########################################## Table of Contents ########################################### 1. Conferences 1.1. Short Gamma-Ray Bursts: from observation to numerical simulations, Trento, Italy 1.2. Summer school on relativistic accretion, Bremen, Germany 1.3. Astrophysics in the Era of Gravitational Wave and Multimessenger Observations, Annapolis, USA 1.4. First Hermann Minkowski Meeting on the Foundations of Spacetime Physics, Varna, Bulgaria 2. Jobs 2.1. ESA Research Fellowships in Space Science 2.2. Post-Doctoral Research in Space Physics at the University of Kansas 2.3. Associate Professor or Professor of Applied Mathematics at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia 2.4. Teaching Specialist at the University of Kansas 2.5. PhD Fellowships in Physics at the University of Trento, Italy 2.6. Research Associate in Cosmology (Fixed Term), Cambridge, UK 2.7. Lecturer in General Relativity, Queen Mary University of London, UK 2.8. Postdoctoral position in Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Rhodes University, South Africa 3. News 3.1. CQG Highlights of 2015 now live 3.2. LOOPS'17, Warsaw, Poland 3.3. XI School of the Division of Gravitation and Mathematical Physics, Mexican Physical Society: "Quantum Gravity, schemes, models and phenomenology" ============================================== 1. Conferences ============================================== 1.1. Short Gamma-Ray Bursts: from observation to numerical simulations, Trento, Italy --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12048 Starting: 2016-09-08 to 2016-09-09 Location: Trento, Italy Additional Information: http://www.unitn.it/event/sgrb2016 Contact: riccardo.ciolfi[AT]unitn.it The merger of binary systems composed of compact objects such as neutron stars (NSs) and black holes (BHs) is at the same time (i) the most promising source of gravitational waves for ground-based detectors like advanced LIGO and Virgo and (ii) the leading scenario to explain the phenomenology of Short Gamma-ray Bursts (SGRBs), which are among the most energetic explosions observed in the universe. This year, with the very first detection of gravitational waves from a binary BH system, the topic of compact binary mergers represents more than ever a cutting-edge research frontier. Theoretical effort to understand the dynamics of such systems via large-scale numerical simulations in general relativity has brought major advancements in the last decade, revolutionizing the predictive power of the models. In addition to the study of the emitted gravitational wave signals, a key goal of these simulations is to explain the origin of SGRBs and also in this respect 2016 has been a very important year: for the first time, binary neutron star merger simulations have shown the generation of an incipient jet compatible with the necessary conditions to power a SGRB. Thanks to missions like Swift and Fermi, an unprecedented quantity of high-quality observational data on SGRBs has been collected, raising new questions that challenge the standard theoretical picture. A common discussion among observers and theorists of SGRBs is very urgent and the points of contact between the two communities are in most cases insufficient or absent. The main aim of this Workshop is to create a forum for a common discussion that includes some of the world leading experts in the field of gamma-ray bursts phenomenology on the one hand, and in compact binary merger modelling and simulations on the other hand. Multimessenger astronomy and astrophysics based on gravitational waves, SGRBs and other electromagnetic signals emitted by merging compact binary systems is an emerging field of research that will certainly attract an increasing number of young scientists. This event represents also an occasion of formation for students and postdocs that are attracted to the field. INVITED SPEAKERS Maria Grazia Bernardini (U. Montpellier) Marica Branchesi (U. Urbino) Pablo Cerda-Duran (U.Valencia) Paolo D’avanzo (INAF Brera) Bruno Giacomazzo (U.Trento) Wolfgang Kastaun (U.Trento) Kenta Kiuchi (U. Kyoto) Paul O’Brien (U. Leicester) Vasileios Paschalidis (Princeton) * Tsvi Piran (Hebrew U. Jerusalem) Stephan Rosswog (U. Stockholm) Ruben Salvaterra (INAF IASF) Daniel Siegel (Columbia) Giulia Stratta (U. Urbino) *=TBC REGISTRATION You can register by sending an email to the Chairman (riccardo.ciolfi[at]unitn.it), including your name and institution. In case you want to propose a contribution (short talk), you can also provide title and abstract. Please consider that for practical reasons the number of participants is limited to 30-35. A selection will be made among the proposed contributions. There is no registration fee to attend the meeting. Registration and abstract submission deadline: August 20, 2016. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.2. Summer school on relativistic accretion, Bremen, Germany --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12055 Starting: 2016-09-26 to 2016-09-30 Location: Bremen, Germany Additional Information: http://www.models-of-gravity.org/news-announcements/single-view/article/26-3... Contact: witzany[AT]zarm.uni-bremen.de The Research Training Group (RTG) „Models of Gravity“ organises a summer school on relativistic accretion in September, 26-30, at the University of Bremen, Germany. The full title of the summer school is "Relativistic accretion: theoretical models and their application to observations", the main foci of the school are the analytical models, current state of observational data from accretion discs around astrophysical black holes and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), and the application of the theoretical models for determination of the properties of astrophysical compact objects from observations. Confirmed Speakers: Marek A. Abramowicz, N. Copernicus Astronomical Center, Warsaw, Poland. Wolfgang J. Duschl, Christian-Albrechts-Universitaet, Kiel, Germany. Vladimir Karas, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Odele Straub, LUTH, Observatoire de Paris, France The registration deadline is on August 29. More info can be found by clicking on the "external link" above. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.3. Astrophysics in the Era of Gravitational Wave and Multimessenger Observations, Annapolis, USA --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/07/20/astrophysics-in-the-era-of-gra... Starting: 2016-11-09 to 2016-11-11 Location: Annapolis, Maryland, USA Additional Information: https://jsi.astro.umd.edu/conferences/2016-jsi-workshop Contact: john.g.baker[AT]nasa.gov The first gravitational wave observations are now beginning to reveal information directly from the extreme final moments of compact object binaries including black holes and, soon perhaps, also neutron stars. Astronomers now have a new probe into these objects and the physical processes which drive their creation and dynamics. This meeting will explore the consequence of these new observations. How does this new information supplement what we have already learned from electromagnetic observations and from theoretical modeling? What new questions will be addressed by combined multimessenger observations? Session topics: • Gravitational wave observations and astronomy • What we know about binary black hole systems • Binary black holes in the GW and multimessenger era • What we know about binary neutron star binary systems • Neutron star binaries in the GW and multimessenger era • The future GW and multimessenger era +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1.4. First Hermann Minkowski Meeting on the Foundations of Spacetime Physics, Varna, Bulgaria --------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/07/23/first-hermann-minkowski-meetin... Starting: 2017-05-15 to 2017-05-18 Location: Varna, Bulgaria Additional Information: http://www.minkowskiinstitute.org/meetings/2017/ Contact: minkowski2017[AT]minkowskiinstitute.org To mark the 110th anniversary of Hermann Minkowski's two lectures in 1907, which presented the novel ideas and the mathematical formalism of the four-dimensional physics of spacetime (summarized in Minkowski's famous lecture Space and Time a year later), the Minkowski Institute initiates a biennial series of meetings - Hermann Minkowski Meetings on the Foundations of Spacetime Physics. These meetings bring together experts on the foundations of spacetime physics as well as beginners in the field. In addition to technical papers on areas related to Minkowski's contributions to the foundations of spacetime physics and on modern ramifications of his ideas, contributions on closely related topics will be also welcome - for example, on the history behind the discovery of the spacetime structure of the world and on conceptual issues. Contributed papers in the form of extended abstracts of up to two pages (but not less than one page) should be emailed by Tuesday, January 31, 2017 to minkowski2017[AT]minkowskiinstitute.org. Submissions will be reviewed and notification of acceptance will be given by Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Scientific Organizing Committee: Abhay Ashtekar (Penn State University) Dennis Dieks (Utrecht University) Valeria Ferrari (University of Rome "La Sapienza") David Garfinkle (Okland University) Robert Geroch (University of Chicago) James Isenberg (University of Oregon) Claus Kiefer (University of Cologne) Vesselin Petkov (Minkowski Institute) Carlo Rovelli (Centre de Physique Theorique de Luminy) Mairi Sakellariadou (King's College London, University of London) James Owen Weatherall (University of California, Irvine) Nick Woodhouse (University of Oxford, Clay Mathematics Institute) Christian Wüthrich (University of Geneva) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 2. Jobs ============================================== 2.1. ESA Research Fellowships in Space Science ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12051 