Quantum Gravity in the Sky: Observables of String Theory Black Holes.

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 classical 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 astrophysical implications by:

(1) advancing the construction of string theory models of black holes.

(2) determining the conditions for classical black hole formation to break down in collapse by wave

function and numerical techniques

(3) developing toy models that capture key aspects of quantum gravity structure, to numerically

generate templates for electromagnetic and gravitational wave observations.

This research proposal would bring to Belgium a new and innovating research line at the interface of theoretical high-energy physics, astrophysics and 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.