Prof N Tanvir, Dr R Starling
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Binaries consisting of two neutron stars or a neutron star and a black hole, will eventually merge due to orbital decay through the emission of gravitational radiation. The mergers themselves release vast amounts of energy, which is thought in some cases to lead to the production of short-duration gamma-ray bursts. They also expel highly radioactive neutron-rich nuclei, which will decay to form the stable r-process elements (such as gold and platinum), while powering an explosion known as a kilonova. Finally, these systems, as they merge, produce gravitational waves that can be detected using the current generation of terrestrial detectors. In Leicester we have a long background in this field, including making the first kilonova discovery in 2013, and being centrally involved in the discovery of the first electromagnetic counterparts to the neutron star binary merger, GW170817.
The project will involve searches for and characterisation of future kilonovae found accompanying gravitational wave detectors or short-duration gamma-ray bursts, and may extend to simulating observations with future facilities.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to hold/or expect to obtain a UK Bachelor Degree 2:1 or better in a relevant subject.
The University of Leicester English language (URL: https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/entry-reqs/eng-lang-reqs) requirements apply where applicable.
Application advice
To apply please refer to https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/stfc-2020
With your application, please include:
• CV
• Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you
• Degree Certificates and Transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
• Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
• In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
• STFC Research Interests Form 2021, to be completed online at https://forms.gle/aH2TcUATuJmmXBZx8
In the funding section please specify that you wish to be considered for Ref STFC 2021
In the proposal section please provide the name of the supervisors and project title (a proposal is not required)
Project / Funding Enquiries: [Email Address Removed]
Application enquiries to [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes
This research project is one of a number of projects in the School of Physics. It is in competition for STFC funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding.
This project is eligible for a fully funded STFC studentship which includes :
• A full UK fee waiver for 3.5 years
• An annual tax free stipend of £15,285 (2020/2021)
• Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)
• Conference Fees & UK Fieldwork fund
References
1. Tanvir et al. 2013 Nature 500 547
2. Tanvir et al. 2017 ApJ 848 L27
3. Evans et al. 2017 Science 358 1565
4. Abbott et al. 2017 ApJ 848 L12
5. Lamb et al. 2019 ApJ
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