The nanograv physics frontiers center

The National Science Foundation Division of Physics awarded West Virginia University Research Corporation $5.95 million on June 1, 2026, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049) to support the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav) Physics Frontiers Center.

NANOGrav will characterize the low-frequency gravitational-wave universe through radio timing observations of millisecond pulsars. The collaboration will construct a more sensitive pulsar timing dataset to constrain the origin of a stochastic gravitational-wave background and search for individual supermassive black hole binaries, whose detection would enable multi-messenger nanohertz gravitational-wave astrophysics. Work includes routine monitoring of known millisecond pulsars and discovery of new ones for study, enabling synergistic science including dense-matter equation-of-state constraints, dynamical tests of general relativity, interstellar medium characterization, and exotic neutron star discovery. The award also supports public outreach through exhibits, talks, and social media engagement.

Performance occurs at Everettville, West Virginia. The period of performance extends through November 30, 2027.

West Virginia University Research Corporation receives the award as prime recipient. Sub-recipients delivering collaborative work include University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Central Florida, George Mason University, Montana State University, Oregon State University, Texas Tech University System, Yale University, Franklin and Marshall College, Associated Universities Inc., Lafayette College, University of Michigan, Vanderbilt University, and SETI Institute, all receiving sub-awards dated between June 30 and July 24, 2026, to support NANOGrav collaborative research.

Abstract

This award to the north american nanohertz observatory for gravitational waves (nanograv) supports their goal of characterizing the low-frequency gravitational-wave (GW) universe through radio timing observations of precise celestial clocks called millisecond pulsars. Nanograv has already discovered the telltale spatial correlations among pulse arrival times expected from a stochastic background of GWS. This background is likely to have a significant contribution from the supermassive black hole binaries formed when galaxies merge. Future nanograv measurements of the properties of the stochastic background will place unique constraints on the growth and evolution of galaxies through cosmic time. There may also be background contributions from more exotic sources such as cosmic strings, phase transitions in the early universe, and relic GWS from inflation; detecting any of these would be transformative and could dramatically change our understanding of the universe. This award will enable nanograv to construct a more sensitive data set that will allow constraints on the origin of this stochastic background, and searches for individual supermassive black hole binaries, whose detection will herald a new ERA of multi-messenger nanohertz GW astrophysics. This work requires the synergy of experts in gravitational physics, data analysis, and astrophysics coming together in a collaborative environment. In addition to monitoring a known list of millisecond pulsars, nanograv routinely discovers new msps to add to their study. Nanograv observations also enable high-impact synergistic science, including constraining the dense matter equation of state, making dynamical tests of general relativity, further understanding the ionized interstellar medium, and discovering exotic neutron star systems and radio transients. Nanograv reaches large numbers of the general public through exhibits and talks, as well as a growing social media presence. An associated student research program, nanograv STARS, reaches more than 100 undergraduate students every year, and the pulsar science collaboratory involves hundreds of middle and high school students and their teachers. This award is supported by the physics section and the astronomical sciences section within the mathematical and physical sciences directorate. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.