########################################## Table of Contents ########################################### 1. Conferences 1.1. Fudan Winter School on Astrophysical Black Holes, Shanghai, China (2nd circular) 1.2. CoCoNuT Meeting 2013, Meudon, Paris 1.3. 7th Australasian Conference on General Relativity and Gravitation 1.4. Advances in Mathematical Relativity: A Conference in Honor of Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat, IHES, France 2. Jobs 2.1. Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics Network Postdoc at Georgia Tech 2.2. Faculty Position, School of Physics - Georgia Tech 2.3. Postdoctoral Position in Relativity at the University of Chicago 2.4. Postdoctoral Position in Numerical Relativity or Computational Astrophysics at the Univeristy of Illinois 2.5. Postdoc in Mathematical Relativity at Memorial University 2.6. PostDoc Position on Numerical MHD simulations of Accreting Neutron Stars at Leiden Observatory 2.7. PhD Position on the Spin Evolution of Neutron Stars at Leiden Observatory 2.8. Postdoctoral position in Black Hole Physics at CBPF, Rio de Janeiro 2.9. Postdoctoral position in gravitational physics at the University of New Brunswick 2.10. PhD and MSc positions in gravitational physics at the University of New Brunswick 3. News 3.1. New book: "Relativistic Hydrodynamics", by Luciano Rezzolla and Olindo Zanotti 3.2. New book: "Special Relativity in General Frames" by Eric Gourgoulhon 3.3. Giulio Rampa Thesis Prize 2014 edition 3.4. Living Reviews in Relativity: Cosmology with Euclid / Testing GR with Space-Based GW Detectors / Near-Horizon Geometries of Extremal Black Holes 3.5. New CQG focus issue on Massive Gravity edited by Shinji Mukohyama 3.6. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics announces BrainSTEM: Your Future is Now Festival ============================================== 1. Conferenes ============================================== 1.1. Fudan Winter School on Astrophysical Black Holes, Shanghai, China (2nd circular) --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/10/fudan-winter-school-on-astrophysical... Starting: 2014-02-10 to 2014-02-15 Location: Shanghai, China Additional Information: http://bambi2014.fudan.edu.cn/school2014 Contact: bambi[AT]fudan.edu.cn Black holes are very fascinating and peculiar objects. According to General Relativity, uncharged black holes are completely specified by only two parameters, the mass M and the spin angular momentum J. In the last 40 years, we have discovered at least two classes of astrophysical black hole candidates: stellar-mass objects in X-ray binary systems and super-massive black hole candidates at the center of every normal galaxy. The mass of these objects can be inferred by robust dynamical measurements, by studying the orbital motion of gas or individual stars around them. The determination of the spin J is much more difficult and it is a hot topic of contemporary astrophysics. Then, there are still many open questions: What is the origin of the jets produced in the region around these objects? How could super-massive black holes become so heavy? Are these objects the Kerr black holes predicted by General Relativity? All our open questions may be addressed by studying the properti es of the electromagnetic radiation emitted in the accretion process and, hopefully in a not distant future, by observing the gravitational waves emitted by these systems. This school consists of series of lectures on specific topics given by experts in the field and some short research talks. It is mainly intended for Master/PhD students and young postdocs working on high energy astrophysics, both for theorists and for observers. We plan also to arrange a few sessions for short presentations given by young participants. Lecturers: Tomaso Belloni (INAF – Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera) Black Hole Binaries Kostas Kokkotas (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen) Gravitational Waves from Black Holes Jean-Pierre Lasota (Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris) Black Hole Accretion Disks James Steiner (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics) Measuring the Mass and the Spins of Black Holes Feng Yuan (Shanghai Astronomical Observatory) Formation mechanisms of outflows and jets Organizers: Cosimo Bambi (Fudan, Shanghai), Chair Lingyao Kong (Fudan, Shanghai) Zilong Li (Fudan, Shanghai) Daniele Malafarina (Fudan, Shanghai) Naoki Tsukamoto (Fudan, Shanghai) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.2. CoCoNuT Meeting 2013, Meudon, Paris --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/18/coconut-meeting-2013/ Starting: 2013-12-04 to 2013-12-06 Location: Meudon, France Additional Information: http://www.uv.es/coconut/Meudon2013 Contact: jerome.novak[AT]obspm.fr 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. More information about the CoCoNuT code can be found in: http://www.uv.es/coconut/ The emphasis of the meeting this year shall be put on formulations of Einstein equations. Recent progress and future developments of these fields and of the CoCoNuT code shall be discussed, but not exclusively. Possible topics of the meeting are: · Gravitational waves. · Black hole excision techniques. · Numerical methods. Together with the usual suspects: · Core collapse simulations. · Magnetic fields. · Structure of neutron stars. · Microphysics and neutrino transport. 