Deadline: 2016-09-26 Location: Noordwijk, NL and Madrid, Spain Additional Information: http://cosmos.esa.int/fellowship Contact: fellowship[AT]cosmos.esa.int The European Space Agency awards several postdoctoral fellowships each year. The aim of these fellowships is to provide young scientists, holding a PhD or the equivalent degree, with the means of performing space science research in fields related to the ESA Science and Robotic Exploration Programmes. Areas of research include planetary science, astronomy and astrophysics, solar and solar terrestrial science, plasma physics and fundamental physics. The fellowships have a duration of two years and are tenable at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands, or at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Villafranca del Castillo, near Madrid, Spain. Applications are now solicited for fellowships in space science to begin in the fall of 2017. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. Candidates not holding a PhD yet are encouraged to apply, but they must provide evidence of receiving their degree before starting the fellowship. ESA fellows are enrolled in ESA's Social Security Scheme, which covers medical expenses, invalidity and death benefits. A monthly deduction covers these short-term and long-term risks. The deadline for applications is 29 October 2016. More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme in Space Science, on the conditions and eligibility, as well as the application form can retrieved from http://cosmos.esa.int/fellowship Questions on the scientific aspects of the ESA Fellowship in Space Science not answered in the above pages can be sent by e-mail to the fellowship coordinators, Dr. Oliver Jennrich or Dr. Bruno Altieri at the address fellowship[AT]cosmos.esa.int +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2. Post-Doctoral Research in Space Physics at the University of Kansas ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12067 Deadline: 2016-08-15 Location: Lawrence, KS, USA Additional Information: https://employment.ku.edu/staff/6725BR Contact: cravens[AT]ku.edu Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position in space physics at the University of Kansas beginning as early as October 1, 2016. Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field associated with space physics by date of appointment and demonstrated experience in space physics or astrophysics or related field as evidenced by application materials. The initial appointment is for one year with possibility of renewal for another year subject to review and continued grant funding. Candidates with relevant interests and experience are sought. For complete position announcement and to apply on-line go to https://employment.ku.edu/staff/6725BR . A complete electronic application will include: letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of research, list of publications and a list of 3 references. In addition, applicants should arrange for the three cited references to send letters of reference to: Thomas E. Cravens, Professor, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, 1251 Wescoe Hall Dr., 1082 Malott Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-7582. Review of applications will begin August 15, 2016. For consideration, please apply before August 15, 2016. Inquiries can be made by email to cravens[AT]ku.edu with a copy to tizby[AT]ku.edu. The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access, IOA[AT]ku.edu , 1246 West Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3. Associate Professor or Professor of Applied Mathematics at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/07/22/associate-professor-or-profess... Deadline: 2016-08-30 Location: Melbourne, Australia Additional Information: http://www.jobs-monash.jxt.net.au/academic-jobs/associate-professor-or-profe... Contact: sci-maths-jobs[AT]monash.edu Over the years Monash has built a strong reputation in Mathematics and, following the relocation of some of the more applied research areas, the School of Mathematics is embarking on a unique expansion across broad areas of Mathematics. A large number of appointments have been made in Pure and Applied Mathematics since 2014 and we wish to further strengthen the Applied area with this position. Outstanding candidates in Applied Mathematics are invited to apply for this position. Research areas of interest include PDEs, scientific computing, fluid dynamics, mathematical finance, numerical analysis, asymptotic analysis, applied analysis, dynamical systems, nonlinear dynamics with engineering applications and mathematical biology. We are interested in outstanding researchers who apply mathematics to problems in science, engineering, technology, or other related fields. Successful candidates at level D/E will be expected to take a leadership role within the department. All candidates will be expected to have outstanding research records and help our drive for excellence across the school. The school recognises the need for a strong mathematical underpinning of research in many schools across the campus, and is committed to delivering outstanding mathematics teaching across the campus. The appointment will be on a continuing basis at a level appropriate to the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. Applications must be submitted online and address the selection criteria outlined in the position description. Confidential enquiries regarding the position may be made to Professor Philip Hall, Head, School of Mathematical Sciences. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4. Teaching Specialist at the University of Kansas ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12078 Deadline: 2016-10-01 Location: Lawrence, KS, USA Additional Information: https://employment.ku.edu/academic/6745BR Contact: shark[AT]ku.edu The University of Kansas is inviting applications for a Teaching Specialist in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The position is expected to begin as early as January 1, 2017. Required: Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy or a closely related field; record of excellence in teaching college-level General Physics and Astronomy courses; excellent organizational and leadership skills; ability to work well with students, faculty, and administrators; and demonstrated written communication skills. For a complete announcement and to apply online go to: https://employment.ku.edu/academic/6745BR . A complete online application includes the following materials: on-line application; C.V.; cover letter that addresses relevant teaching, leadership, and organizational experience; teaching statement; statement of research interests and skills; transcript copy if degree has been obtained in the last five years; and the names and contact information for three references. Candidates should arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be emailed to Prof. Chris Fischer at shark[AT]ku.edu or mailed to the Department of Physics and Astronomy, 1251 Wescoe Hall Drive, Room 1082, Malott Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045 USA. Initial review of applications will begin October 1st, 2016, and will continue as needed to ensure a large, high quality, and diverse applicant pool. The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, retaliation, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and is the University’s Title IX Coordinator: the Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA[AT]ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5. PhD Fellowships in Physics at the University of Trento, Italy ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/07/27/phd-fellowships-in-physics-at-... Deadline: 2016-08-31 Location: Trento, Italy Additional Information: http://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1940/announcement-of-selection Contact: bruno.giacomazzo[AT]unitn.it The Physics department at the University of Trento invites applications for PhD fellowships starting in November 2016. The PhD fellowships have a duration of 3 years and a gross salary of 13638.47 EUR per year (about 1000 EUR per month after taxes). The PhD program covers several scientific areas, including also Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Theoretical Physics, and Astroparticle Physics. More details about the doctoral school in Physics can be found at http://web.unitn.it/en/drphys The Department of Physics includes faculty members working on computational astrophysics (Giacomazzo), nuclear astrophysics (Leidemann, Pederiva), gravitational wave detectors (Dolesi, Prodi, Vitale, Weber), theory of general relativity and cosmology (Vanzo, Zerbini), and astroparticle physics (Battiston, Lazzizzera). Students with interests in one of these areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications for the doctoral positions are accepted from candidates, regardless of gender, age, and nationality, who have a Master's degree (equivalent to the Italian "laurea magistrale"). Any degree in Physics or related disciplines will be given preferential status. Applications are also accepted from students who expect to get their degree by October 31 2016. The University of Trento is ranked among the top 5 universities in Italy and it is characterized by an international and diverse student population. The city of Trento is located on the Italian Dolomites and it is very well connected with several destinations in Italy and Europe. The deadline for applications is August 31 2016 at 4 pm Italian time. The selection will be based on the curriculum of the candidate and on an oral exam (candidates permanently residing abroad by the date of the oral exam may take the exam by phone or videoconference in their country of residence). More information about the application process can be found here: http://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1940/announcement-of-selection +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6. Research Associate in Cosmology (Fixed Term), Cambridge, UK ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12106 Deadline: 2016-08-08 Location: Cambridge Additional Information: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/10990/ Contact: jdb34[AT]hermes.cam.ac.uk The Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics of the University of Cambridge invites applications for a post-doctoral position in cosmology to start in fall 2016 (or earlier). This position is initially for a one-year period at Cambridge, funded by an STFC Consolidated Grant. Further details and the online application link can be found at http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/10990/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7. Lecturer in General Relativity, Queen Mary University of London, UK ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12109 Deadline: 2016-09-01 Location: London Additional Information: https://webapps2.is.qmul.ac.uk/jobs/job.action?jobRef=QMUL9082 Contact: megan.liddle[AT]qmul.ac.uk Queen Mary is one of London and the UK’s leading research-focused universities. With over 20,000 students, it is amongst the largest of the colleges of the University of London. Queen Mary’s 4,000 staff teach and research across a wide range of subjects in Science and Engineering, the Humanities, Social Sciences and Laws, and Medicine and Dentistry. The School of Mathematical Sciences has an exceptionally strong research presence across the spectrum of areas within Pure and Applied Mathematics, and is currently organised into six research groups, namely: Algebra, Combinatorics, Complex Systems and Networks, Dynamical Systems and Statistical Physics, Geometry and Analysis, and Probability and Applications. The School also has large and popular undergraduate and graduate programmes. It is a strategic aim of the School to expand its research profile in the direction of General Relativity, with a strong computational component. To attain this goal, the School is committing considerable resources to the development of a strong group of academics and researchers, at different stages of their careers, with a core interest in numerical and mathematical aspects of general relativity. Within this framework, a new position, with broad yet complementary scope, is opened. About the role Applications are invited for a Lectureship in General Relativity. We are seeking to appoint in an area of numerical general relativity with applications to gravitational waves. This includes (but not limited to) simulations of black hole binaries, with or without accretion disks, neutron stars, supernovae explosions, relativistic hydrodynamics and closely related fields such as post-Newtonian expansions, self-force calculations and gravitational collapse among others. Having some form of connection with the LIGO or eLISA collaborations may be considered as an advantage. The successful candidate will have an excellent research profile in numerical general relativity and will be expected to contribute to the development of a research platform in computational mathematics in the School. The successful candidate will also have the ability and flexibility to teach across a range of topics related to computational aspects of Mathematics such as numerical solutions of PDEs and programming at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Outstanding candidates in the general area of general relativity will also be considered, including those whose research background does not tightly match the description above. The School and Athena SWAN Charter for Women in Science The School holds a departmental Bronze Athena SWAN Award and is a registered supporter of the LMS Good Practice scheme. We are committed to the equality of opportunities and to advancing women’s careers. We have policies to support staff returning from long-term absence, for flexible arrangements for staff with parental responsibilities and for child-care support for the attendance of conferences. As part of the School’s commitment to the Athena SWAN and the LMS Good Practice principles we strongly encourage applications from women. Please visit www.maths.qmul.ac.uk for information about the School and www.maths.qmul.ac.uk/equality/athena-swan for our family friendly policies and parental leave. Pay and Benefits The post is full-time and permanent. Starting salary will be in the range GBP 39,745 - GBP 49,486, inclusive of London Allowance. Benefits include 30 days annual leave, childcare vouchers scheme, defined benefit pension scheme and interest free season ticket loan. The successful candidate will be expected to start the post as soon as possible. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr. Pau Figueras (p.figueras[AT]qmul.ac.uk). Please ensure you include with your application a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a teaching statement and a research statement. The closing date for applications Thursday 1 September 2016 Interviews are expected to be held on Tuesday 27 September 2016. Valuing Diversity and Committed to Equality +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8. Postdoctoral position in Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Rhodes University, South Africa ------------------------------------------------------------- Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/08/02/postdoctoral-position-in-gravi... Deadline: 2016-09-16 Location: Rhodes University, South Africa Additional Information: https://www.ru.ac.za/mathematics/ Contact: n.bishop[AT]ru.ac.za Location: Rhodes University, South Africa Deadline: 16 September 2016 Salary: Up to R220 000 per year (tax-free) Tenure: 1 + 1 year (Extension to a second year is subject to performance and availability of funds) Starting date: 1 January 2017 The appointment is for a maximum of two years with a starting date of 1 January 2017. The focus of the gravitational wave group at Rhodes University is numerical relativity applied to binary black hole systems. We are interested to expand this focus, so we will also be happy to consider applicants from associated areas of gravitational wave astronomy. The group currently comprises two faculty members, one postdoc and research students. The faculty members involved in gravitational wave research are Nigel Bishop and Denis Pollney. Their research profiles can be viewed at https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?user=m8CpFJkAAAAJ&hl=en and at https://scholar.google.co.za/citations?user=lOK_rucAAAAJ&hl=en Please apply via e-mail attaching a single PDF file that contains a letter of application, and a CV with a list of publications and a statement of accomplished research. The application should include the date of award of the PhD degree; and if not yet formally awarded, please explain your current status and the expected date of formal award of the degree. Please also arrange for 2 letters of recommendation to be sent in support of the application. All these items should be emailed to n.bishop[at]ru.ac.za with subject “Postdoc Application – Candidate name”. To receive full consideration, applications should be received by 16 September 2016. Late applications will be considered at our discretion. Informal inquires may be directed to Nigel Bishop, n.bishop[AT]ru.ac.za +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ============================================== 3. News ============================================== 3.1. CQG Highlights of 2015 now live ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/?p=12066 Additional Information: http://iopscience.iop.org/0264-9381/page/highlights The latest collection of CQG Highlights, selected by the Editorial Board is now available and will be free to read until December 2016. Read the CQG Highlights here: http://iopscience.iop.org/0264-9381/page/highlights Publish your next paper in CQG for the chance to be selected for next year’s Highlights. https://mc04.manuscriptcentral.com/cqg-iop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.2. LOOPS'17, Warsaw, Poland ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/07/26/loops17/ Additional Information: http://ktwig.fuw.edu.pl/1,1,53,loops17.html This is a first announcement of LOOPS’17, the ninth biannual conference with focus on Loop Quantum Gravity and other background independent approaches to quantum gravity. The conference will take place at the Faculty of Physics of Uniwersytet Warszawski, Poland, from July 3rd to July 7th, 2017. The program features morning plenary talks complemented by contributed talks and panel discussions. More details are available on: http://ktwig.fuw.edu.pl/1,1,53,loops17.html The local organizing committee can be contacted by email on: Loops17[AT]fuw.edu.pl ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3.3. XI School of the Division of Gravitation and Mathematical Physics, Mexican Physical Society: "Quantum Gravity, schemes, models and phenomenology" ------------------------------------------------------------ Announcement on Hyperspace@GU: http://hyperspace.uni-frankfurt.de/2016/07/28/xi-school-of-the-division-of-g... Additional Information: http://www.ifug.ugto.mx/~msabido/XI_Escuela/ The Division of Gravitation and Mathematical Physics (DGFM) of the Mexican Physical Society (SMF) is glad to announce the celebration of its XI Mexican School. As in previous events, our main goal is to provide an inviting arena for the exchanging and discussion of ideas on top developments in gravitational physics in a pedagogical manner. Apart from researchers, an important number of postdocs and graduate students take part in our School, which in this occasion will be focused on several schemes of quantum gravity and its phenomenology. The scientific program will include four courses and two or three plenary talks, and two sessions of parallel talks. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++