[AT]pd.infn.it The INFN InDark research group leading the Cosmology/Astroparticle program "Inflation, Dark Matter and the Large-Scale Structure of the Universe" announces one postdoctoral position in Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. The deadline for application is November 15, 2015. The appointed fellow should start the fellowship not later than November 1, 2016; however, special requests to defer the starting date can be considered. The position will be a 1 + 1 year appointment, reserved to non-italian citizens (or italians who spent at least 3 years in research institutes abroad). The appointed fellow will work at the Physics and Astronomy Dept. "G.Galilei'', University of Padova (Italy). The staff team members of the InDark project in Padova are: Nicola Bartolo, Michele Liguori, Sabino Matarrese, Massimo Pietroni, Emiliano Sefusatti (INAF-Milano) The group has a broad range of interests in theoretical and observational cosmology, including inflationary models and primordial non-Gaussianity, primordial sources of gravitational waves, modelling of LSS observables and analysis of large cosmological datasets. The group has a long-standing expertise in LSS and CMB computer simulations, it has a strong involvement in the Planck and Euclid collaborations and it has recently joined the eLISA satellite Cosmology working group. Applications, in electronic form, must be sent to INFN not later than November 15, 2015 through the website http://www.ac.infn.it/personale/theo_fellowships/ and one should choose PADOVA Astroparticle, Dark Matter and Cosmology The following items are requested for the online application Curriculum Vitae Publication list Research Statement At least three reference letters (specifying name, surname and e- mail of each referee). For further Info - see http://www.ac.infn.it/personale/theo_fellowships/ - or e-mail to Nicola Bartolo, bartolo[AT]pd.infn.it Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia "Galileo Galilei", via Marzolo, 8 - I?35131 Padova, Italy The postdoctoral fellow can benefit from the interactions with the other members of the Theoretical Physics Group in Padova, which is active in several different branches of research in fundamental physics, ranging from string theory and beyond-the-standard model physics to nuclear physics at the low energy scale. Further information about the Theoretical Physics Group in Padova can be found at http://active.pd.infn.it/g4/ The candidate will also benefit from the strong interaction between the various nodes participating in the INFN InDark project (for more information on the INFN InDark project see https://web2.infn.it/CSN4/IS/Linea5/InDark/InDark.html): Padova INFN Section and University, Italy (main node at the Physics and Astronomy Dept. "G.Galilei'') Ferrara INFN Section and University, Italy Bologna INFN Section and University, Italy Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso and University of L'Aquila, Italy Roma Tor Vergata University, Italy Roma III University, Italy Torino University, Italy Trieste SISSA and University, Italy The staff team members of the INFN InDark project are: Padova: Nicola Bartolo, Michele Liguori, Sabino Matarrese, Massimo Pietroni, Emiliano Sefusatti (INAF-Milano) Ferrara: Denis Comelli, Paolo Natoli, Alessio Notari Bologna: Marco Baldi, Carlo Burigana, Stefano Ettori, Fabio Finelli, Federico Marulli, Massimo Meneghetti, Lauro Moscardini Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso and L'Aquila: Luigi Pilo, Francesco Villante Roma Tor Vergata: Amedeo Balbi, Paolo Cabella, Giancarlo De Gasperis, Pasquale Mazzotta, Nicola Vittorio Roma III: Enzo Branchini Torino: Antonaldo Diaferio, Luisa Ostorero Trieste SISSA and University: Carlo Baccigalupi, Stefano Borgani, Stefano Cristiani, Matteo Viel +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5. Post-Doctoral Scholar Position at IGC, Penn State ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11249 Deadline: 2015-12-15 Location: Penn State, University Park, PA, USA Additional Information: http://gravity.psu.edu/opportunities/index.shtml Contact: rxh1[AT]psu.edu The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking to fill one or more post-doctoral scholar positions in the theoretical aspects of gravitational physics. The successful candidate will participate in the research programs led by Professors Abhay Ashtekar and Eugenio Bianchi. These include projects in classical general relativity, geometric analysis and cosmology; loop quantum gravity with emphasis on spin foams and loop quantum cosmology; all aspects of quantum black holes with emphasis on entanglement entropy and singularity resolution; and relation between loop quantum gravity and other approaches to quantum gravity and non-perturbative techniques in quantum field theory. The larger gravitational theory group faculty includes Martin Bojowald, Murat Gunaydin, Radu Roiban and Sarah Shandera. In addition Professor Alejandro Corichi holds a visiting appointment at the Institute. Successful candidates will be encouraged to interact also with mathematicians in the Center for Fundamental Theory and with members