GravNet is tuning in to an unexplored side of the Universe. We search for high-frequency gravitational waves—ripples in space and time that oscillate millions to billions of times per second. Supported by the European Research Council (ERC), we are developing a network of detectors that use specially designed electromagnetic cavities inside powerful magnetic fields to search for the faint signals these waves could produce. By comparing measurements from detectors in different locations, we aim to distinguish a shared cosmic signal from local noise.

Why explore these frequencies? They could carry clues to some of the Universe’s biggest mysteries: black holes formed shortly after the Big Bang, the nature of dark matter, and events in the very first moments of cosmic history. No gravitational waves have yet been detected in this frequency range. We are building the tools to venture into this unknown territory, bringing together precision experiments and bold ideas about the cosmos. The exciting possibility is that a tiny signal in our detectors could reveal an entirely new chapter of the Universe’s story.

GraVNet brings together researchers in Bonn, Mainz, Frascati, Barcelona, Manchester and Perth, united by the ambition to uncover signals from the Universe that no one has seen before. Our collaboration combines expertise in fundamental physics, quantum sensing and detector technology to turn that ambition into working experiments. As a CERN recognised Experiment, we constantly looking for new collaboration partners to extend our network.