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.3. 7th Australasian Conference on General Relativity and Gravitation --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/29/7th-australasian-conference-on-gener... Starting: 2013-12-08 to 2013-12-11 Location: Hamilton Island, QLD, Australia Additional Information: http://acgrg7.org/ Contact: daniel.shaddock[AT]anu.edu.au EXTENSION OF EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: The period for which the early bird fee may be paid has been extended by one week until TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER, 2013. ACGRG7, the next meeting in the biennial series of conferences organised by the Australasian Society for General Relativity and Gravitation (ASGRG) will be held on Hamilton Island, Queensland in December. There will be a welcome reception in the evening of Sunday 8th December, and the scientific program will run from Monday 9th to the evening of Wednesday 11th December inclusive. Hamilton Island is situated in the Whitsunday Archipelago in the Great Barrier Reef and is famous for its azure waters, brilliant beaches and spectacular coral reefs. Direct flights to the island depart daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. Participants should register as soon as possible at http://acgrg7.org/ Abstracts are due by 18 October 2013. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.4. Advances in Mathematical Relativity: A Conference in Honor of Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat, IHES, France --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/?p=8699 Starting: 2014-01-09 to 2014-01-10 Location: IHÉS (Bures-sur-Yvette, France) Additional Information: http://www.ihes.fr/jsp/site/Portal.jsp?document_id=3391&portlet_id=14 Contact: jasserand[AT]ihes.fr 9-10 January 2014, Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques - Le Bois-Marie 35, route de Chartres 91440 Bures-sur-Yvette, France Yvonne Choquet-Bruhat has made many deep and lasting contributions to mathematical and physical aspects of General Relativity, starting with her epoch-making 1952 proof of the well-posedness of the Cauchy problem for Einstein's equations. On the occasion of her 90th birthday (29 December 2013), recent advances in mathematical relativity will be presented by leading experts. The invited speakers include: Demetrios Christodoulou  (ETH, Zuerich) Piotr Chrusciel  (University of Vienna) Helmut  Friedrich (AEI, Golm) Jim Isenberg (University of Oregon) Sergiu Klainerman (Princeton University) Vincent Moncrief (Dpt of Physics and Mathematics, Yale University) Tommaso Ruggeri (University of Bologna) More information will be posted at http://www.ihes.fr/jsp/site/Portal.jsp?document_id=3391&portlet_id=14 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 2. Jobs ============================================== 2.1. Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics Network Postdoc at Georgia Tech ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/11/theoretical-and-computational-astrop... Deadline: 2013-12-01 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Additional Information: http://www.cra.gatech.edu Contact: plaguna[AT]gatech.edu Applications are invited for a theoretical astrophysics postdoctoral position at the Center for Relativistic Astrophysics at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This position is supported under the auspices of a NSF-funded Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics Network (TCAN) spanning Yale University (PI Priya Natarajan); University of Maryland (PI Chris Reynolds) and Georgia Tech (PI Pablo Laguna, and David Ballantyne, Tamara Bogdanovic, John Wise Co-Is). The focus of this network is the multi-scale physics of massive black hole formation, fueling and feedback, including the dynamics and thermodynamics of hot baryons. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct theoretical and computational research in this focus area, collaborating closely with scientists at the other two nodes in the network. For this Georgia Tech position, candidates with a strong background in cosmology, structure formation, and black hole formation and fueling in the early universe are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy or a related field by the start date of the position (Sept-2014). The initial appointment will be for two years, renewable for a third year subject to performance and funding. To apply, please send a CV, bibliography, and statement of research interests/accomplishments (in the form of a single PDF file) to tcanpostdoc[AT]physics.gatech.edu by 1st December 2013. Please also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to the same email address by 1st December 2013. Georgia Tech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, and we particularly encourage applications from women and members of minority groups. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2. Faculty Position, School of Physics - Georgia Tech ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/12/faculty-position-school-of-physics-g... Deadline: 2013-12-01 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Additional Information: http://www.physics.gatech.edu Contact: plaguna[AT]gatech.edu Tenure-Track Faculty Position School of Physics Georgia Institute of Technology The School of Physics of the Georgia Institute of Technology invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position beginning Fall 2014. Applications for an Associate or Full Professor level position may also be considered for exceptionally qualified individuals. Targeted research areas are: Experimental and Observational Astrophysics (including Astro-Particle and Gravitational-Wave Physics), and Experimental and Theoretical Condensed Matter (including Hard and Soft). Successful applicants are expected to direct an active program of funded research and to teach effectively at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants should email to faculty.search[AT]physics.gatech.edu the following documents in PDF format: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae including a full list of publications and relevant teaching experience, 3) a research plan for the next five years (maximum 3 pages), and 4) a statement of teaching philosophy and experience (maximum 1 page). In addition, junior applicants should arrange to have three letters of reference emailed separately to the same address. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2013. Georgia Tech is a unit of the University System of Georgia and an equal education/employment opportunity institution. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3. Postdoctoral Position in Relativity at the University of Chicago ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/15/postdoctoral-position-in-relativity-... Deadline: 2013-12-01 Location: Chicago, USA Additional Information: http://danielholz.com Contact: relativityPD[AT]uchicago.edu Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scholar appointment in the Relativity Group at the University of Chicago. The position is expected to start on or around September 2014. The UChicago Relativity Group consists of Daniel Holz, Robert Wald, and Robert Geroch (emeritus). Particular areas of interest include mathematical aspects of general relativity and the interplay of general relativity with astrophysics and cosmology, although applications from all subfields of relativity are welcome. To apply, please send your CV, publication list, and statement of research interests to relativityPD[AT]uchicago.edu. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be emailed to the same address. To be assured of full consideration, all application materials should be received by December 1, 2013. Priority will be given to those having received their Ph.D. in 2010 or later. The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4. Postdoctoral Position in Numerical Relativity or Computational Astrophysics at the Univeristy of Illinois ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/?p=8665 Deadline: 2013-11-01 Location: Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA Additional Information: https://my.physics.illinois.edu/join/ Contact: cardaron[AT]illinois.edu Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research associate position in the Illinois Relativity Group. The candidate should have research experience in numerical relativity, computational hydrodynamics or computational MHD. A background in general relativity and relativistic astrophysics would be desirable. Applicants should go online at https://my.physics.illinois.edu/join/ to submit their application, which must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, brief description of research interests, and the names, mailing and email addresses of three references. Please contact Shannon Cardaronella at cardaron[AT]illinois.edu if you have any questions. Applications should be posted by NOV 1, 2013 for full consideration. The starting date of the position is AUG 16, 2014. The Illinois Relativity Group is developing the tools of numerical relativity, computational hydrodynamics and computational MHD to tackle diverse problems in general relativity and astrophysics. Recent topics include the inspiral and coalescence of compact binaries (binary black holes, binary neutron stars, binary black hole-neutron stars and binary white dwarf-neutron stars), the generation of gravitational waves, magnetorotational stellar collapse, gas accretion onto black holes and binary black holes, the formation and cosmological growth of supermassive black holes in the early universe, and the dynamics of self-interacting dark matter halos. Some of our work is geared to identifying astrophysically plausible, strong-field sources of gravitational waves and calculating gravitational waveforms for detection by laser interferometers, such as Advanced LIGO/VIRGO and eLISA. For these sources we are also exploring counterpart electromagnetic signals, where the later may inclu de optical, UV and X-ray emission and gamma-ray bursts. The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5. Postdoc in Mathematical Relativity at Memorial University ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/20/postdoc-in-mathematical-relativity-a... Deadline: 2013-11-15 Location: St. John's, NL, Canada Additional Information: http://www.math.mun.ca/~ibooth/ Contact: ibooth[AT]mun.ca The Gravity Group at Memorial University invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in mathematical relativity to start in Fall 2014. The gravity group is made up of two professors (Ivan Booth and Hari Kunduri) along with three PhD students, three MSc students and several undergraduates. Our department also includes other (non-relativist) mathematical physicists and topologists with whom we have close ties. Applicants should send a CV and Statement of Research Interests and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to ibooth[AT]mun.ca Electronic versions in PDF format are strongly preferred but if you have to send physical copies, mail them to: Ivan Booth Department of Mathematics and Statistics Memorial University, St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5S7 Canada Review of the applications will begin on November 15, 2013. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6. PostDoc Position on Numerical MHD simulations of Accreting Neutron Stars at Leiden Observatory ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/?p=8678 Deadline: 2013-12-01 Location: Leiden, The Netherlands Additional Information: http://jobs.strw.leidenuniv.nl/2013/patrunoPD Contact: patruno[AT]strw.leidenuniv.nl Applications are invited for a 3-yr Postdoctoral Research Position at the Leiden Observatory (Leiden University) to work in the new “Compact Objects” group of Dr. Alessandro Patruno. The main target of this position is to integrate theoretical models with numerical computations to study the magnetic field evolution of accreting neutron stars. Candidates with previous experience of magneto-hydrodynamic simulations are particularly encouraged to apply, although we are interested in any motivated candidate working in a field related to theoretical and/or numerical astrophysics. Successful candidates will have access to our computing facilities at Leiden Observatory and will have also the opportunity to interact and collaborate with other leading groups in the field. In particular two visits are planned (within the 3 years): one at Cornell University with prof. Marina Romanova and her group and one at the University of Bonn with Dr. Jon Braithwaite and the stellar astrophysics gr oup. The nominal starting date is April 1, 2014, but different starting dates are possible and negotiable. The position is fully funded for three years. Please submit applications electronically at: http://jobs.strw.leidenuniv.nl/2013/patrunoPD by December 1, 2013. The application should include a CV, a brief research statement (max 3 pages), list of publications, a cover letter and the contact information of three referees. Further information about the Leiden Observatory can be found here: http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/research/ Leiden Observatory, founded in 1633, is the oldest university astronomy department in the world. With about 25 faculty, over 40 postdoctoral associates and about 75 PhD students it is the largest astronomy department in theNetherlands. Leiden is a charming university town with an international flair. Most Leiden researchers have an international background. English is the common language. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Alessandro Patruno at patruno[AT]strw.leidenuniv.nl and visit the website www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/~patruno Included Benefits: Leiden University offers comprehensive benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, disability insurance, maternity and parental leave, and retirement benefits +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7. PhD Position on the Spin Evolution of Neutron Stars at Leiden Observatory ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/?p=8679 Deadline: 2013-11-15 Location: Leiden, The Netherlands Additional Information: http://jobs.strw.leidenuniv.nl/2013/patrunoPhD Contact: patruno[AT]strw.leidenuniv.nl Applications are invited for a PhD research position (4-years) to work with Dr. Alessandro Patruno and his new “Compact Objects” research group at the Leiden Observatory. The position is fully funded by an NWO Vidi grant awarded to the project? ”Hints of New Physics in Pulsating Neutron Stars”. The PhD researcher will carry out a comprehensive study of accreting neutron stars and radio pulsars to constrain the behaviour of the nuclear force at ultra-high densities and possible mechanisms for the emission of gravitational waves. This is achieved by understanding how the neutron star spin evolves with time and what is the maximum rotational frequency that neutron stars can reach in their lifetime. The PhD researcher will work on X-ray, optical and radio data collected with different space and ground based observatories. An intense interpretative work will also be conducted and some theoretical work is also expected. The PhD researcher will also have the opportunity to work and interact for a few months at the University of Southampton with prof. N. Andersson and his group. The position comes with a competitive salary and full benefits. The application review process will begin on November 15, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled. The