of the Center for Theoretical and Observational Cosmology. During the current academic year, the Institute has 22 post-docs (including Drs. Nishant Agarwal, Brajesh Gupt, Alejandro Satz, and Nelson Yokomizo in Fundamental Theory and Cosmology). For further information on the Institute, see http://www.gravity.psu.edu/. A Ph.D. in physics or a related field is required, with a research record showing a strong background in general relativity, and at least one of the other areas listed above. While the primary responsibility of the successful candidate(s) will be to carry out research in some of these areas, we also expect them to interact strongly with the other researchers in the gravity and cosmology group at Penn State. There may be opportunities to teach one course during the appointment. The Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos offers significant additional resources for research expenses to exceptional candidates. They can be used for academic travel, computers, software, books, etc, entirely at the post-doctoral scholar's discretion. Applications must be submitted electronically at https://psu.jobs/job/60362 and include a cover letter, CV and statement of research interests. Applicants should arrange for three reference letters to be submitted to Randi Neshteruk at rxh1[AT]psu.edu indicating the appropriate job number in the subject line. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for one year from date of hire, with possibility of re-funding. Review of applications will begin on December 15 and continue until suitable candidate(s) are found. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6. Postdoc position in loop quantum gravity in Marseille ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11251 Deadline: 2015-12-01 Location: Marseille, France Additional Information: http://www.cpt.univ-mrs.fr/~quantumgravity/ Contact: gravity[AT]cpt.univ-mrs.fr The quantum gravity group in Marseille opens a postdoctoral position.  The position starts September 1st 2016 and is for one year; renewal for a second year is subjected to funding availability.  The group is currently interested in physical applications of loop quantum gravity to black holes, quantum geometry and cosmology. The candidate is expected to have good knowledge of loop theory and be willing to participate in the group's scientific life and collaborate on the group's projects.  Please send application and support letters to the address gravity[AT]cpt.univ-mrs.fr, preferably before December 1st; the earliest the better. Please indicate the name of the applicant in the subject line of all relevant mails. We encourage visits of interested candidates.  At equal qualities, we give preference to individuals contributing to gender and origin diversity in our group.  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7. Postodoctoral position in Zurich, Switzerland ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11261 Deadline: 2016-01-15 Location: Zurich, Switzerland Additional Information: http://www.physik.uzh.ch/news/PostDoc-Jetzer-19102015.pdf Contact: jetzer[AT]physik.uzh.ch We invite applications for a post-doc position at the Physics Institute of the University of Zurich to work on topics related to gravitational waves, general relativity or gravitational microlensing within the group of Prof. Philippe Jetzer. Our research activity is focused on gravitational waves, particularly in connection with eLISA, on topics related to tests of general relativity within the framework of the proposed STE-QUEST satellite and on gravitational microlensing. Duration: two years, starting fall 2016 Send CV, research interests, as well as arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be sent to: jetzer[AT]physik.uzh.ch Address: Physics Institute University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 CH-8057 Zurich (Switzerland) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8. postdoctoral position in general relativity at Cornell University ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/30/postdoctoral-position-in-gener... Deadline: 2015-12-01 Location: Ithaca, NY, USA Additional Information: https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=29967&lang=en Contact: eef3[AT]cornell.edu Cornell University expects to have an opening for a research associate in general relativity starting in September, 2016. The position is for one year, with subsequent renewals depending on performance and the availability of funds. The Cornell Relativity Group consists of faculty members Eanna Flanagan and Saul Teukolsky, senior research associate Larry Kidder, research associates Michael Boyle, Scott Field, David Nichols, Peter Taylor and Barry Wardell, and a number of graduate students. Research interests of the group include computational relativity, black holes, gravitational waves, the gravitational self-force, modified theories of gravity and cosmology. There will also be opportunities to interact with the Theoretical Astrophysics Group, including Rachel Bean, David Chernoff, Dong Lai, Richard Lovelace, and Ira Wasserman. Applicants must have a PhD in Physics or