Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The Pennsylvania State University received a $300,000 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Mathematical Sciences, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049), effective June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2028. The award supports fundamental mathematical research and rigorous analysis of single and many-black-hole spacetimes within Einstein's theory of general relativity. The primary deliverables include theoretical work and mathematical solutions to Einstein's field equations that describe large mass-ratio black hole mergers and scattering scenarios, as well as stability analysis demonstrating whether perturbations in black hole initial conditions decay or amplify over time. This rigorous mathematical framework provides critical theoretical validation for black hole models widely used in astrophysical research.

The award emphasizes an integrated research and education component consistent with NSF's broader impacts requirements. Under the investigator's guidance, the project will train the next generation of researchers through application and development of cutting-edge mathematical techniques for wave propagation analysis. The research directly supports NSF's mission to strengthen the nation's scientific enterprise by advancing fundamental knowledge of gravitational phenomena and providing workforce development in advanced mathematical sciences.