starting dates are negotiable with a preference for an early start (March/April 2014). Applicants are requested to upload a CV, a brief statement of research interests and experience, and contact information for two referees. Application forms are available at http://jobs.strw.leidenuniv.nl/2013/patrunoPhD For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Alessandro Patruno at patruno[AT]strw.leidenuniv.nl and visit the website http://strw.leidenuniv.nl/~patruno More information about research at Leiden Observatory can be found at http://www.strw.leidenuniv.nl/research/. Leiden Observatory, founded in 1633, is the oldest university astronomy department in the world. With about 25 faculty, over 40 postdoctoral associates and about 75 PhD students it is the largest astronomy department in the Netherlands. Leiden is charming university town with an international flair. Most Leiden researchers have an international background. English is the common language. Included Benefits: Leiden University offers comprehensive benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, disability insurance, maternity and parental leave, and retirement benefits +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8. Postdoctoral position in Black Hole Physics at CBPF, Rio de Janeiro ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/30/funding-for-postdoctoral-research-in... Deadline: 2013-11-01 Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Additional Information: http://www.cbpf.br/~mcasals/Postdoc.html Contact: mcasals[AT]cbpf.br Applications are now open for the "Young Talents" scholarships within the "Science without Borders" program, a recent joint effort of the Brazilian agencies CAPES and CNPq. These are generous postdoctoral scholarships for carrying out research in a Brazilian institution for a duration of 2 to 3 years with a starting date between February and April 2014. The application must be submitted by the host researcher in Brazil and the deadline is November 1, 2013. Another type of funding for postdoctoral research in Brazil is awarded by the agency CNPq alone. This funding has a duration of typically 1 year (some times extendable to 2 years), a starting date between June and September 2014 and a deadline of January 31, 2014. (Note that the call with this deadline is not open yet but it will very soon). If you wish to apply for funding for a postdoctoral position in Black Hole Physics in the Department of Cosmology, Relativity and Astrophysics (ICRA) at the research centre Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Físicas (CBPF) in Rio de Janeiro, please email a curriculum vitae, a list of publications and a statement of research interests to Marc Casals at mcasals[AT]cbpf.br. If you wish to apply for a "Young Talents" scholarship please do so as soon as possible before the deadline of November 1. For further information on the above and other funding possibilities for either postdoctoral research or postgraduate studies and on research activities at ICRA-CBPF, you may see http://www.cbpf.br/~mcasals/Postdoc.html +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9. Postdoctoral position in gravitational physics at the University of New Brunswick ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/?p=8705 Deadline: 2013-12-01 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada Additional Information: http://www.math.unb.ca/~gravity/positions.html Contact: gravity.unb[AT]unb.ca The gravity group at the University of New Brunswick (http://www.math.unb.ca/~gravity/) invites applications for a two year postdoctoral position starting in September 2014 (or sooner), subject to the availability of funds. The UNB gravity group consists of three faculty members: Jack Gegenberg, Viqar Husain and Sanjeev Seahra. Typically, the group also includes 1-2 postdoctoral researchers, 2-4 graduates students and 1-3 undergraduate student members. Our main areas of research are general relativity and its modifications, quantum gravity and cosmology. Group members have access to the ACEnet (http://www.ace-net.ca) high performance computing facility. Please send a complete CV and statement of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to gravity.unb[AT]unb.ca. Informal enquires may be directed to any gravity group faculty member. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2013 and continue until the position is filled. It is possible for exceptional candidates to be nominated for an Atlantic Association for Research in the Mathematical Sciences (AARMS) (http://www.aarms.math.ca) postdoctoral fellowship. If you wish to be considered for this award, we must receive a complete application package by December 1, 2013. (Please note that we must receive and process your application before it is sent to AARMS.) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10. PhD and MSc positions in gravitational physics at the University of New Brunswick ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/?p=8709 Deadline: 2014-02-01 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada Additional Information: http://www.math.unb.ca/~gravity/positions.html Contact: gravity.unb[AT]unb.ca The gravity group at the University of New Brunswick (http://www.math.unb.ca/~gravity/) is seeking students to begin masters (MSc) or doctoral studies (PhD) in September 2014 (or sooner). Applicants should have a degree in physics or mathematics from a recognized university. The group consists of three faculty members: Jack Gegenberg, Viqar Husain and Sanjeev Seahra. Typically, the group also includes 1-2 postdoctoral researchers, 2-4 graduates students and 1-3 undergraduate student members. Our main areas of research are general relativity and its modifications, quantum gravity and cosmology. Group members have access to the ACEnet (http://www.ace-net.ca) high performance computing facility. Please send a complete CV and arrange for up to three letters of reference to be sent to gravity.unb[AT]unb.ca. Informal enquires may be directed to any gravity group faculty member. Complete application packages must be received by February 1, 2014. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 3. News ============================================== 3.1. New book: "Relativistic Hydrodynamics", by Luciano Rezzolla and Olindo Zanotti ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/28/new-book-relativistic-hydrodynamics-... Additional Information: http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780198528906.do Relativistic Hydrodynamics Luciano Rezzolla, Olindo Zanotti Oxford University Press, 2013 Hard back, 752 pages, 128 colour illustrations, available as ebook Contents and reviews at http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780198528906.do Price: 55 GPB/70 EUR; 20% discount available for hyperspace readers. Enter the code AAFLY4 in the promotional code box when adding to the basket (offer valid till 30.11.13). Relativistic hydrodynamics is a very successful theoretical framework to describe the dynamics of matter from scales as small as those of colliding elementary particles, up to the largest scales in the universe. This book provides an up-to-date, lively, and approachable introduction to the mathematical formalism, numerical techniques, and applications of relativistic hydrodynamics. The topic is typically covered either by very formal or by very phenomenological books, but is instead presented here in a form that will be appreciated both by students and researchers in the field. The topics covered in the book are the results of work carried out over the last 40 years, which can be found in rather technical research articles with dissimilar notations and styles. The book is not just a collection of scattered information, but a well-organized description of relativistic hydrodynamics, from the basic principles of statistical kinetic theory, down to the technical aspects of numerical methods devised for the solution of the equations, and over to the applications in modern physics and astrophysics. Numerous figures, diagrams, and a variety of exercises aid the material in the book. The most obvious applications of this work range from astrophysics (black holes, neutron stars, gamma-ray bursts, and active galaxies) to cosmology (early-universe hydrodynamics and phase transitions) and particle physics (heavy-ion collisions). It is often said that fluids are either seen as solutions of partial differential equations or as "wet". Fluids in this book are definitely wet, but the mathematical beauty of differential equations is not washed out. Readership: Graduate and post-graduate students, professors, lecturers, and researchers in astrophysics, particle physics, and applied mathematics. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.2. New book: "Special Relativity in General Frames" by Eric Gourgoulhon ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/07/new-book-special-relativity-in-gener... Additional Information: http://relativite.obspm.fr/sperel/ Special Relativity in General Frames: From Particles to Astrophysics Eric Gourgoulhon Springer, 2013 784 pages Special relativity is presented by adopting a four-dimensional point of view from the start. A distinctive feature of the book is that it doesn’t restrict itself to inertial frames and considers accelerated and rotating observers. It is thus possible to treat physical effects such as the Thomas precession or the Sagnac effect in a simple yet precise manner. In the final chapters, more advanced topics like tensorial fields in spacetime, exterior calculus, relativistic hydrodynamics and relativistic gravity are addressed. Illustrated by 178 figures and enriched by many historical notes, this book also presents many applications of special relativity, ranging from particle physics (accelerators, particle collisions, quark-gluon plasma) to astrophysics (relativistic jets, active galactic nuclei), and including practical applications (Sagnac gyrometers, synchrotron radiation, GPS). In addition, the book provides some mathematical developments, such as the detailed analysis of the Lorentz group and its Lie algebra. Contents: 1. Minkowski Spacetime 2. Worldlines and Proper Time 3. Observers 4. Kinematics 1: Motion with Respect to an Observer 5. Kinematics 2: Change of Observer 6. Lorentz Group 7. Lorentz Group as a Lie Group 8. Inertial Observers and Poincaré Group 9. Energy and Momentum 10. Angular Momentum 11. Principle of Least Action 