Astronomy. Applicants should submit a resume with a list of publications and statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to: Lynda Sovocool Finance and Human Resource Manager CCAPS Space Sciences Building Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-6801 Applications can also be emailed to lmk3[AT]cornell.edu, with the subject line "Gravitational theory Research Associate". Completed applications should be received no later than December 1, 2015. Only candidates who anticipate receiving their Ph.D. by September 2016 should apply. Cornell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9. Postdoc in AdS gravity, Kracow, Poland ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11271 Deadline: 2015-11-30 Location: Krakow, Poland Additional Information: http://www.fais.uj.edu.pl/en_GB/start-en Contact: bizon[AT]th.if.uj.edu.pl A 2-year postdoc position is available at the Jagiellonian University (Krakow) to work within the project “Asymptotically AdS spacetimes and turbulence” founded by the Polish National Science Centre. We welcome applicants (theoretical physicists or mathematicians) with strong background and research record in theoretical/numerical analysis of PDEs and/or wave turbulence. This is a pure research position with no teaching duties. The gross monthly salary is 7500 PLN. The starting date is at latest April 2016. Interested candidates should send their cv, list of publications, and a short description of research interests to prof. Piotr Bizon (email: bizon[AT]th.if.uj.edu.pl) and arrange two recommendation letters to be sent to the same address. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2015. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 3. News ============================================== 3.1. CQG Letters - open for submission ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11225 Additional Information: https://mc04.manuscriptcentral.com/cqg-iop I am delighted to inform you that a new Letters section is now available for submissions in Classical and Quantum Gravity. Announcement: http://cqgplus.com/2015/10/15/cqg-letters-open-for-submission/ I invite you to publish your next Letter with CQG. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.2. ISGRG Fellowship Nominations (reminder) ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/21/isgrg-fellowship-nominations-r... Additional Information: http://www.isgrg.org/fellowrules.php The International Society on General Relativity and Gravitation invites nominations for ISGRG Fellowship to recognize its outstanding members. The primary criterion for election is excellence in research, especially the impact of candidate’s work on the development of our field. The candidate will be generally expected to have made additional contributions to the field, for example through service, and/or outreach, and/or books and monographs, etc. In exceptional cases such criteria could constitute the primary basis of nomination provided these activities have had influence on a significant portion of our community, not just the home institution of the candidate. Nominations are due by December 31st, 2015. The elected Fellows will be inducted during the Business Meeting of the Society at GR 21 in New York City, July, 11-15, 2016. Any member of the Society can make nominations but self-nominations will not be considered. The nomination packet consists of: i) A letter summarizing the basis for nomination; ii) An up-to-date CV and publication list of the nominee; iii) 1 to 3 supporting letters from members of the Society, and, iv) A proposed citation. The nominator must also verify that the nominee is an active member of the ISGRG Society. Once made, the nomination will remain active for two additional rounds. In particular, all nominations made in the previous two cycles (i.e., for GR19 and GR20) will remain active for this cycle. Further details about ISGRG Fellowship can be found at http://www.isgrg.org/fellowrules.php The Selection Committee consists of Eanna Flanagan, James Hough, Carlo Rovelli, and Robert Wald (chair), together with ex officio members Beverly Berger, Gary Horowitz, and Malcolm MacCallum. Nominations should be submitted electronically as PDF files to the chair of the Committee, Robert Wald, at rmwa[AT]uchicago.edu. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.3. Living Reviews in Computational Astrophysics: first articles online ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/23/living-reviews-in-computationa... Additional Information: http://computastrophys.livingreviews.org/ Living Reviews in Computational Astrophysics is a new peer-reviewed open-access journal. Founded and supported by the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Garching, the new member of the pioneering Living Reviews family is published by Springer International. The journal aims at offering a comprehensive survey of research in computational astrophysics that physicists will know is up-to-date and reliable. Living Reviews is unique in that it only publishes high-quality review articles whose authors commit to update them regularly. This is the meaning of the word "living" in the journal's title. Living Reviews in Computational Astrophysics now started publication with its first two review articles: "SPH Methods in the Modelling of Compact Objects" by Stephan Rosswog and "Large Eddy Simulations in Astrophysics" by Wolfram Schmidt. Please find the abstracts and further details below. --------------- Stephan Rosswog SPH Methods in the Modelling of Compact Objects FULL ARTICLE AT: http://www.livingreviews.org/lrca-2015-1 ABSTRACT: We review the current status of compact object simulations that are based on the smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. The first main part of this review is dedicated to SPH as a numerical method. We begin by discussing relevant kernel approximation techniques and discuss the performance of different kernel functions. Subsequently, we review a number of different SPH formulations of Newtonian, special- and general relativistic ideal fluid dynamics. We particularly point out recent developments that increase the accuracy of SPH with respect to commonly used techniques. The second main part of the review is dedicated to the application of SPH in compact object simulations. We discuss encounters between two white dwarfs, between two neutron stars and between a neutron star and a stellar-mass black hole. For each type of system, the main focus is on the more common, gravitational wave-driven binary mergers, but we also discuss dynamical collisions as they occur in dense stellar systems such as cores of globular clusters. --------------- Wolfram Schmidt "Large Eddy Simulations in Astrophysics"" FULL ARTICLE AT: http://www.livingreviews.org/lrca-2015-2 ABSTRACT: In this review, the methodology of large eddy simulations (LES) is introduced and applications in astrophysics are discussed. As theoretical framework, the scale decomposition of the dynamical equations for neutral fluids by means of spatial filtering is explained. For cosmological applications, the filtered equations in comoving coordinates are also presented. To obtain a closed set of equations that can be evolved in LES, several subgrid-scale models for the interactions between numerically resolved and unresolved scales are discussed, in particular the subgrid-scale turbulence energy equation model. It is then shown how model coefficients can be calculated, either by dynamic procedures or, a priori, from high-resolution data. For astrophysical applications, adaptive mesh refinement is often indispensable. It is shown that the subgrid-scale turbulence energy model allows for a particularly elegant and physically well-motivated way of preserving momentum and energy conservation in adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) simulations. Moreover, the notion of shear-improved models for inhomogeneous and non-stationary turbulence is introduced. Finally, applications of LES to turbulent combustion in thermonuclear supernovae, star formation and feedback in galaxies, and cosmological structure formation are reviewed. UPCOMING ARTICLES AT: http://computastrophys.livingreviews.org/Articles/upcoming.html ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.4. GWIC Thesis Prize and Stefano Braccini Thesis Prize for 2015: First Announcement ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/29/gwic-thesis-prize-and-stefano-... Additional Information: https://gwic.ligo.org/thesisprize/ The Gravitational Wave International Committee is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2015 GWIC Thesis Prize and for the 2015 Stefano Braccini Thesis Prize will soon be open. Both prizes recognize outstanding PhD theses in the area of gravitational waves. There will be a common call for nominations, and all theses submitted will be considered for both awards by a joint selection committee. Two winners will be selected, with the GWIC Thesis Prize emphasizing the impact of the research on the field of gravitational wave science, while the Braccini Thesis Prize will be awarded with an emphasis on innovation. Members of the gravitational wave community are invited to nominate students who have performed notable research on any aspect of gravitational wave science. Theses will be judged on 1) originality and creativity of the research, 2) importance to the field of gravitational waves and gravitational wave detection, broadly interpreted, and 3) clarity of presentation. Each winner will receive a certificate of recognition and a prize of US$1,000. GWIC is privileged to nominate both thesis prize winners for publication in the book series Springer Theses. Subject to certain qualifications, Springer Theses publishes exceptional Ph.D. theses in the physical sciences in their entirety. If accepted, each winner will receive an additional €500 from Springer upon publication. Eligibility: Both prizes are award on a calendar year basis. Theses should have been accepted by their institutions between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. It is expected that many of the nominations will come from the member projects of GWIC, but this is not a requirement. Nominated theses may be in any language. A committee selected from the gravitational wave community will evaluate the nominations and select the winner. The selection committee will make all determinations about eligibility. A second announcement with instructions about how to submit nominations will be issued at the beginning of December. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.5. 2nd announcement: The 1st Colombia-ICRANet Julio Garavito Armero Meeting ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/30/2nd-announcement-the-1st-colom... Additional Information: http://www.icranet.org/1jg/ The meeting will cover theoretical and observational aspects of neutron stars, black holes, supernovae, gravitational waves, high-energy astrophysics, and cosmology. The status and prospects of the ICRANet projects in Latin America, with special emphasis in Colombia, will be also discussed. The preliminary scientific program is available: http://www.icranet.org/1jg/program.pdf The registration is open at: http://ntsrvg9-2.icra.it/meetings/registration_1jg.htm The webpage of the meeting: http://www.icranet.org/1jg/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.6. 2nd announcement: The First Sandoval Vallarta Caribbean Meeting on Relativistic Astrophysics ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2015/10/30/2nd-announcement-the-first-san... Additional Information: http://www.icranet.org/1sv/ The meeting will cover observational activities in the X, gamma ray and UHECR, theoretical progress in the relativistic astrophysics of Neutron Stars, Black Holes, Gravitational Waves and Cosmology as well as the development of the Brazilian Science Data Center (BSDC): from galactic and extragalactic sources and as far back in time to the appearance of the first structures in our Universe. Latest results from HAWC and LMT will be reported. Status and perspectives for the Mexican participation in ICRANet projects, within the IRAP PhD and EMJD Program, the associated post-docs, and presence of senior research leaders within all the ICRANet Centers will be reviewed. The preliminary scientific program is available: http://www.icranet.org/1sv/program.pdf The registration is open at: http://ntsrvg9-2.icra.it/meetings/registration_1sv.htm The webpage of the meeting: http://www.icranet.org/1sv/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.7. The IUPAP General Relativity and Gravitation Young Scientist Prize ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=11279 Additional Information: http://isgrg.org/IUPAPprize.php NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN. DEADLINE 1 FEBRUARY 2016 As an affiliated commission (AC2) of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), the International Society on General Relativity and Gravitation (ISGRG) offers an annual IUPAP Young Scientist Prize. The IUPAP Young Scientist Prizes recognize outstanding achievements of scientists at early stages of their career. Each prize consists of a certificate citing the contributions made by the recipient, a medal and 1000 euros. The conditions for the prize are: The IUPAP General Relativity and Gravitation Young Scientist Prize can be for work in any area of relativity and gravitation, theoretical or experimental. On 1 February 2016, nominees must have a maximum of eight years of research experience (excluding career interruptions) following the Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree. They are expected to have displayed significant achievement and exceptional promise for future achievements in relativity and gravitation. THE PRIMARY NOMINATOR MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY ON GENERAL RELATIVITY AND GRAVITATION. Nominations may be made by any member of ISGRG (other than the nominee) and should be accompanied by a CV, a proposed citation of 30-50 words summarizing the reason for the nomination, a list of publications and a description (about one page long) of the specific achievements of the nominee, who need not be an ISGRG member. It is important that the selection committee has specific information that allows it to determine what the nominee has contributed and how this will impact the subject. Therefore it will be extremely helpful to the selection committee to receive at least two additional letters supporting the nomination that detail the expected significance of the contributions of the nominee. It is also appropriate to submit additional materials such as published articles. In the case of co-authored or multi-authored publications, it is essential for nominators and supporters to discuss the nominee's precise contributions, if known, in addition to the work's overall significance. The entire package should be bundled into a single PDF file and emailed to the Secretary of ISGRG, beverlyberger[AT]me.com, by 1 February 2016. The winner will be announced on 14 March 2016 and the award made shortly thereafter. The official presentation of the award will be made at the GR21 conference in 2016. Through the generosity of Prof. Abhay Ashtekar (Penn State U), an Ashtekar Travel Award of $1000 will be presented to the winner as partial support for travel to GR21. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++