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The central government is contributing an additional 25 million to the arrival of the Einstein Telescope in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion and to the expansion of the ETpathfinder in Maastricht. By doing so, the cabinet underlines the great importance it attaches to both the region's candidacy for the Einstein Telescope and the further development of advanced research facilities in Limburg.
The additional central government contribution is intended for the realisation of the Einstein Telescope Low Frequency Centre (ET-LFC), a new European test facility in Maastricht where full-scale technologies for the observation of low-frequency gravitational waves will be tested. The ET-LFC, which will be located on the premises of Maastricht University's Faculty of Science & Engineering, is a permanent extension to the existing ETpathfinder. This centre will act as a European hub for the validation and integration of crucial technologies for the Einstein Telescope, regardless of the final construction site of the underground measurement instrument.
Minister Stephan Satijn emphasises the importance of the government contribution: "The firm support from the cabinet confirms the importance of this international project for both the region and the Netherlands. With this investment, we have the opportunity to lead the way as Limburg in the development of technologies for the Einstein Telescope and to further strengthen our candidacy for this groundbreaking facility."
The expansion of the ETpathfinder marks an important step in the realisation of the Einstein Telescope project; it strengthens the candidacy for the Einstein Telescope in the Meuse-Rhine-Euregion. The Provincial Council of Limburg will decide on an additional provincial contribution for the realisation of the ET-LFC on 8 May. With joint efforts by the state and province, the ambition for groundbreaking scientific research in Limburg will be further shaped.