The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $588,357 Project Grant under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) federal grant program to Yale University. The funding supports a 3-year collaborative research project focused on uncovering the secrets behind the growth of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. The key objectives are to: 1) determine the merger rates of supermassive black holes and relate these to gravitational wave observations; 2) investigate the growth of supermassive black holes during the peak period of black hole activity; and 3) map the complete history of supermassive black hole accretion. The research will employ a multiwavelength survey approach using optical, infrared, and X-ray observations to minimize bias against obscured black holes. Advanced AI techniques will be utilized to analyze large imaging surveys, identify dual active galactic nuclei and galaxy mergers, and predict gravitational wave events. This project also includes significant educational outreach and diversity initiatives to provide research experiences and professional development for underrepresented students in astronomy.
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