12. Accelerated Observers 13. Rotating Observers 14. Tensors and Alternate Forms 15. Fields on Spacetime 16. Integration in Spacetime 17. Electromagnetic Field 18. Maxwell Equations 19. Energy-Momentum Tensor 20. Energy-Momentum of the Electromagnetic Field 21. Relativistic Hydrodynamics 22. What about Relativistic Gravitation? A. Basic Algebra B. Web Pages C. Special Relativity Books More details on http://relativite.obspm.fr/sperel/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.3. Giulio Rampa Thesis Prize 2014 edition ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/10/giulio-rampa-thesis-prize-2014-editi... Additional Information: http://www-2.unipv.it/dottorati/scienzeetecnologie/fisica/n/web_PhD/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&id=14&Itemid=106&lang=it The University of Pavia is glad to announce the 2014 edition of the Giulio Rampa Thesis Prize For Outstanding Research in Mathematical or Numerical General Relativity. This international prize is sponsored by the University of Pavia to honor the memory of the young physicist Giulio Rampa who, in his short life, had a profound impact on his fellow students and the faculty of the Department of Physics of the University of Pavia. The GRT prize is given, every two years, to a graduate student for outstanding research in mathematical or numerical general relativity. Call for nominations for the 2014 edition of The Giulio Rampa Thesis Prize for Outstanding Research in Mathematical or Numerical Relativity The prize has been established in 2011, and is endowed under the terms of a bequest from Nadia and Giorgio Rampa. The GRT prize carries a certificate and a net check for € 2,000 together with coverage of travel and local expenses for attending the award ceremony. Any student who graduated in a university or research centre in Europe is eligible to be considered for this prize. European citizenship is NOT required. The prize recipient’s Ph.D. Thesis must be submitted for consideration by a nominator, preferably via e-mail, to: Secretariat of The Rampa Prize Committee, c/o Department of Nuclear and Theoretical Physics, Via Bassi 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy e-mail: rampa.prize[AT]pv.infn.it Self nominations will not be considered. It is the nominator's responsibility to ensure that his/her candidate submits the required documentation. In particular, all nominated applicants must submit, preferably by e-mail, the application form, a copy of the thesis, a letter of recommendation from their thesis advisor, one or more letters of endorsement substantiating the candidate contributions, thesis reader comments, a one-page abstract of the thesis, and a C.V. to the above address. The following criteria are reviewed when selecting the Giulio Rampa prize recipient: (i) Originality of Contribution, (ii) Breadth of Work, (iii) Publications, (iv) Quality of Nomination, (v) Quality of Endorsement. The recipients of the prize are to be selected by a standing joint committee of the Graduate School in Physics of The University of Pavia and of The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute), Potsdam. The decisions of the Committee are final and will be communicated by May the 31st, 2014. The 2014 prize will be awarded to a Ph. D. Thesis submitted for consideration no later than January 31, 2014, on behalf of students who graduated between January 2012- December 2013. The prize will be presented at the annual Honors Ceremony during the Inauguration of the Graduate Studies Academic Year in Pavia, in December 2014. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.4. Living Reviews in Relativity: Cosmology with Euclid / Testing GR with Space-Based GW Detectors / Near-Horizon Geometries of Extremal Black Holes ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/13/living-reviews-in-relativity-two-new... Additional Information: http://relativity.livingreviews.org/ Living Reviews in Relativity has published three new review articles: "Cosmology and Fundamental Physics with the Euclid Satellite" by Luca Amendola et al. (Euclid Theory Working Group), "Testing General Relativity with Low-Frequency, Space-Based Gravitational-Wave Detectors" by Jonathan R. Gair et al., "Classification of Near-Horizon Geometries of Extremal Black Holes" by Hari K. Kunduri and James Lucietti. Please find the abstract and further details below. ------------------ PUB.NO. lrr-2013-6 Luca Amendola et al. (Euclid Theory Working Group) "Cosmology and Fundamental Physics with the Euclid Satellite" ACCEPTED: 2013-06-13 PUBLISHED: 2013-09-02 FULL ARTICLE AT: http://www.livingreviews.org/lrr-2013-6 ABSTRACT: Euclid is a European Space Agency medium-class mission selected for launch in 2019 within the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 program. The main goal of Euclid is to understand the origin of the accelerated expansion of the Universe. Euclid will explore the expansion history of the Universe and the evolution of cosmic structures by measuring shapes and redshifts of galaxies as well as the distribution of clusters of galaxies over a large fraction of the sky. Although the main driver for Euclid is the nature of dark energy, Euclid science covers a vast range of topics, from cosmology to galaxy evolution