Quantum Gravity in the Sky

Recent advances in quantum gravity challenge the classical viewpoint that black hole horizons shroud their inner structure. However, there is no consensus on the scale of possible quantum corrections to the classical horizon of General Relativity. This undermines the scientific potential to probe quantum gravity of current large observational programs. With this project, I will develop quantum gravity models of black holes and their implications for a wide range of astrophysical processes.
I aim towards an experimentally verifiable framework, rooted in a theoretically solid foundation. First, we will advance the construction of string theory models of black holes away from unrealistic supersymmetric systems, and use holography to study black hole microstructure. Second, we will determine the conditions for the classical intuition of black hole formation to break down by studying the wave function of gravitational collapse. Third, we will develop a set of toy models that capture key aspects of the quantum gravity structure and dynamics to numerically generate templates for future electromagnetic and gravitational wave observations.
This project would bring to Belgium a new and innovating research line at the interface of theoretical high energy physics, astrophysics and the emerging field of Gravitational Wave science, with KU Leuven in a leading role, and lay a firm basis for Belgium to be a key partner in large-scale European projects such as LISA and Einstein Telescope.