to planetary research. In this review we focus on cosmology and fundamental physics, with a strong emphasis on science beyond the current standard models. We discuss five broad topics: dark energy and modified gravity, dark matter, initial conditions, basic assumptions and questions of methodology in the data analysis. This review has been planned and carried out within Euclid's Theory Working Group and is meant to provide a guide to the scientific themes that will underlie the activity of the group during the preparation of the Euclid mission. ------------------ PUB.NO. lrr-2013-7 Jonathan R. Gair, Michele Vallisneri, Shane L. Larson and John G. Baker "Testing General Relativity with Low-Frequency, Space-Based Gravitational-Wave Detectors" ACCEPTED: 2013-08-19 PUBLISHED: 2013-09-12 FULL ARTICLE AT: http://www.livingreviews.org/lrr-2013-7 ABSTRACT: We review the tests of general relativity that will become possible with space-based gravitational-wave detectors operating in the $\sim 10^5 – 1$ Hz low-frequency band. The fundamental aspects of gravitation that can be tested include the presence of additional gravitational fields other than the metric; the number and tensorial nature of gravitational-wave polarization states; the velocity of propagation of gravitational waves; the binding energy and gravitational-wave radiation of binaries, and therefore the time evolution of binary inspirals; the strength and shape of the waves emitted from binary mergers and ringdowns; the true nature of astrophysical black holes; and much more. The strength of this science alone calls for the swift implementation of a space-based detector; the remarkable richness of astrophysics, astronomy, and cosmology in the low-frequency gravitational-wave band make the case even stronger. ------------------ PUB.NO. lrr-2013-8 Kunduri, Hari K. and Lucietti, James "Classification of Near-Horizon Geometries of Extremal Black Holes" ACCEPTED: 2013-09-11 PUBLISHED: 2013-09-25 FULL ARTICLE AT: http://www.livingreviews.org/lrr-2013-8 ABSTRACT: Any spacetime containing a degenerate Killing horizon, such as an extremal black hole, possesses a well-defined notion of a near-horizon geometry. We review such near-horizon geometry solutions in a variety of dimensions and theories in a unified manner. We discuss various general results including horizon topology and near-horizon symmetry enhancement. We also discuss the status of the classification of near-horizon geometries in theories ranging from vacuum gravity to Einstein–Maxwell theory and supergravity theories. Finally, we discuss applications to the classification of extremal black holes and various related topics. Several new results are presented and open problems are highlighted throughout. UPCOMING ARTICLES AT: http://relativity.livingreviews.org/Articles/upcoming.html ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.5. New CQG focus issue on Massive Gravity edited by Shinji Mukohyama ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/2013/09/13/new-cqg-focus-issue-on-massive-gravi... Additional Information: http://j.mp/1daT1tF I am very pleased to bring you this focus issue on ‘Massive Gravity’ guest edited by Shinji Mukohyama. http://j.mp/1daT1tF The aim of the issue is to highlight some of the recent developments in massive gravity and their phenomenological implications. We hope that these articles will be of interest and beneficial to your research. Best wishes Adam Day Publisher Classical and Quantum Gravity cqg[AT]iop.org ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.6. Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics announces BrainSTEM: Your Future is Now Festival ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@AEI: http://hyperspace.aei.mpg.de/?p=8656 Additional Information: http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/brainstemfestival The BrainSTEM: Your Future is Now Festival will connect remarkable technological innovations to the scientific breakthroughs that make them possible. The festival will feature highly interactive science-centre style exhibits, special presentations, public lectures, Science in the Club events and insider-tours of the world-class facilities of Perimeter Institute. Showcasing cutting edge technology and innovation, Your Future is Now Festival exhibits will deeply engage attendees, inspiring them with the wonders of science, technology and the fundamentals of physics, engineering and mathematics that make this progress possible. Live Webcast Public Lectures features: James Grime, Ray Laflamme and Lucy Hawking. Most tickets are FREE at http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/brainstemfestival. ADDRESS: Perimeter Institute 31 Caroline Street North Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y5 Event Start Date: September 30, 2013 Event End Date: October 6, 2013 Event Start Time: 8:30 AM (weekdays), 9:00 AM (Saturday), 10:00 AM (Sunday) Event End Time: 9:00 PM (weekdays), 6:00 PM (Saturday), 5:00 PM (Sunday) AGES: All ages TYPE: Festival (Science Festival) – outdoor and indoor TICKET PRICE RANGES: FREE to $10 depending on event TICKET PURCHASE: Phone: 519-883-4480 Online: www.perimeterinstitute.ca/members ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++